Every now and then, as a Colorado photographer, I get the gift of stepping out from behind the camera and experiencing what my clients feel. That’s exactly what happened when I connected with Eden through another photographer’s Facebook group. We decided to trade headshots — a simple collaboration that was long overdue for myself!

We initially scheduled our session for late August, but then I realized I had a regularly scheduled hair appointment for September with my sweet friend Tatiana at Vanity Prayers. (Pro tip I always give my clients: schedule photos around your hair routine if possible!) So we shifted our shoot to that evening at the ever-beautiful Chautauqua Park in Boulder, Colorado.

Eden isn’t a Colorado native (like me), so she jumps at any chance to explore the Boulder foothills. I used to live in Erie (which is Boulder County), and it’s fun to see others’ excitement for the area I once called home. That evening gave us moody skies, spits of rain, and bursts of wind — just enough to add movement and a natural “boho” vibe with both actually wanted to the portraits. It was one of those perfectly imperfect nights where the weather itself becomes part of the story.

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Eden: A Classic Beauty

If you told me Eden had just stepped off a Vogue editorial set or been cast in an Estée Lauder campaign or a Ralph Lauren model, I would believe you. She’s a classic beauty — graceful, timeless, with the kind of features that make black-and-white portraits absolutely sing.

But beyond her striking looks, Eden is married, grounded, faith-filled, and genuinely kind. She and her husband live in the south Denver area, while I’m up in northern Colorado. That distance made our collaboration even sweeter: two creatives from different corners of the state, meeting in the middle to trade portraits and encouragement.

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Two Photographers, Two Lenses

One of my favorite things Eden said during our shoot was: “I just see the world through this lens.”

She wasn’t only speaking metaphorically about photography. She was talking about her favorite lens, which is the 50mm; mine is the 85mm. Both tools shape the way we frame stories. Her 50mm feels close, natural and cinematic, drawing her into connection. My 85mm compresses and polishes, adding elegance. Both reflect the way we’re wired to see.

That simple comment summed up why I love networking with other photographers. Different ages, backgrounds, gear choices, and life stages — but the same heartbeat: storytelling through light.

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Behind the Session

We kept the location nature-focused: open meadows, mountain views, natural light. The kind of scene where Colorado itself becomes part of the story.

Eden wore a soft sage dress with flow and texture that translated beautifully in monochrome. Her hair caught the wind, and her ease reminded me why portraiture is so powerful.

I’ll share more of the portraits Eden created of me in a future post (and you may already have seen glimpses on my website or Instagram). For now, I want to honor the beauty she brought to my side of the lens.

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Why Black & White photography?

This first blog installment on Eden focuses on the black-and-white collection.

Black-and-white photography is not just nostalgic — it’s editorial, modern, and raw. Stripping away color leaves only emotion: expression, texture, light, movement. These portraits of Eden showcase her authenticity in a way that feels timeless and unshakable.

Starting with black and white felt right. It frames Eden not just as a photographer but as an artist, a woman of faith, and a classic beauty who could easily grace the pages of fashion history.

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Eden Alley Photography

So who is Eden beyond these portraits?

She’s a Colorado wedding photographer with a film-inspired, editorial style. She’s a light chaser, Christ follower, and adventure seeker. She’s also one of the kindest creatives you could meet — the type of person who instantly puts you at ease in front of her lens.

If you’re engaged and searching for a full-day wedding photographer, I cannot recommend Eden enough. She’s young, talented, faith-filled, and gifted at blending artistry with genuine joy.

Find her work at edenalleyphotography.com and on Instagram @edenalleyphotography.

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A Word for Fellow Creatives

Photographers, florists, planners, artists — this part is for you.

When was the last time you updated your headshots? Not a quick selfie or tripod and trigger portrait, but a real session where someone else guided you, encouraged you, and celebrated your story?

Being on the other side of the lens was humbling and empowering. I walked away not just with new portraits, but with a deeper appreciation for how much headshots matter in building a brand and reflecting authenticity.

If you’ve been putting it off, consider this your nudge: book the session. Step into the frame. You won’t regret it.

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Ready for Your Own Headshots?

If you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or fellow photographer in Colorado or Wyoming, I’d love to collaborate with you too. Whether you’re drawn to editorial black-and-white portraits like Eden’s or film-inspired colors, let’s create something that reflects your story.

📩 Contact Heather Lilly Photography to learn more.

And don’t forget to cheer on Eden, follow her journey, and consider her for your wedding day. You won’t regret it.