Rising Stars: Meet Bonnie Sizer of Erie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonnie Sizer.

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 got started with photography way back as a kid when my parents encouraged my artistic endeavors and enrolled me in art classes. In high school and college my point and shoot cameras were never enough so I picked up my first DSLR during grad school. From there, it snowballed: portraits for friends, second shooting weddings for colleagues.

I officially launched my business, Bonnie Photo, serving Colorado’s Front Range, over eight years ago. I specialize in candid wedding photography that’s bold, vibrant, and true to each couple. I focus on making people feel relaxed during their session so they can feel confident and proud when they see themselves in their photos.

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?
Not entirely, but I’ve learned a lot along the way. Like many creative entrepreneurs, I had to build my business skills from the ground up. My background is in art and history, not business, so things like marketing strategy, pricing, and workflows were all new territory at first. But I’ve worked hard to level up in those areas, and now I’ve got solid systems in place that allow me to focus more energy on what I love: creating bold, candid images and supporting my clients. The learning curve was steep, but it’s made me a more well-rounded and confident business owner. If I could give my younger self some advice it would be to at least take some business, marketing, accounting classes if not go for a full on business degree.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a wedding and portrait photojournalist based in Boulder, Colorado, and I specialize in bold, candid wedding photography for couples who want something a little different. Think less posed, more personality. I’m known for capturing real, emotional moments and for editing with rich, vibrant colors that pop. I also love to photograph high school seniors and families.

I hate to toot my own horn, but over the years I’ve been lucky enough to receive multiple photography awards and have my work featured in various publications. It feels good to be recognized for my creative work by industry leaders.

What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me, especially couples who have historically been left out of the wedding industry. I’ve built my business to be radically inclusive: LGBTQ+ and diversity-affirming from the first inquiry to the final gallery. Whether it’s making sure every skin tone looks amazing in editing, or ensuring all couples feel safe and seen in front of the camera, that commitment is at the heart of what I do.

I want every couple to feel like they belong in front of the camera, because they do.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is earning the trust to document major milestones for people. Weddings are full of once-in-a-lifetime moments that can’t be recreated, so I take that responsibility seriously. It takes a combination of skill, technical knowledge, emotional awareness, and good gear to do this job well, and I’ve been honing that mix for nearly a decade.

The emotional side of weddings is what fuels me. Whether it’s the couple cracking up during vows, crying during a first look, or watching a parent dance with their kid, those are the things that stick with me. I never take for granted the access I get to those vulnerable, joyful moments. It’s an honor every single time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bonnie-photo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonnie.photo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonniephotoco
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/bonniephotoco