Capturing the Soul of the Song: Photography for Jeremy Facknitz



As a creative musician photographer, there is nothing quite like the challenge of capturing the energy of a live performance—especially when that performer is as dynamic as Colorado Springs’ own Jeremy Facknitz.

Jeremy isn’t just a singer-songwriter; he’s a storyteller whose music bridges the gap between folk-rock, jazz, and even musical theatre. Having had the pleasure of serving him with professional artist portraits and performance photography, I’ve seen firsthand how his music demands a visual style that is as "dazzling" and "refreshingly new" as his latest album, Smilin’ At The Future.

A Legacy of Award-Winning Talent

Jeremy’s career is one for the books. Early on, his band The Ottomans earned the Detroit Music Award for Best New Alternative Band, famously pipping The White Stripes for the honor.

Since transitioning to a solo career and relocating to Colorado, his songwriting has only garnered more acclaim:

  • Three-time Finalist: Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Competition (2020, 2022, 2025).

  • Empower (Posi) Music Award Winner: Recognized in 2023 for the title track of his 6th solo album, Smilin’ At The Future.

  • Indie International Songwriting Competition: 2nd place for his poignant track, "Unsung."

The Magic of Backyard and House Concerts

One of the most unique aspects of Jeremy’s career is his dedication to house concerts and intimate listening rooms. After a health scare in 2017 (viral meningitis) led him to re-evaluate his path, he moved away from the "din of drunken conversation" in bars to focus on venues where the connection with the audience is paramount.

Whether he is playing the Manitou Springs Library Lawn Concert Series or a private backyard show, Jeremy brings a high-energy, theatrical presence. My goal as his photographer has always been to capture that "vulnerability" he shares with his fans—those moments where a lyric makes someone wipe away a tear or break into a laugh.

Are You a Musician Seeking a Creative Photographer?

If you are an artist, band, or singer-songwriter searching for music photography in Colorado Springs, you know that standard headshots aren't enough. You need images that reflect your genre—whether it’s "pomp rock," "indie folk," or "jazz-infused singer-songwriter."

High-quality, creative photography is essential for:

  • EPK (Electronic Press Kits) that stand out to festival bookers.

  • Album Art that tells a story before the first note plays.

  • Social Media Content that engages your fans with authentic, behind-the-scenes energy.

Just as Jeremy Facknitz crafts his songs with "11 to 15 chords" and intricate stories, I craft my photography with a focus on lighting, mood, and the unique personality of the performer.

Colorado Springs Senior Portraits ~ Lily

Lily rocked this creative Colorado senior picture session. Urban spaces are my favorite location for senior portraits. I love the lines, the colors, and textures. Lily was confident and fun and the results are epic. Below are just a few of my favorites from the Colorado senior picture session.

Michael + Amanda ~ Colorado Wedding Photography

How many brides get to enter their wedding ceremony beneath a rainbow? This could not have happened to a more wonderful Colorado couple. So happy for them both and grateful to have gained them as friends. Below are just a few of my favorite images from the day.

Bill + Amy ~ A Beautiful Wedding Story

Bill and Amy both bubbled with joy and love this day. This wedding was a family affair and a story of redemption. Prayers were answered, hearts were healed, and a new family was born. God is so kind. Below are just a few of my favorites from this wonderful day.

Sean + JoLynn ~ Colorado Engagement Photos

I had the pleasure of taking these dear friends in to the Colorado mountains for an engagement style photo session. We had a great time exploring all that this area of Colorado had to offer for some creative photography. Below are just a few of my favorites from our time together.

Senior Lily ~ Colorado Springs Senior Pictures

I had a lovely time serving Lily with creative senior portraits here in Colorado. It’s rare that I get to capture senior pictures in the winter and while the trails were a little muddy, we still had beautiful results. Colorado rocks, rivers, snow, and sun make for a wonderful combination. If you’d like a creative Colorado senior portrait session, book your senior session with me soon. My calendar get’s completely booked late summer and fall. Below are just a few of my favorites from my time with Lily.

Tony + Brooklynn ~ Colorado Wedding

I love this couple. They enjoy food, wine, and Colorado adventuring just like me. It was a thrill to capture their Colorado Springs wedding day and serve them with creative photography. Below are just a few images from this amazing day.

Michael + Jen ~ Colorado Wedding

To see a man so head over heels in love with a woman is a wonderful thing to behold. Michael’s excitement in making Jen his wife was electric and exciting to capture. This Colorado wedding was a pleasure to photograph and I wish only that Michael and Jen’s days forward may all be as happy as this one.

Michael + Jen ~ Colorado Engagement photos

Loved having this amazing couple in front of my lens. They were so easy to capture and their chemistry was awesome and authentic. Their love runs deep and I’m excited to capture their Colorado Wedding later this summer. Below are just a few of my favorites from our time together.

Victoria ~ Colorado Springs Senior Pictures by Steve Willis

I love doing creative senior pictures for Colorado Springs. This is the lovely Victoria. We hit 3 different locations for this urban themed shoot and the results are grand. Below are just a few of my favorites from our time together.

Nate + Parry ~ Colorado Engagement Photos

Had an amazing evening serving an amazing couple in Denver with creative engagement photos. This is Nate and Parry along with their dog Brutus. We started these Colorado engagement photos in downtown Denver and finished at Loveland Pass. We then rounded out the evening stopping in Idaho Springs for Beau Jo’s Pizza. It was a grand evening all in all. Below are just a few of my favorite images from our time together.

Sophia & Reggie - Colorado Springs photographer Steve Willis

I’m so happy with how these Colorado Springs horse photos turned out. I’ve never done a photo shoot with a horse and while I had to rethink my approach to composing these images, I really enjoyed this creative challenge. Sophia looked stunning and Reggie was patient with us both. I’d defenitly be interested in more future shoots like this one again. These are just a few of my favorites from this session. Hope you enjoy.

Nic + KJ Colorado Wedding Photography

This Colorado Springs living room wedding was simply magical. A lovely location with about 25 guests made for a beautiful and intimate Colorado wedding that was wonderful to photograph. Nic and KJ were both radiant and the love and joy could be felt. Below are just a few of my favorites from the day. Enjoy.

Nic + KJ ~ Colorado Engagement Photos

I’ve not blogged in years. I just got tired of doing it and had no more excitement in doing it. This Colorado engagement session was just to good not to blog. Nic and KJ had that adventuresome spirit that I love in a couple and they completely trusted me as the artist and the vision that I had for all the shots. This session was done at 11 mile canyon and I just loved the diversity of images that this location provided. I’m excited to do another engagement session there soon. This is just a few of my favorites from our time together. Enjoy.