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

Hi Claire, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

I’d been really passionate about my photography as a hobby for many years, but when the pandemic came along, I found myself viewing some things through a new lens. I have always felt that documenting our lives and loved ones was important; but seeing how quickly circumstances can change, I was finally motivated to turn my passion for capturing and preserving all of life’s precious moments, into a business that would allow me to serve clients the same way I had been serving those closest to me, for years.


Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I stay busy photographing families, couples, and weddings, mostly. I provide all types of portrait and lifestyle photography but spend most of my time capturing precious moments for families and the wildly in love. This summer I was fortunate enough to photograph weddings in some of my favorite Colorado destinations such as Buena Vista and Rocky Mountain National Park!


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?
So many things to do within a short drive of Denver! I highly recommend a sunrise trip to Rocky Mountain National Park to admire the wildlife, hike the Bear Lake Corridor, and catch some breathtaking views from Trail Ridge Road. Next up would be a day in Colorado Springs for a trip to Garden of the Gods and some Rudy’s BBQ, making sure to stop the Penny Arcades in Manitou. Check out the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and enjoy some views of City Park and Downtown from the Sky Terrace. Finally, spend some time in Boulder at the Pearl Street Mall, check out the flatirons, and make a trip up 287 to Fort Collins for an afternoon in Old Town and a visit to Horsetooth Reservoir.


Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give credit and recognition to my daughter, Kensington Rose, for being my greatest source of inspiration and motivation. At 4 years old she’s already the coolest human I’ve had the privilege to meet, and is constantly showing me ways to be a better person, a better parent, and a better photographer. She’s my biggest cheerleader, my best helper, and my perfect muse. Everything that I do, I do with her in mind.

Website: www.bugandbearphoto.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BugAndBearPhotos/

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/bugandbearphotos

Image Credits
All image credit, including the self-portrait, goes to Bug + Bear @bugandbearphotos

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