Capturing Women in Their Power: Mandy’s Story
Written by: Chloe Alfery
Every woman carries a story shaped by who she has been, who she is becoming, and who she is learning to see when the world finally reflects her truth back to her. For Mandy Penn, photography is the moment where that reflection begins. Through trust, storytelling, and intention, her work invites women to step beyond self-doubt and into a version of themselves they may not have realized was already there.
Mandy Penn is an award-winning photographer, community leader, and the official photographer for Boss Babe Networking and the Boss Babe Academy. Based in Colorado Springs, Mandy is the founder and creative visionary behind Mandy Penn Photography, where she merges storytelling, branding, and empowerment to help women see themselves in their fullest power.
Through her lens, Mandy does more than take photographs. She captures confidence, identity, and the moments when women begin to recognize their own strength.
The Storytelling Behind Every Image
Mandy’s journey into photography is deeply rooted in advocacy and lived experience. In her twenties, she gained experience as a model, an opportunity that expanded her understanding of photography from the subject’s perspective. After stepping away from the industry to raise her children, Mandy returned to photography eight years later with renewed purpose.
“As I grew into it, the more I wanted to tell people’s stories, women and girls most of all. I want to get to the heart of who they are, because storytelling is near and dear to my heart.”
Rather than pointing to a single favorite moment photographing women in business, Mandy believes each session carries its own defining shift.
“In my creative portraits, it’s the moment I see them change from who they think they are to who they actually are. There’s a shift when people realize, ‘She’s not judging me. She’s here to tell my story.’”
Once that trust is established, the experience becomes collaborative and empowering. Each photograph builds upon the unique story the client brings into the room.
Creating a Judgment-Free Space for Women
Mandy approaches every session with intention and compassion.
“As a female photographer, I go into every session with no judgment.”
She understands that many women arrive carrying insecurities shaped by years of self-criticism or unrealistic expectations. Rather than masking those fears with excessive editing, Mandy focuses on authenticity.
“I don’t overedit or make people look like barbies. If there’s something someone is worried about, I don’t accentuate it.”
Her goal is to create images women feel proud to connect their name to, photos that feel real, confident, and aligned with who they truly are.
“So many women say they’re not photogenic. I hear it all the time. But it’s not true. It’s just something we’ve been told, or told ourselves.”
She often reminds mothers that their self-judgment does not extend to their children.
“If your kid showed up in trash bags, you’d still love the photos. But if you don’t feel good about yourself, you won’t like the images. That tells us everything.”
Through her work, Mandy helps women release their inner critic and see themselves with the same grace they give others.
What Makes a Photograph Powerful
For Mandy, a powerful photograph goes far beyond technical skill.
“When you look at a photo, it should invoke emotion—a smile, a feeling. Without that, it’s just a photo. When it becomes magical, that’s when storytelling comes in.”
That magic is created through trust, presence, and connection—where emotion and story are just as important as lighting and composition.
Stepping Into Community Leadership
In April 2025, Mandy stepped into a new chapter as Managing Director of the Colorado Springs EWomenNetwork, expanding her leadership beyond the studio and into the broader women-in-business community.
Initially, the opportunity surprised her.
“When I was approached, I thought, ‘Why would you want me?’ I assumed there were others more qualified.”
But she soon realized something powerful.
“People in the community already saw me as a leader. Leadership pushes me out of my comfort zone—but that’s where growth happens.”
Accepting the role required courage and trust in herself.
“I have such a strong team and chapter. They’re incredibly supportive.”
Balancing creativity and leadership requires presence, structure, and self-awareness. Mandy credits coaching and strong team dynamics for helping her stay grounded.
“Having someone who understands your weaknesses and supports you through them—not scrutinizes you—makes all the difference.”
She believes effective leadership comes from recognizing where you thrive and surrounding yourself with people whose strengths complement your own.
“Accepting your weaknesses and building a team around them is one of the most powerful things you can do as a leader.”
Boss Babe Academy Graduation featuring our Class of 2025 Scholars
BBN’s Impact on the Next Generation
Mandy also shared how Boss Babe Networking has helped amplify the voices of both women and girls in the community.
“I love BBN because it advocates for women and for girls.”
She views BBN as instrumental in shaping the next generation of confident leaders, particularly through the Boss Babe Academy and its involvement in fashion shows and leadership experiences.
“My daughter has attended the Boss Babe Academy for the last two summers. She’s twelve now and started at eleven. If I had the opportunity to feel that empowered at her age, I would be far beyond where I am today.”
At the heart of Mandy Penn’s work is a simple but transformative truth: when women are seen without judgment, they begin to see themselves differently. Through photography, leadership, and community building, Mandy creates spaces where confidence is restored, stories are honored, and women and girls are reminded of who they already are. Her lens does not change women. It reflects them back to themselves with honesty, compassion, and power.
