You might be cool, but will you ever be “your sunglasses match everything, you make your own Bob Ross hoodies” cool? I know I definitely will not.  So I’ll just take that guy’s picture instead. Meet the coolest Denver high school senior I know, Diego.

This isn’t the first time Diego has been in front of my camera. However, the last time he was about half this height. Still cooler than me though. #lameandIknowit His style has developed into full blown killer at this point, and I’m ready to have him come style Nate and my boys. I definitely hope my boys tolerate my presence half as well as Diego likes his mom’s when they’re this age. They clearly have a great relationship and they were an awesome team to make magic with in Denver’s downtown RINO Art District.

THAT PERFECT SMILE THOUGH! Everybody feels a little awkward at the beginning of their shoot. Then, everybody starts to relax within a few minutes of getting started. But Diego’s laughter and smiles were natural and easy to bring out. His work with drama might have a role to play in that, but clearly he’s also just a ton of fun to hang out with.

And there he is, the man himself. Good ‘ol Bob. And his happy little trees of course. Diego is a big fan and made this hoodie as a homage to his favorite TV painter.

You might not know this, but concrete is actually a great reflector of light. So urban shoots can have some of the most interesting light opportunities. In addition to grungy photo bombers.

Diego is clearly going to do amazing things after his senior year. BUT, if he’s ever unsure about which direction to take, I think GQ might have a spot on the cover for him.

Photographer: Folly Photography
Location: Denver River North Art District (RINO)

****The street art featured in our shoot is the incredible work of multiple artists. I would LOVE to credit them for their work, but was unable to find information on any of these murals to do so. If you know who created these pieces please comment below or send me a message!****