Meet Natalie Moore | Adventure Elopement & Lifestyle Photographer and Experience Creator

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

Hi Natalie, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Who I am today—and definitely what I do for a living—is a direct reflection of my background. Sometimes I think about how perfectly aligned my life and work are with everything I’ve been through. This business was forged through my story in every way—even in ways that feel divine. It’s been a wild journey, but I’m deeply grateful to be exactly where I am.

I grew up moving around a lot—Florida, South Dakota, summers in Alaska, snowboarding trips to Colorado, even three months in Hawaii once with just my mom and brother. I did homeschooling off and on, then graduated high school at 16. My mom ran a business in another state, so my brother and I were alone a lot. After the divorce, my dad kind of did his own thing. When I graduated, my mom let me go work in Alaska for the summer—probably thinking it was better than spending it with my badass friends. And even though I still partied hard in Alaska, she was absolutely right. I cleaned cabins, served meals, and photographed fishing guests on a remote island. That experience changed everything. I fell in love with storytelling, documenting beauty, hiking mountains, and chasing adventures. One summer, when the lodge didn’t open unexpectedly, I even ended up crewing on a private fishing boat around the Southeast Passage of Alaska.

From there, I studied photography and art history in college, with a minor in business. After I grew out of my Alaska summers, I landed a “big girl” job at a big-box hotel in downtown Denver. I didn’t totally know what I was doing—other than chasing something in hospitality. But I followed that path all the way to being the 12th person hired at the brand-new Westin DIA. I was living the corporate sales life, and after a few years, I applied for a promotion—my sales manager’s job (I was the sales coordinator). I didn’t get it, but that ended up being the push I needed to go all-in on photography. My husband and I made a plan for me to eventually quit my job and go full-time.

That path—through hospitality, travel, the outdoors, and photography—has all merged into the life and business I’ve built today.

My family and friends growing up shaped me a lot—though often not by setting the best example. I saw early on how every choice we make has a ripple effect. I watched people I loved make self-destructive decisions, and I realized I wanted something different. I paid attention, learned quietly, and worked hard to choose a better path—one rooted in healing, creativity, and self-awareness.

There’s been a lot of trauma in my life, but also a lot of beauty. I believe in breaking generational cycles, and I’ve done the work to be at peace with the uglier parts of my past. That deep, messy, beautiful story—the light and the dark—is what fuels my art, my business, and my connection with the people I serve.

It’s why I strive to build an inclusive community in the outdoors—where people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities can get out and love nature so it can love them back. In all my time, I’ve learned that adventures together create the deepest bonds. I’m incredibly honored to love and celebrate so many different people.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m the owner of Nat Moore Photography, where I specialize in adventure-based elopements and lifestyle photography rooted in the wild beauty of the Colorado Rockies—especially the San Juan Mountains. My business is built for laid-back, nature-loving couples and families who prioritize meaningful experiences over material things. Whether it’s an epic mountaintop elopement or a cozy day-in-the-life session, my goal is always to document people in their most joyful, connected, and free state.

What sets me apart is how much I pour into the full experience—not just the photos. I help couples plan their elopement days from start to finish, offering personalized location suggestions, adventure guidance, and timeline help. I’ve hiked these trails, camped in these forests, and snowboarded down these slopes. I live and breathe this lifestyle, and that authenticity comes through in every shoot.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I didn’t have a clear roadmap, and there were plenty of moments where I felt stuck or unsure if I could make this work. I had to learn how to balance creativity with business—how to charge what I’m worth, how to attract the right clients, and how to stand out in a saturated market. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that building a brand with heart and honesty will always connect more deeply than chasing trends. I’ve also learned to trust the process—even when it’s messy—and to keep showing up as myself.

I’m really proud of the community I’ve built and the freedom this business has given me to live a life aligned with my values. I want people to know that this isn’t just about pretty pictures in pretty places—it’s about documenting real love, real joy, and real stories in the wild. My work is deeply personal, and my clients aren’t just clients—they’re people I adventure with, laugh with, and celebrate with.

