Conversations with the Inspiring Soleil Lean Geddes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Soleil Lean Geddes.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I never thought photography would be my career. Growing up, I had two aspirations: to be a veterinarian and/or an actress. I attended Colorado State University where I began pursuing my degree in Animal Sciences. A few hard Chemistry classes later, I found myself in the theater department. I graduated from CSU with my degree in Performance Art in 2008. I was booking some acting gigs, but not enough to pay student loans, let alone live. I found a job at a local photography studio doing simple administrative work. They noticed that I had a “natural eye” for things like design, color, and composition, so they taught me wedding album design and image color correction. I loved creating visual stories out of the beautiful images I was provided. It was then that my passion for photography began. When I moved back to Denver a few years later in 2010, I purchased my very first camera. I had no idea what I was doing with it. I had never taken a photography class and up until this point my education had all been in post-production. So, I began photographing everything: plants, bugs, pets, cars, landscapes – anything that would hold still long enough for me to get a picture!

I photographed my first wedding a few months later alongside my boss at the time. I left on such a HIGH that I knew for certain that one day I was going to be a wedding photographer. I kept practicing my skills while photographing a few more weddings under the guidance of a seasoned vet.

In 2013, I began working contract for other wedding photography companies. They pay wasn’t much, but I was gaining experience and slowly working towards my goal. I held down a fulltime job while photographing 18 weddings a year between 2013-2015. When I left my salaried job in May 2015, I was terrified. I only had a few contract weddings booked for the year and I wasn’t sure if I would book anymore. My husband looked me in the eyes and said: “You can do this, I believe in you, I am supporting you.”. And that was all I needed. I ended up booking 41 weddings that year and 65 the year after.

I decided to finally open the doors of Swing Photo Colorado in 2017. I don’t work contract any more and with nearly 220 weddings and nine years of experience under my belt, I can finally say that I am a professional wedding photographer!

Has it been a smooth road?
I truly believe that no journey to success is smooth. My journey to this point has been messy. I’ve learned from hard mistakes. I’ve struggled through hard months when I didn’t think I was going to be able to put food on the table. I questioned every decision I had made up until that point. If I couldn’t provide for my family, was it fair that I keep pursuing this dream? Would I ever get there when there are so many other photographers out there who had been using cameras since they were kids? It’s easy to question yourself when things aren’t going as you planned. But getting through the struggle is even more rewarding.

My advice would be to persevere. When someone tells you can’t, prove them wrong. When someone doubts your abilities, give them your absolute best. No matter how many times you hear “No”, keep your head up and keep moving forward. Success is the light at the end of the tunnel and once you arrive, it will feel so good to have the sun shining on your shoulders!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Swing Photo Colorado story. Tell us more about it.
I’m an unapologetic optimist, seeker of sunshine, and lover of true moments. I thrive on raw emotion, cry at every wedding, and celebrate every moment. I specialize in working with joy-filled couples who want a lifetime relationship with their photographer.

My style is bright, bold and vibrant. I understand that it sometimes feels awkward to have your photo taken. That’s why I’ve studied, practiced, and developed a natural method to make you feel comfortable in front of my camera. I utilize everyday movement, conversation, and games to help you forget you’re being photographed. This lets me create those great unposed moments when you look and feel your best.

For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
I feel like there is more opportunity than ever. Women are proving every day that we CAN and WILL do the jobs that men do. Male dominated industries are becoming a thing of the past.

Pricing:

• Starting price for wedding photography $2400
• Most Popular Package $3400

Contact Info:

• Website: www.swingphotocolorado.com
• Phone: 720.849.9138
• Email: hello@swingphotocolorado.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/swingphotocolorado

Image Credit:
Swing Photo Colorado

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.