Daily Inspiration: Meet Becky Sullivan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Sullivan.

Hi Becky, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Let me start by quoting Lewis Hine: “If I could say it in words, then I wouldn’t need to photograph.” 

No truer words could be spoken in my case. I have been artistically inclined since I was a child. I used to love to draw and paint and yes, steal my mother’s camera from my earliest recollections. I also loved music and drama and still do! I took violin, flute, and guitar lessons throughout school. I always took art classes as well. 

Photography was what I was most drawn to. I finally bought my first camera when I was thirteen by my grandmother. I have not put down one since. I am completely self-taught. There is nothing that captures history and emotion like photography in my opinion. As they say; “A picture is worth a thousand words.” 

I use all Canon professional cameras and flashes. I love finding natural light whenever possible and using alternative light also like headlights from cars, streetlamps, and even flashlights! I also have a full studio with professional studio lighting as well. Painting with light is what photography is! We are blessed to live in such a beautiful state as Colorado for such scenic backdrops. I am a Colorado native but lived in New Jersey for quite some time. I love gritty, urban scenes as well. 

I started Black Forest Photography in 1999. It was my goal and dream to not just photograph people, but to tell their stories. I strive to capture a moment that you will cherish for a lifetime. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Since I have been in business for so long, I have seen many changes in the art and photography world. I started with film and progressed to digital. Understanding your camera with film helps tremendously when you are trying to conquer digital. The struggle also came with digital that people assumed they should just get the digital copy and make their prints. 

For a long time, photography did not make economic sense. We make our living on the products we sell, and digital images should not be less expensive because your time working on your images has increased dramatically. I give both digital images along with their prints so they can be shared on social media but, also have professional heirloom-quality portraits. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I do mostly high school senior portraits. I love my teens and their enthusiasm and excitement during their senior year. 

I also understand that it is hard to be a teen, especially today. They are constantly in flux with influencers and peers on social media and it can become overwhelming for them. I want them to understand they are beautiful human beings and do not need to compare them to what they see online. 

I also do boudoirs, headshots/branding, families, musicians, and engagements. 

How do you define success?
To me, success is achieving my goals on my terms and at my own pace. If you achieve what you want to and are happy, healthy, and giving back to the community that is a success. 

Contact Info:

• Website: blackforestphoto.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/blackforestphoto
• Facebook: facebook.com/blackforestphoto