That connection and intention is at the core of everything I do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting in the summer, we’d go all-in on the dreamiest Colorado mountain road trip—spending a week exploring Ridgway, Telluride, Ouray, and Silverton. These towns are pure magic in the summertime. Wildflowers are exploding, the air smells like pine and sunshine, and there’s something about the way the mountains make everything feel more alive. I’d want them to experience it all: the hikes, the hot springs, the slow mornings with coffee, and those golden sunsets that make you stop mid-sentence just to stare.

Day 1–2: Ridgway
We’d start off in Ridgway to settle into the mountain flow. Mornings would begin with a coffee from Cimarron Coffee & Books and breakfast at Kate’s Place. We’d take a walk along the river trail or hit up Dennis Weaver Memorial Park to stretch our legs and take in those big San Juan views. One afternoon, we’d rent paddleboards at Ridgway State Park and float in the reservoir—it’s peaceful, low-key, and perfect for golden hour hangs. At night, we’d grab dinner at Provisions and soak under the stars at Orvis Hot Springs. It’s rustic, clothing-optional, and very Colorado.

Day 3–4: Telluride
Next, we’d wind our way up to Telluride. Summer in Telluride is next-level gorgeous—like, “is this real life?” kind of gorgeous. We’d ride the free gondola into Mountain Village for the views, then spend our days hiking to Bridal Veil Falls or doing the Jud Wiebe Trail for a shorter but super scenic loop. If there’s a festival in town (there usually is), we’d totally catch a show in Town Park. Dinner would be at La Marmotte or Brown Dog Pizza depending on the mood. And I’d absolutely take them to There Bar for cocktails and late-night snacks. Telluride just has this creative, outdoorsy energy that’s contagious. Sunset gondola ride is a must. Sunset picnic gondola ride even better.

Day 5: Ouray
After Telluride, we’d head over the mountains to Ouray—the drive alone is worth the trip. In Ouray, we’d start with a waterfall visit at Box Canyon Falls, then hit part of the Perimeter Trail for those sweeping views of town and the surrounding peaks. Later, we’d soak in the Ouray Hot Springs pool and enjoy the sunshine with a mountain backdrop. For dinner, we’d go to Brickhouse 737—their seasonal dishes and cozy vibe are always a hit. Maybe end the night with a walk around town and ice cream from Mouse’s Chocolates.

Day 6–7: Silverton
The grand finale would be Silverton, reached via the epic Million Dollar Highway. It’s one of the most beautiful drives in the country—cliffs, valleys, and views that make you want to pull over every five minutes. Silverton is quieter in summer but full of character. We’d explore old mining roads, maybe rent a 4×4 to get up to Animas Forks ghost town, or hike somewhere above treeline to catch alpine lakes and wildflowers in full bloom. We’d stay in a cozy cabin or camp nearby, have burgers at Handlebars Saloon, and watch the stars in the kind of silence that only exists way up in the mountains.

The whole trip would be this beautiful blend of adventure and stillness—sun-soaked hikes, cool mountain mornings, long drives with the windows down, and those simple moments that feel like forever memories. That’s what I love most about these towns. They invite you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and just be.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would be so remiss not to shout out Savannah Chandler. She’s not only one of my best friends, but someone who truly took me under her wing in both life and business. Before Savannah, I had dabbled in mountain weddings, hiking elopements, backpacking, and a little 4×4 adventuring—but she helped me take it all to the next level.

Because of her guidance, generosity, and example, I was able to step more confidently and quickly into the adventurous work I love most. She gave me the encouragement (and sometimes the literal trail map) to fully immerse myself in this lifestyle and career. Her friendship and mentorship have been such a gift, and I credit so much of my growth to the space she held for me while I was figuring things out.

Savannah Chandler Photography deserves a huge shoutout in my story—and I’ll never stop being grateful for her role in it.

Website: https://www.natmoorephotography.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/natmoorephotography

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/natmoorephotography

Facebook: https://facebook.com/natmoorephotography

Youtube: https://youtube.com/natmoorephotography

Image Credits
Personal photo by Blue Flame Studio Co

Additional Photos by Nat Moore Photography, LLC