Life and Work with Shadow

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shadow.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Shadow. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have lived in Denver most of my life and have always been involved in the nightlife in some way. I spent time throwing events and parties, photographing concerts for various publications around town, and supporting local bands and DIY party spaces. This went on most of my young adult life but eventually had a career shift and unintentionally took a break from the gutter-scene and nightlife I grow up in.

Once I decided to go out again, I thought that old Denver that nurtured me into a young-punk was gone, and that new Denver just barged in leaving nothing for me and the garage kids. I found that although the scene was a little different from what I once knew, it was still as vibrant as I had hoped. Sure… some douche bags have found Denver but also some highly talented, interesting and beautiful people who make the city even better as well. Watching the scene change and grow more diverse, I realized how important it is to preserve its unique inhabitants. Shadows.Gather is a collection of photos of people I find beautiful and unique- people who make Denver.

I’m excited to see where this project goes next: art shows, events, fashion… who knows.

Find @shadows.gather on Instagram and follow my journey into Denver and bar basements all over.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There was a time when I never really felt like I fit within a particular group. I never felt punk enough, goth enough or cool enough. Most of my time was spent weaving in and out of different scenes, trying to find my place. It wasn’t until I was older that I finally realized that I didn’t have to fit in; I could just be myself and hang out with whomever I wanted. You’ll see that diversity in my photos; I’m not part of one scene, I’m a part of the whole of Denver, and so is everyone else that lives here.

I would tell others never to expect the road to be smooth. Just find a way to enjoy the journey: do what makes you happy and don’t worry about what other people think. You’re in control of your own happiness. You belong wherever and with whomever you wish.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m an artist and photographer. I capture moments where people are living their best life- unafraid of what the main-stream is doing. I love the moment you see a face be totally carefree, where Friday night will never end, where strangers and friends share drinks. The photos I take tells a story of my experience. They include the forgotten people of your nights out: bar patrons, bartenders, bouncers… the creepy mannequin in the hall, the opening band, the blood on the floor after the mosh-pit. I don’t just want to focus on pretty people- I want to focus on real people. Instagram can quickly become a place where we feel ‘less than’ so I try to shake up your timeline.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
I can’t do my work without Instagram and my Polaroid Camera. I would like to encourage you to get a camera, show the world your story… document what you find interesting in your life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shadowsgather.com
• Email: shadow@shadowsgather.com
• Instagram: @shadows.gather

Image Credit:
Photos by Shadow

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