Meet Courtney Calton | Storytelling Wedding Photographer & Filmmaker

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

Hi Courtney, why did you pursue a creative career?
Because once I picked up a camera, it felt like it belonged. I was always drawn to storytellin. Those quiet, blink-and-you-miss-it moments that actually mean everything. I always found myself draw to the odd photos, the not so picture perfect ones but the ones that made you feel something. Film photography was my first love (cue the vintage vibes), and capturing life through a lens felt like the first thing I was truly good at.

It wasn’t just about pretty pictures, it was about freezing time, telling real stories, and making people feel something. I realized I could combine my passion with a profession and actually earn a living doing what I love (wild, right?). So now I photograph love, laughter, and the occasional chaotic dance floor, all while channeling that same creative spark that started it all.

Plus, let’s be real: where else can you play with film rolls, Super 8 video, and a playlist full of throwback bangers while documenting the best day of someone’s life?

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work has always been about about storytelling and creating a feeling that feels real. Capturing the big feelings and small, in-between moments that make life beautiful. I photograph weddings and couples using digital, 35mm film, and Super 8 video to create art that’s nostalgic and honest.

What sets me apart is my energy—I bring a fun, laid-back vibe that helps people relax and be themselves almost immediately. I try and treat everyone like we’ve known each other our whole lives. I’m most proud of staying true to my creative roots and turning my passion for film into something clients now get excited about too.

The journey definitely hasn’t been easy. Ive learned so much these last eight years. I’ve balanced motherhood, burnout, and tons of self-doubt and imposter syndrome along the way. But with that every challenge taught me to trust my gut. At the end of the day, I’m not just capturing how things looked, I’m preserving how they felt. And that can be so creative and liberating.

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.
Oh man, I lived in Colorado most of my life and I could go on for days! Im an outdoor girlie so sprinkling in some fresh air is a must.
Day 1:
Check in at The Rally Hotel (cute, central, and has a roof top pool).
Dinner at The Original and an evening wander through McGregor Square.
Ice cream at Little Man

Day 2:
Start at the Pearl Street Farmers Market for fresh pastries, cute dogs, and handmade goods.
Dinner grab tacos and margs at Los Chingones on the way back into the city.

Day 3:
Brunch at Annette inside Stanley Marketplace (their biscuits are chef’s kiss).
Shop around and pick up locally made gifts and random things we don’t need but absolutely must have.
Evening hike at South Table Mountain in Golden—short, sweet, and perfect for golden hour photos.
Dinner in Golden or pizza night in, depending on our energy levels.

Day 4:
Pack snacks and hit the road for St. Mary’s Glacier or Brainard Lake.

Day 5:
Start slow with a coffee crawl (Ozo, Huckleberry, or Jubilee).
Afternoon float in a natural hot spring or check out a local spa.
Sunset drinks at El Five.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband for sure. He has pushed me more than I would have ever pushed myself. Picked me up when I was down and cheered the loudest from the front row. I don’t think I would of ever gotten to this point without his ideas and constant support.

For my husband — This dream is ours. 💛

Website: https://www.wildopalphoto.com

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@wildopalphoto

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