Meet Michelle Christiance | Photographer + Visual Storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Christiance and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, how do you think about risk?
For me, risk has always been closely tied to intuition and a deep belief in following the stories and people that move me. After graduating from college, I visited a friend in Denver on a road trip and ended up never leaving. That spontaneous decision set the foundation for my professional and creative life.

In the early days of building my portfolio, I often took trips that stretched me financially and personally. One of the most pivotal moments was when I traveled to Pakistan in my early 20s. I had just enough money to buy a plane ticket and only $50 left in my pocket for what ended up being a 4–5 week stay. But I believed in the people and the stories I hoped to capture. Thanks to the incredible hospitality of my friends and their communities, I didn’t spend a cent. That experience taught me that meaningful work often begins with a leap of faith.

The risks I took when I was younger weren’t calculated, they were instinctual. They were about saying yes to experiences, places, and projects that aligned with my purpose.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is rooted in connection. What sets me apart is my ability to truly see people, and to meet them where they are and reflect something honest and beautiful back to them through my lens. I meet people with curiosity, not caution, and that openness has shaped not just my photography, but my life. I’m most proud of my ability to connect with people while capturing them authentically. Photography, for me, is a way of visually journaling the people, places, and moments I experience. Whether I’m photographing someone in a remote village or on a quiet street in my own city, I approach each subject with the same care and curiosity. I got to where I am by trusting my instincts and doing the things that light me up; traveling, meeting new people, stepping outside my comfort zone, and always being open to the unknown. Following that path felt natural, but it definitely wasn’t easy, especially financially. Being a full-time artist comes with real challenges. One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn is to financially value my work. Because connecting with people and taking/editing photographs comes so naturally to me, I used to have a hard time not offering discounts or underpricing myself. I always want to make it easy for people to have beautiful photos they’ll cherish forever, but I’ve had to learn that my time, skill, and energy deserve respect too. That has been a powerful shift. What I want the world to know about my work is that it’s built on love; love for people, for storytelling, and for the quiet beauty in truth. Capturing someone or something authentically is the heart of what I do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d want to give them a perfect mix of relaxation, nature, creativity, and community. Basically, all the things I love about life in Colorado.
Day 1: We’d kick things off with a cozy day at home. I’d show them around my neighborhood, and we’d spend the afternoon catching up on the couch with some of my favorite snacks, good music, and probably a pet or two curled up nearby.
Day 2: We’d hit the road and drive out to Buena Vista, one of my favorite spots in Colorado. Our destination: the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, where we’d check into a cozy cabin and settle in for a couple of days of soaking and recharging.
Day 3: The whole day would be spent at the hot springs, rotating between warm pools and cooler dips with beautiful mountain views all around. We’d sneak away midday to grab incredible sandwiches and desserts from Sorelle Delicatessen in town, then return to the cabin to cook dinner and unwind.
Day 4: We’d explore Buena Vista a bit more. Walk along the river, pop into some shops, and if it’s a Sunday, enjoy a delicious brunch at the Surf Hotel. Then we’d head back to Denver in time to catch a show. I’d plan our trip around a performance by Starry Night Productions, who always put on creative, immersive shows that are truly memorable.
Day 5: Brunch would be a must. Denver has so many amazing spots, depending on what we’re in the mood for. Then we’d spend the afternoon at the Denver Art Museum, wandering through the exhibits and journaling in front of any piece that speaks to us (especially if there’s a bench nearby to settle into).
Day 6: This would be a day to connect with some of my favorite people. I’d introduce my friend to a few friends of mine over coffee or a shared meal. If the weather’s right, we might go for a hike or head out on a paddleboard adventure. Later, for a unique and wild experience, we’d visit Casa Bonita, which is a Denver-area restaurant that’s part immersive theater, part cliff-diving spectacle, and part nostalgic chaos. It’s the kind of place you have to experience at least once.
Day 7: Our final day would be a slow one. Spent at home making meals together, relaxing with my dogs and cat, and just soaking in the last bit of time before they head out. Those quiet, grounding moments are sometimes the best part of any trip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents, who have encouraged me to follow my dreams. Their unwavering support has been a constant throughout my career. They paid for my first darkroom class, which turned out to be a defining moment in my life. That’s where I fell in love with the process of creating my own photographs. Watching the image appear slowly under the red light, feeling that spark of connection to the medium. Without their early support, I may have never discovered this path so soon, or with such clarity.
I’m also endlessly grateful to my fiancé, Damon. He is my thoughtful editor and my second set of eyes. He reads my drafts, offers insight with patience and care, and always finds a way to lift my work and my spirits. I’m lucky to walk this creative path with him by my side.

Website: https://www.michellechristiance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellechristiancephoto/

Image Credits
All photos copyright Michelle Christiance