Meet Barbara MacFerrin | Fine Art Portrait Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Barbara MacFerrin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Barbara, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I believe being different and standing out is the most important factor. There are so many creative people out there doing amazing things. You have to offer a unique service or product that stands out in order to be memorable. Maybe what you have to offer isn’t for everyone, but the ones who are looking for what you have are going to come to you. Always follow your heart and do what you love instead of following trends to try and please everyone.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an award-winning fine art portrait photographer based in Boulder, Colorado and have earned the title of Accredited Master Photographer through The Portrait Masters organization. My work is inspired by Renaissance and Baroque old master paintings. I love creating images that are not just photographs but are works of art. My portraits make a bold statement and I capture the best possible version of my subjects often bringing out mood and emotion. My work is unique – I am often told by clients that they’ve never seen photographs like mine before. I offer a special experience when they come in for a photography session. I like to pamper the ladies with professional hair and makeup and make them feel like a model for a day! Many women and girls leave my sessions feeling more confident and empowered because they got to be themselves, have fun and see their true beauty as I see it. When clients purchase their portraits, they don’t just get a thumb drive with digital files that they may never look at again; they receive a beautiful fine art print that they can frame and keep forever. My journey has not been a smooth road. Some of the struggles involved working many years in an industry I ended up hating because it did not fill my soul. I used to get panic attacks and anxiety because I wasn’t following my passion and doing work I didn’t enjoy. I started my photography business at the age of 42. Sometimes I regret not starting my photography career sooner, but if we only knew now what we knew then, right? My path definitely took a lot of twists and turns but I know that everything I’ve gone through was a lesson learned that helped me to move forward. They were all ‘stepping-stones” to get to where I am now, and what I’m doing now is a stepping-stone to what will come next. Even though it wasn’t a smooth road, I wouldn’t change anything because I may not have met my husband nor have the beautiful family I have now! I also love teaching and I do teach photography workshops to students all around the world either online or in person. I want people to know that it’s never too late to follow their passion, whatever that may be. Find a way to work towards it every day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I currently live in Boulder, and if you love the outdoors, this is the place to be! There are endless hiking trails and beautiful mountain views. You can bike pretty much anywhere and Boulder is also home to some amazing restaurants and shopping along the Pearl Street Mall.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Entering The Portrait Masters awards and competitions and PPA’s (Professional Photographers of America) International Print Competitions have pushed me to improve my craft.

Website: https://www.barbaramacferrin.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbaramacferrin
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaramacferrin/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bmacferrinphoto
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbaramacferrinphotography
Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/BarbaraMacFerrinPhotography

Image Credits
All images Copyright Barbara MacFerrin Photography