We were lucky to catch up with Blue Day recently and have shared our conversation below.

Blue, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I got into photography through cosplay of all things. 10 years ago I started taking photos at comic book conventions of my friends costumes. It really ignited a spark in me! I dove in and learned from everything I could I get my hands on, youtube, the library, and LOTs of practice. Learning to look at my work objectively, through the lens of a client or audience is when I really noticed improvement. The best piece of advice I wish I could give my younger self is to trust my creative eye. My style really started into come through when I stopped trying to be perfectionist. I think as creatives it is so easy for us to fall into this trap of comparing ourselves and our work to others. Comparing your current work to past work helps you stay grounded and see how far you’ve truly come.

Blue, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Blue Day. I’m a fashion and beauty photographer based in Las Vegas, I own a photography production studio called Neon Cowgirl Media. I’ve taught photography workshops across the country, had my work featured by Playstation, and been published by several outlets. I specialize in creating bold creative imagery for brands, performers, and the average joe. My signature photography style that I’ve become known for is all about bold color and dramatic lighting! I love taking simple projects, something like a standard corporate headshot, and giving it a creative twist.

I opened my studio with one goal in mind. Community. I wanted to create a platform to raise other creatives up. A clean, safe, state of the art playground for people to take the photos in an environment typically reserved for large budget film studios. Our studio houses a massive LED wall and is the first virtual production photo studio in Las Vegas. Location is no longer a limit, any time, any place, all from the comfort of a studio. We can create just about any environment you can think of – from a sci-fi spaceship to a bustling street in New York city. The options are only limited by your imagination.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me it’s a tie! Any time I take a step back from editing or shooting and realize that I perfectly nailed the concept I have in my head. I’m a very visual person and when I get going it’s like I can see the final product in my head. It’s definitely a “trust the process” kind of thing. Nothing beats looking at a final edit and having that WOW moment for me. On the flip side, teaching really feeds my soul. I’ve been very fortunate to teach across the US and few things beat the feeling of getting to help other people on their creative journey.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In early 2024 I received a diagnosis for Dysautonomia/POTS. I had been battling it for 10 years before I finally received a diagnosis. For those that aren’t familiar – Dysautonomia is a chronic illness that severely impacts the nervous system, It’s a neurological disorder that does not have a cure. One of the biggest struggles that comes with having POTS is dealing chronic pain and that I faint very frequently, sometimes multiple times a week.

Becoming disabled has really changed my approach to not just my business, but my entire life. It’s a daily struggle but creativity has always been my outlet. Even on days where It’s hitting me hard, I look back and see how far I’ve come and what I’ve been able to accomplish. No matter what industry you are in, finding an outlet to ground you while channeling your struggles in so essential. Thankfully I have a wonderful support system to cheer me on!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://NeonCowgirlMedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluethephotographer/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueThePhotograppher/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/neoncowgirlmedialv/

Image Credits

In order :
@ZeldaFairfax
@CharlieQuinnStarling
@DayMattaaah
@BryceMansfield
@SymoniOwens
@Cierra.Bliss

HMUAS:
@AshleyBallouMUA
@AnnieHardt.Wigs
@CYoungMakeup