We were lucky to catch up with Colleen Hunter recently and have shared our conversation below.
Colleen, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
Honestly, I just keep showing up.
There will always be people who doubt you, misunderstand you, or want to put their opinions on how you “should” be doing things. But at the end of the day, I know why I’m doing this! I love capturing real connection, creating space for people to feel seen, and telling stories through images that actually matter.
The work speaks louder than the noise. I focus on the people who trust me, the couples and families who light up when they see their photos, and the moments that make this job so worth it. That’s what keeps me going.
Let them talk. I’m busy building something I care about.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a photographer based in Colorado, and I specialize in capturing couples, families, and weddings in a way that feels relaxed, natural, and real. At the heart of Colleen’s Captures is the belief that photos shouldn’t feel forced or overly posed. I want people to look at their images and actually see themselves.
What excites me most is the connection. Whether it’s a couple wrapped up in golden hour light or a mom laughing with her kids in the chaos of a family session, it’s those in-between moments that I live for. I care deeply about creating a space where people feel seen, comfortable, and celebrated, and that comes through in the work.
Right now, I’m focusing on offering more intimate wedding and elopement coverage, as well as photo + video hybrid packages. I’ve also been expanding my brand photography offerings for creatives and small businesses who want visuals that really reflect who they are, not just what they sell.
You can find me at www.colleenscaptures.com or on Instagram at @colleenscaptures.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three things really shaped my journey: trusting my gut, being adaptable, and building genuine relationships. Trusting my gut helped me stop second-guessing and show up authentically. Being adaptable meant I could pivot when needed, keeping my work and business refreshed. But what’s been most important is building real connections. when clients feel truly seen and cared for, it changes everything. For anyone starting out, my advice is don’t wait for perfect, stay curious, and find your own way. That’s where the magic happens.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Right now, my biggest challenge is balancing growing my business while keeping the work feeling personal and authentic. As things pick up, it’s easy to get caught up in bookings and deadlines and lose sight of why I started in the first place. To stay grounded, I’m setting clearer boundaries around my time and being intentional about the projects I say yes to. I also make sure to carve out moments to connect deeply with each client, so every session still feels like a true collaboration, not just another job. It’s a work in progress, but keeping that balance is what keeps me passionate and energized.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.colleenscaptures.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colleens.captures/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Colleenscapturesmaui
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