Most of the time, as a photographer, I hate taking photos of myself. 😅 The timer, the angles, the pressure, it’s a whole thing. But this season, I made a promise to myself:
”if I trust my work, then I have to show it”.
And if I truly trust my work, I can confidently ask others to invest in it.
So, I decided to do exactly what I do for my clients.
1. I Started with Intention
I had a goal and a purpose. I wanted to create with intention, just like I tell my clients to do.
I am my brand. Denisse Monge Photography is me,
and that means I have to showcase my face, my energy, my story.
2. I Chose My Colors
My favorite tones are mauve (well, pink) and black.
I love pink. It makes me feel in my feminine power (RAWR) soft, beautiful, and tender, yet strong. And the New Yorker in me? She’ll wear black any season, (spring.summer. fall. winter.)
Always black.
So I chose an outfit that felt like me professional, elevated, and aligned with
the NEW ERA
I’m stepping into: trusting my ability to create.
I’ve been creating for others for 20 year photos, stories, moments and now this season,
it’s about getting
paid, booked, and busy.
3. My Experience Shapes My Vision
The last ten years I spent teaching yoga gave me something priceless: the ability to see people. To understand bodies, confidence, and energy.
Everything happens for a reason and I truly believe that.
When I photograph someone, I build them up. I know how vulnerable it feels to be in front of the camera, and I also know how powerful it can be. Photography is an investment, not just in images but in confidence. My goal is always to capture what’s real
the authentic power within you.
4. Moodboarding the Moment
No two photos are ever the same. Inspiration is everywhere, but authenticity? That’s something deeper.
What is authenticity, really?
It’s being you even when you’re nervous, unsure, or thinking, “Do I look good right now?” True authenticity comes from that inner knowing that no one else can do what you do.
And I know no one can do what I do. My style comes from effort, intention, and presence. You can copy and paste all day, but effort and presence are what create true style.
“Visibility attracts opportunity.
And my superpower? Seeing and capturing what others might miss.”
this is my favorite cause thats me a baddie!
“ A shooter’s gonna shoot. 🎯”
me and my film camera that I had since I was 20, loyalty runs in my blood!
5. My Coca-Cola Moment
My headshots were also inspired by one of my favorite brands Coca-Cola. If you know me, you know how much I love it. The red, the nostalgia, the feeling of a cold Coke on a hot day, it’s timeless.
For me, Coca-Cola represents nostalgia, the feeling that we’re never going to get this exact moment back. That’s what I try to capture in my work: presence.
Visibility attracts opportunity.
And my superpower? Seeing and capturing what others might miss.
6. Doing the Work
There’s a saying that “those who teach can’t do.” I’ve always hated that.
To teach something well, you have to live it.
And right now, I’m living it.
That’s on that.
With gratitude,
Denisse Monge
P.S. Let me know which headshots are your favorite, I’d love to hear what you see in them. 💫
