Rising Stars: Meet Mary Ferguson & Kira Zotcavage of Denver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Ferguson & Kira Zotcavage.

Hi Mary Ferguson & Kira Zotcavage, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Mary:

We’re a women-owned media production studio based in Colorado, specializing in architectural, residential, and commercial real estate media. We launched Vibrant Views Studios with the goal of understanding each client’s unique needs and delivering premium media that helps them to elevate their brands and grow their businesses.

I studied Film and Video Production at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, where I discovered my passion for visual storytelling. I ventured into commercial media production starting with internships in college, where I always found ways of moving forward, building useful skills, and continually growing whenever I found new opportunities or challenges. I worked at a portrait studio, a film production company, a medical device company, and a department within the state government.

After graduating school, I opened a small creative studio, but the pandemic forced me to shift direction. I started doing wedding photography and videography while also taking on digital marketing roles that expanded my skills in branding, visual strategy, advertising, and communication. Although I enjoyed my work as an analyst and marketing strategist, it never fully met my need for creative fulfillment. I constantly found myself splitting time between creative projects I enjoyed and the work that paid the bills, searching for a way to bring both sides together.

A couple of years ago, I decided to take a few months off from working to determine exactly what I wanted to do with my career moving forward. I spent time introspecting on what my skills were, my strengths, my interests, and my passions. I went to Japan for a ski trip that ultimately changed my life, because it forced me to immerse myself in a new culture, a new environment, and a new way of living. It seemed that everyone I saw in Japan was extremely purpose-driven and service-oriented. It gave me a renewed respect for honest people with craft, care, intentionality, and purpose-driven lives.

I returned to Denver determined to find my ‘ikigai,’ my reason for being, and to channel my skills into work that felt more meaningful and aligned with my values. That intention led me into residential and commercial real estate media, where I discovered a new creative outlet and the opportunity to tell incredible lifestyle stories through some of the most beautiful, well-designed homes I’ve ever seen. I can honestly say that I’ve never enjoyed my work more.

Kira:

I found my way into real estate media through a blend of customer service, management, and marketing experience that shaped how I think about business and the client journey. I started out working as the general manager for a high end Italian restaurant, where I learned firsthand how important it is to make people feel understood, cared for, and supported. That experience taught me how much of an impact genuine service can have.

I later moved into marketing and sales, where I gained a deeper understanding of how visuals, messaging, and brand identity shape perception and influence decisions. I began to notice how powerful imagery can be, especially when it tells a strong story and communicates a feeling.

In Vibrant Views Studios, I have found a place to merge creativity with the unique client experience that we value so much. Our work is driven by the idea that media should not only look polished, but help our clients feel confident in how their listings are represented.

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?
Mary:

It hasn’t been a smooth road, but the challenges have revealed a lot about myself, the world, and how I respond to adversity. Throughout my career, I’ve sought environments that truly align with my values and passion for creating exceptional work. The journey hasn’t always been linear, but each experience has deepened my understanding of what drives me—creativity, integrity, and continual growth. I’ve learned to embrace change, trust my instincts, and carve my own path rather than settle for complacency. Each challenge has strengthened my skills, clarified my purpose, and shaped me into a more intentional and resilient creative professional.

Meeting people in this industry who value the same things that we do, high quality design and media, and who care about their craft as much as we do, has been an amazing feeling. The people we have connected with so far have been incredible clients for us, and we value every single person that chooses to work with us for our immersive visual storytelling and passion for our work. There are definitely some times that are harder than others, and ups and downs in this industry, but we’re confident in the work that we’re doing and the value our business brings to the community.

Kira:

My journey hasn’t been entirely smooth, but the challenges have been meaningful. One of the biggest lessons for me has been learning to trust myself and my vision. When I first started, it was easy to compare myself to others or feel pressure to match what everyone else was doing. I had to learn to slow down, stay grounded in my values, and help build the brand in a way that felt authentic to me.

Another challenge was becoming comfortable with being at the front of the business. Moving from roles where I was supporting a company to running one myself requires confidence, communication, and a willingness to be visible. I’ve learned the value of partnerships with people and brands that share our values and positivity, while also learning to advocate for myself, set clear boundaries, and believe in the unique contributions I bring to the table. I’ve also learned to value collaboration and set boundaries—recognizing that authenticity and partnership are at the heart of what makes our work successful.

