Check Out Claire Knight’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Knight.

Hi Claire, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been surrounded by creativity my whole life. I grew up at Cliff Cottage, a historic stone home in Northern Colorado that was in my family for generations. It was a remarkable place that served as my haven for an artistic upbringing. That sense of nostalgia and connection to place shaped how I see the world, and ultimately, how I photograph it.

A huge part of that influence came from my mom. She was part Catholic, part pagan, and 100% magic—an artist in her own right who believed in beauty, honesty, and leaving things better than she found them. She loved the countryside, dogs, rain, good books, and the quiet charm of old things. She could fix just about anything, and her world was full of color, scent, and music. From her, I learned the importance of creating beauty.

I picked up a camera in middle school and never really put it down. What started as a love for documenting the world evolved into Cliff Cottage Collective, which I launched in 2006. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of capturing everything from weddings and families to small businesses and makers, always with a focus on storytelling that feels genuine and full of life.

Alongside photography, I’ve built a career in marketing and communications, which complements my creative work. I love blending visual artistry with intentional storytelling. Whether I’m behind the lens, designing, or renovating something by hand, I’m happiest when I’m creating and helping others see the beauty in their own story.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Honestly, it’s been a smooth road, and I think that’s because photography has always been a steady companion rather than my sole source of income. It’s existed alongside my professional career in marketing, sometimes taking center stage, other times stepping back when my day job requires more of my creative energy. There have been seasons where I pause on client work to focus on my marketing career, and others where I lean back into photography to reconnect with that artistic side and maintain a creative outlet (and income stream). That rhythm has allowed it to stay something I genuinely love—fluid, fulfilling, and aligned with whatever season of life I’m in.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Cliff Cottage Collective is all about storytelling through honest, artful photography. I work with families, couples, individuals, and small businesses across Northern Colorado to capture moments that feel real and beautiful—never overly posed or forced. My approach is rooted in connection: I want people to look at their photos and feel something genuine, whether it’s the joy of a wedding day, the comfort of home, or the pride of a brand coming to life.

I specialize in natural light and lifestyle photography, drawing inspiration from color, texture, and place. I think what sets me apart is my ability to bring both a designer’s eye and a storyteller’s heart to each session. With a background in marketing and design, I understand how to create imagery that’s not only beautiful but purposeful—especially for small businesses that want visuals reflecting their values and personality.

What I’m most proud of is the trust clients place in me. It’s a privilege to be invited into people’s most meaningful moments and to help them preserve those stories in a way that feels timeless, authentic, and a little bit magical.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
As a kid, I was quiet and thoughtful—an observer who loved being outside and taking everything in. I looked up to my older brother, who’s six years ahead of me, and I admired my parents for their creativity and work ethic—my mom for her artistry and sense of beauty, and my dad for the way he worked with his hands. I liked just about everything: sports, school, art—you name it. My brother still teases me for organizing my Skittles by color before eating them or worrying at night whether I’d played with my Barbies equally. I’ve always had a heart for balance and detail. As I got older, I became more outgoing, but that core part of me hasn’t changed—I’m still an introvert, caring and encouraging by nature, a design-loving, color-coded-calendar kind of person.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cliffcottagecollective.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliffcottagecollective
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cliffcottagecollective
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/knight-claire
• Other: https://www.meetclaireknight.com

Image Credits
Claire Knight, Cliff Cottage Collective