We were lucky to catch up with Colleen Hunter recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Colleen, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My dad, as the owner of Hunter Building Group, showed me that building something meaningful can transform your life. His journey inspired me to take risks and follow my passion. My siblings’ encouragement and honest feedback—even when it’s hard to hear—have been key to my development, pushing me to improve. Their support isn’t just about encouragement; it’s about having a trusted space to grow and evolve.

Having open conversations about creativity and business with my family, surrounded by their support and love, has been essential to my growth—both as an individual and a business owner. My parents and siblings have always provided a safe space to explore ideas, tackle challenges, and learn from failures. This openness has been crucial in navigating the ups and downs of running Colleens Captures and staying true to my vision.

That’s why I strive to capture real moments and genuine connections in my work—I’ve been lucky to experience that kind of connection in my own life, and I want to share it through my photography.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Colleen Hunter, and I am a passionate photographer and the owner of Colleens Captures, a photography business dedicated to preserving meaningful moments with honesty and artistry. My journey into photography began with a deep love for storytelling and a desire to capture the beauty of authentic connections.

I officially started Colleens Captures during the financial struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic, turning my passion into a career. At the time, I was living in Maui, Hawaii, where I built a close-knit community through word-of-mouth referrals and collaborations with local creatives. After relocating to Denver, Colorado, I faced the challenge of rebuilding my business in a new environment, but it also gave me the opportunity to grow artistically and connect with fresh perspectives.

Services and Creative Focus
At Colleens Captures, I specialize in a mix of dreamy documentary-style photography, including:

Weddings & Elopements: Capturing the raw and spontaneous moments that make your day truly yours.
Portraits: From senior photos to family sessions, I create images that feel personal and timeless.
Creative Projects: Collaborating with local businesses and creatives to bring unique visions to life.
Mini-Sessions & Special Themes: Holiday sessions, destination shoots, and tailored experiences for clients seeking something different.
What Sets Me Apart
I focus on connection over poses. My goal is to create images that feel authentic, prioritizing the candid and emotional over the overly staged. I want every client to feel seen and celebrated in a way that reflects who they truly are. Whether it’s a couple exchanging vows under stormy skies or a family laughing in the golden hour light, I aim to capture the beauty of fleeting, unplanned moments.

Additionally, my dedication to continual growth sets me apart. I’ve taken risks, invested in advanced equipment, and embraced new styles to enhance the quality of my work. I also hold certifications in areas like CPR, First Aid, and Psychological First Aid, ensuring that I am prepared to provide a safe and stress-free experience for my clients.

Challenges and Achievements
One of my proudest accomplishments has been the resilience I’ve shown in building my business twice—once in Hawaii and again in Colorado. Leaving Maui after the Lahaina fires was heartbreaking, but it taught me the value of adaptability. Now, I’m thriving in Denver, connecting with new clients and collaborators while staying true to my artistic vision.

Another highlight was a recent surprise proposal I photographed at Red Rocks. Misty conditions created an ethereal atmosphere, and two deer and a magpie appeared during the session, which felt like symbols of love and loss. It’s these moments of serendipity that remind me why I do what I do.

What I Want You to Know
At its core, Colleens Captures is about preserving the magic of connection, whether between loved ones, an individual and their environment, or a creative and their vision. My mission is to create images that feel permanent, capturing moments that will bring joy for generations.

If you’re looking for a photographer who will celebrate your story with care and creativity, I’d love to be a part of your journey. You can explore more of my work at colleenscaptures.com or connect with me on Instagram @colleen.captures.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is the way time seems to pause when I’m behind the camera. There’s something magical about capturing a moment that feels like it might otherwise slip away forever—a shared laugh, the soft touch of a hand, the glow of golden light filtering through the trees.

It’s not just about the images; it’s about the connection. I love getting to know the people I work with, hearing their stories, and witnessing their joy, love, and vulnerability. There’s a deep beauty in being trusted to hold those moments and turn them into something tangible, something they can carry with them for years to come.

Creating is also where I find my own joy and freedom. It’s a space where I can play, dream, and push myself to see the world differently. Whether it’s chasing a burst of unexpected light, finding poetry in a quiet detail, or blending colors and textures to create something entirely new, I feel most alive when I’m lost in the flow of my work.

For me, being a creative isn’t just a job—it’s a way of seeing, feeling, and sharing the beauty that exists in the world, even in its quietest moments. It’s the closest thing to magic I’ve ever known.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

For a creative, rejection isn’t just part of the journey—it’s a teacher. Non-creatives might see rejection as failure, but in the creative world, it’s an opportunity to refine your vision and grow stronger. That said, hearing “no” or facing criticism can still sting, especially when your work feels so deeply tied to who you are. The key is learning to separate your worth from your art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.colleenscaptures.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colleens.captures/

Image Credits
@colleens.captures