Meet Kristin Christian of Erie, Colorado

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Christian.

Hi Kristin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hi, I’m Kristin Christian, the heart and soul behind Colorado Lifestyle Photography. For the past 17 years, I’ve been adventuring and building a life with my husband, and together we’re raising our kids, Isabella and Wyatt. Beyond my roles as wife and mom, I’m a passionate lifestyle photographer deeply rooted in the beauty of Colorado.

Photography, for me, isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life. I strive to live a life filled with intention and appreciation for the moments. There’s something about the mountains that feeds my soul, and they inspire me on a daily basis.

To me, the Colorado Lifestyle is about embracing each day. It’s the simple joy of feeling the warm sunshine on my face and breathing in that crisp mountain air. It’s the thrill of skiing down powdery slopes in winter and the peaceful escape of camping and hiking under the summer sky. And most importantly, it’s about sharing all the beautiful chaos, the overflowing love, and the unforgettable adventures with my family and friends.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the initial hurdles for me personally, was standing out in a relatively saturated market. When I first started, I found it challenging to articulate my vision and what made my ‘lifestyle’ approach different from traditional portraiture and to attract clients who truly valued that authentic, candid storytelling style.

To overcome this, I focused on creating a Colorado Lifestyle experience during every session, rather than simply focusing on the photo itself. I thrive on embracing natural light, beautiful backdrops, and capturing genuine connections. I worked on my website and social media to specifically attract families, couples, and individuals who wanted their memories captured in an organic, true-to-life way.

Another significant challenge, especially with a business tied to the outdoors here in Colorado, was managing the seasonal fluctuations in demand. While fall is incredibly busy, in the beginning, I struggled to book many winter sessions outdoors.

So I started building a winter portfolio from all of our family trips to the mountains during ski season. And the 2024-2025 was my busiest winter to date. I absolutely love being able to capture families that are here on vacation; sometimes it’s their children’s first time even seeing snow. I also have a lot of fun planning surprise proposals in the snow. While I still have seasonal fluctuations, I try to use the slower periods for professional development, refining my editing skills, updating my portfolio, and taking time for myself.

There will always be challenges to running a service based business, but I am grateful for all the the things I have learned and mistakes that I have made, to get to where I am today. And I know I always have the support of my family behind me.

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?
I’m Kristin Christian, a lifestyle photographer with a heart for adventure in beautiful Colorado. To me, lifestyle photography isn’t about chasing “picture perfect” poses; it’s about something much deeper – capturing the very spirit of being present, those sincere interactions, and the raw authenticity of your emotions.

I find joy in being a storyteller behind the lens, documenting the unique rhythm of your everyday life, those extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime moments, and everything in-between. The true charm of lifestyle photography lies in its ability to weave your genuine experiences into sentimental details, forever preserved in memories you can revisit.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I would not be where I am today without the support of my family. My husband, Brad, has been my unwavering cheerleader, letting me chase what was once just a dream, and is now a full-time career. His belief in my vision, even when things felt uncertain, has been invaluable. My kids, Isabella and Wyatt, are my original muses. I started taking pictures of them both when they were babies, and it’s those moments that made me fall in love with photography. And last, but not least, I could not travel or take on as many sessions, without my mother-in-law, Laura. She is always there to help pick up the kids from school, drive them to sports practices, and feed everyone a good meal, when Brad and I are both working.

Beyond my immediate family, my friends have played a huge role in growing my business. They were some of my very first clients, trusting me with their family photos when I was just starting out. That’s how I started building my portfolio for Colorado Lifestyle Photography.

I also have to give thanks to my wonderful clients. The ones who trust my vision, allow me to capture their moments, and then share their positive experiences with others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://colorado-lifestyle-photography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coloradolifestylephotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coloradolifestylephotography

Image Credits

Headshot: Root & Wander Photography

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