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?
Mary:

We are a women-owned, boutique media production studio specializing in architectural, residential, and commercial real estate media. We create elevated, design-forward visuals, including photography, video, aerials, and 3D tours, that help businesses showcase the true value of their spaces. Our mission is to help businesses grow while offering a fresh, client-focused approach to visual storytelling. Beyond the work itself, we take pride in giving our clients a seamless, supportive experience—one rooted in collaboration, communication, and a genuine desire to help their business succeed.

I’m motivated by the beauty of design and architecture and by capturing the story of living in such an incredible state as Colorado. We both grew up in New Hampshire, near the mountains which made us feel more connected to nature. Appreciating natural beauty is at the core of my practice as an artist, and I am always grateful for the opportunity to tell a great design and lifestyle story.

Denver’s real estate market is competitive, but we’ve found success by focusing on quality, care, and creativity—things that can’t be replicated by large production chains. There are many larger companies that people can choose to book with, but none of them have our unique brand image, quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and our passion for elevated media that inspires and excites.

Kira:

We started Vibrant Views Studios to combine our love for design, storytelling, and exceptional service with Mary’s creative expertise in media production and my passion for providing an exceptional client experience. Working in real estate media has allowed me to blend creativity with a practical impact—helping agents and homeowners showcase their spaces in a way that feels both beautiful and authentic.

I’m motivated by helping people feel proud of the spaces they’ve created. A home holds so much energy, story, and intention, and our photography honors that. Exceptional service is at the heart of everything we do, and is a powerful tool in small business. With real estate, there’s a lot on the line, so we love being able to make the process smooth and enjoyable for others.

Our goal is to help real estate professionals elevate their listings and branding with consistent, high-quality visuals. In today’s market, media is the first showing, the first impression, and we want that impression to be powerful and memorable.

One of the challenges we’ve found is that the market moves fast. The pace of the industry can be challenging, but our collaborative, detail-oriented approach allows us to keep up while delivering work that feels intentional and personal. Our collaborative approach sets us apart and helps us to deliver unique and tailored results for every client.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Mary:

I went to a liberal arts college for a semester before deciding to transfer to art school. Kira and I actually both went to the same college in freshman year, Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. I was an English major, writing was a huge passion of mine back then, and I felt like it was one of the only creative outlets that I had to express myself. While in school, I had a realization that when looking ahead, I couldn’t see a path for myself as a writer. I was scared of continuing to do something that didn’t seem to have a desired outcome, so I searched for another path forward.

Visual media was so compelling and powerful to me, I decided to pursue it instead because it felt like I would have more opportunities to express myself and use my unique vision to contribute to creative projects. It felt like a huge risk to pursue a degree in the arts, but I had a strong feeling that it would be worth it because it felt like the right thing for me to do at the time. I just knew that by following my passions and continually trying to grow myself as a person, as a professional, and as an artist, I would find my path. Investing in myself was the right decision, and I’m grateful every day that I get to do work that I truly love and appreciate.

Kira:

I’ve learned to see risk as part of growth. I am not a natural risk-taker, and starting this business has required me to step out of my comfort zone. Leaving a traditional path and relying on my own skills, creativity, and reputation has been a huge leap of faith.

One of the biggest risks I took was trusting myself enough to build something on my own terms. It meant choosing not to play it safe, not waiting for the “perfect time,” and being open to learning through trial and error. It also meant being willing to be seen, to talk to clients, show up in new spaces, and advocate for the work I do. That level of vulnerability was a risk all on its own.

What I’ve learned is that risk isn’t always about doing something dramatic, sometimes it’s about deciding to choose yourself, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. It has also impacted my view on making mistakes. Instead of seeing them as setbacks, I’ve learned to treat them as opportunities to grow and refine my approach. Ultimately, taking these kinds of risks has allowed me to create work that I’m proud of and to build a business that reflects my values and vision.

Pricing:

• 10 HD Photos – $100
• 20 HD Photos – $200
• Bronze Package – $220 (20 Interior, 5 Exterior Photos)
• Silver Package – $600 (35 Interior, 5 Exterior, 5 Aerial Photos, 2-Min Walkthrough Video)
• Gold Package – $1,000 (50 Interior, 10 Exterior, 10 Aerial Photos, 3-Min Walkthrough Video, Includes Twilight Aerials & Video)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vibrantviewsstudios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vibrant_views_studios/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VibrantViewsStudios
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/vibrant-views-studios-lakewood

Image Credits
Pengwen Photography – Headshots

Mary Ferguson – Real Estate Photography