Tell us about your brand:
Colleen’s Captures Photography specializes capturing elopements and intimate moments with your loved ones while in the great outdoors. My goal is to capture the sweetest of memories and organic moments.
Where are located?
Colleen's Captures is based out of the gorgeous State of Hawaii. I am mainly a Maui Photographer located outside of Wailea. I have been photographing Hawaii for the last couple years now. I have been inspired by Maui's natural colors and I aim to include the colors of nature in my Photography. I do work in Pennsylvania for a month every year so that I can spend time with my family.
When did you know that this was the right path for you?
I always dreamed of being a bad a** boss woman working in a creative field, and in all honesty, I was not sure exactly how I wanted to do that or how to get there. Through experience and spending time with different people that inspired me, I became more confident in myself and where I wanted to be in my life. It was not a sudden moment when I decided that I wanted to be a photographer, it was a gradual pull. I think the fear of failing in the art world, especially as a young woman, held me back from pursuing my dreams and believing in myself. It if wasn't for the support of my loved ones, mentors, and life decisions, I'm not sure I would be where I am today. With that being said, I began to pursue my passion and haven’t looked back. I am not exactly where I want to be yet but I know I am on the right path towards it. Once you’re on the right path, you know it, you feel it, and there is a certain type of thrill that comes with it, much like a first love.
What do you like most about what you do?
I love the fact that most of my sessions are outside, on top of that, they are during sunrise and sunset with gorgeous locations surrounding me while I work. I love every moment that I have the chance to photograph. Some are happier and some extra meaningful. My favorite subjects include; New lovers getting married, newborn children, large family reunions after being apart for years, women celebrating their baby bumps, and working closely with programs that I believe in. Each moment in photography is different and I'm grateful to have chosen a career that brings me so much joy.
What is the biggest obstacle you have faced in your career and did you overcome it?
My biggest obstacle would honestly be the Corona Virus. I know a lot of small businesses have struggled with this and it is comforting to know that we are all in it together. During this workless time, I have updated my website, re-edited old photos, and created more blog posts to prep for the future. Its been difficult without work but refreshing to have the time to dedicate to my work. It hasn't been easy, but my website looks 10x better than before!
If your phone could ring right now with your dream opportunity what would that be?
If National Geographic called me and offered me a job to photograph, I would drop everything.
What do you want people to remember most about you and your career?
I want to match the growth of my business by helping the community grow as well. Working closely with a local program that I am passionate about. Our current environmental and community effort involves us using sustainable photo albums, recycled material for canvas prints, as well as continual reasearch to practice an eco-friendly business.
