Josh and Kristan Lepik shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Josh and Kristan, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Our business is our full-time passion and career, so every day revolves around doing what we love. We usually start the morning by getting our family ready for the day and our daughter off to school. Then it’s time for coffee (a must!) and maybe a quick breakfast before diving into emails and messages that came in overnight.
Once the inbox is caught up, we shift our focus to editing sessions, events and weddings; making sure every client receives their photos and/or video on time and up to our highest standards. We like to take a break midday for lunch and a little reset; sometimes that means a walk outside, other times just stepping away from the screens for a bit.
Evenings are often a mix of family time and photography. While one of us might head out for a golden-hour photoshoot, or editing, we always make time to regroup for family dinner together. All in all, our days and evenings are busy, fulfilling and built around doing what we love: capturing moments and memories for others.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We are “The Lepiks” aka Josh and Kristan Lepik of Lepik Photography, a husband and wife photo and video team based in southern Colorado. For the past 15 years, we have dedicated ourselves to capturing the legacies of others through storytelling that is authentic, emotional and timeless.
Our work includes weddings, senior portraits, family sessions, events, and business branding and every project gives us the opportunity to celebrate people and their unique stories. What drives us most is knowing that our photos and films become cherished memories for years to come.
In addition to our client work, we are also the main film crew for The Martini Shot, one of Colorado’s most beloved bands. They recently celebrated their 25th anniversary, and we are currently finishing a documentary that highlights their incredible journey and impact on the local music scene.
At the heart of Lepik Photography is connection, creativity, and legacy. We are passional about using our cameras to tell stories that matter.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
For us, the answer is simple: communication. It’s something we emphasize to every client, no matter the type of session they book. When communication fades and honesty is lost, walls start to go up and misunderstandings take root.
Keeping an open line of communication creates trust. It helps set clear expectations. define boundaries, and eliminate uncertainty. Whether in families, friendships, relationships, or business partnerships, communication is what strengthens connection and restores it when it’s been strained.
At the heart of it all, communicating openly and genuinely is what keeps people connected and communities thriving.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Josh here! I would tell my younger self that the things you think are so important right now probably won’t matter in a few weeks, months, or even a year. Focus on what truly matters, the relationships you build, the experiences you chase, and the little moments that make life meaningful. Everything else will fall into place when you keep your priorities centered on what really counts.
Kristan here! I would give my younger self a big hug and reminder her that being driven is a wonderful quality, but it’s just as important to give yourself grace. It’s okay to make mistakes as long as you learn and grow from them. Every challenge and detour along the way helps shape who you are and often leads to some of life’s greatest accomplishments and opportunities.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest misconceptions in the photography industry is that anyone with a nice camera can turn it into a business. The truth is, the barrier to entry has never been lower. With today’s technology, almost anyone can walk into a store, buy a decent camera, watch a few tutorials online, and start taking beautiful photos within a day. Camera technology really is that good.
But capturing a great image and running a successful photography business are two very different things. We often hear people say, “Wow, that must be a really good camera,” when they see an image straight off the back of ours. What they don’t see is the years of experience, technical mastery, and client care that go into every photo we take.
Being a professional photographer or videographer isn’t just about owning high-end equipment. It’s about knowing how to use it creatively and intentionally, understanding posing to promote confidence and connection, and delivering a seamless client experience from the first inquiry to the final gallery. It’s about putting people first, creating meaningful images, and building a sustainable business around trust and value.
True success in this industry comes from far more than technical skill; it’s about the art of business, service, and storytelling combined.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Absolutely!! Even after 15 years, we are still tap dancing to work. We genuinely love what we do and are incredibly proud of the business we have built together. There is something so special about seeing our name on our gear, our website, the awards we have earned, and the social media posts our clients share featuring our work.
Not many careers give you the change to capture love stories or show someone just how beautiful and confident they truly are through a portrait. We get to see firsthand how much joy our work brings to others, and that feeling never gets old. For us, doing what we love every single day is both a privilege and a dream come true.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lepikphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lepikphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lepikphotography
Image Credits
Lepik Photography
