Today we’d like to introduce you to ALYSON Virva.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I spent much of my early adult life exploring different paths, trying to figure out who I wanted to be and what truly made me feel fulfilled. I studied nursing and education before ultimately earning a degree in Hospitality with an emphasis in Meetings and Events. After graduation, I worked as a Catering and Sales Manager for a hotel just off the Las Vegas Strip.
Everything changed when I became pregnant with my first son. About six months in, I realized I didn’t want my life to revolve around long hours at work—I wanted to be fully present for my baby and family. I’ve always had a passion for creativity and photography, so I decided to finally dive into it seriously.
My son was born just before COVID hit Las Vegas hard, which turned out to be an unexpected opportunity. While the world slowed down, I used that time to take classes, practice, and really hone my skills. In August 2020, we relocated to Castle Rock, Colorado. Starting over in a new place with a young baby wasn’t easy, but I began taking on photography commissions and building my client base from the ground up.
In 2021, I officially launched my LLC and focused on growing my family photography business. When I was expecting my second son, I discovered my love for newborn photography, which has since become my favorite specialty. In December 2024, I took a major step and opened my own small studio in downtown Castle Rock—a move that transformed both my business and my life.
Today, I’m grateful to have a career that allows me to set my own schedule, be with my family, and do something I truly love. Watching my clients grow—sometimes from belly to baby to toddler—is such a joy. I feel incredibly lucky to be trusted with capturing those moments.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I’ve learned that the hard parts often lead to the most growth. I’m a stay-at-home, working mom of two wild little boys, and balancing motherhood with running a business—and being a wife—has been one of the biggest challenges. My family always comes first, and while I love what I do, managing it all at once is a constant juggle.
Starting a business is tough—starting one during a pandemic, in a brand-new town, with a newborn, was a whole different level of challenging. I had no local network, no name recognition, and very little time for myself as a new mom trying to build something from the ground up.
One of the biggest obstacles has also been standing out in a saturated market. Castle Rock is full of incredibly talented photographers offering similar services. It’s easy to feel lost in the crowd or question what makes you different. I’ve had moments of imposter syndrome, wondering why someone would choose me over someone more established.
Balancing the demands of motherhood, learning how to run a business, and carving out a unique space for myself in such a competitive field hasn’t been easy. There have been moments of doubt, financial stress, and lots of growing pains.
But through it all, I’ve held onto my “why”—to create meaningful work, stay true to my creative vision, and build a life where I can be present for both my family and my clients. Every struggle has taught me resilience and helped me get clearer on what sets me apart.
Now, I fully embrace what makes me different, and I’m proud of the community I’ve built. Every step—especially the hard ones—has brought me closer to the business and life I dreamed of.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a photographer specializing in maternity, newborn, milestone sessions—like cake smashes—and portraits. While I offer a range of session types, I’m most known for my newborn photography and cake smash sessions. These are the sessions where I can really bring a client’s vision to life in a creative, customized way.
What sets my work apart is the personal experience I offer each client. When someone books with me, they receive a detailed questionnaire that helps me understand their vision, preferred colors, and overall vibe. From there, I design a session that’s truly unique to them—no cookie-cutter setups. I want every client to feel seen, and every session to feel one-of-a-kind.
I’m especially proud of the education and training I’ve invested in over the years. I’ve completed numerous newborn photography courses, with a strong emphasis on baby safety. Not all photographers take the time to properly learn how to pose and handle newborns safely, and for me, that’s non-negotiable. I’ve trained in everything from wrapping and posing to lighting, family posing, and styling—so my clients can feel confident that their baby is in experienced, caring hands.
Now that I have my own studio space, I’m able to offer an even more comfortable and professional experience. One of the unique features of my studio is a custom LED light wall that mimics natural light beautifully—giving me the flexibility to shoot in a controlled environment without sacrificing that soft, dreamy look everyone loves.
I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come—from learning photography during naptimes to now running a full-time studio business. Every session is an opportunity to capture love, connection, and joy, and that’s something I never take for granted.
What are your plans for the future?
Right now, I’m in a season of balancing motherhood and business as a stay-at-home, working mom. My children are my top priority, but with both of them starting school this fall, I’m looking forward to having a more structured schedule—and actual office hours—which will allow me to take my business to the next level.
With that extra time, I plan to focus more intentionally on marketing, networking, and growing my local presence here in Castle Rock. I’m excited to take on more sessions, build lasting relationships with new clients, and hopefully reach the point where I’m fully booked out.
Another big goal of mine is to continue my education, specifically on the business side of things. I’ve put so much energy into mastering my craft—now I want to be just as strong behind the scenes as a business owner. Learning more about strategy, systems, and sustainability is high on my list.
Looking ahead, I dream of expanding into a larger studio space with a storefront in downtown Castle Rock, close to home and in the heart of the community I love. My ultimate goal is to become the go-to photographer in the area—someone families trust to capture every special milestone from bump to baby and beyond.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aspentrailsphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspentrailsphotographyllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aspentrailsphotographyllc/
Image Credits
Images are by me!
