Meet Iris Olivas | Photographer & Visual Storyteller Based in Colorado

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

Hi Iris, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, it started as a passion the joy of capturing special moments for my family. But as time went on, I realized how much I loved telling stories through my lens. Friends began asking if I could do sessions for their little ones, and of course, I said yes. My first event (a wedding) was actually a 25th anniversary for one of my parents’ friends they asked me if I wanted to take photos on their special day, and from there, everything else is history.

Not having a traditional 9–5 job gave me the flexibility to explore my creativity, so I took a chance on myself. I didn’t have a perfect plan just a strong desire to grow. And now, every session I do reminds me why I started in the first place.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a photographer is more than just clicking a button it’s about storytelling, connection, and emotion all wrapped into one. What sets my work apart is my focus on making people feel seen, comfortable, and valued in front of the camera.
I’m most proud of how far I’ve come without formal training just passion, determination, and a whole lot of trial and error. There were moments I questioned if I was good enough, but I kept going.
I want the world to know that Iris Olivas Photography isn’t just about pretty pictures. It’s about capturing the essence of people and preserving the moments that truly matter. My brand is rooted in authenticity, joy, and real storytelling.

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, I’d want to show them the perfect mix of what makes this state offers from mountains and outdoor adventures. I’d start in Denver with a visit to RiNo, it’s packed with vibrant street art, cool breweries, and great restaurants. A walk around LoDo (Lower Downtown) would give them a taste of historic Denver with trendy bars and shops. For a fun night, I’d take them to a rooftop bar with views of the city skyline and the Rockies.

No Colorado trip is complete without visiting the mountains, so I’d take them to Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. We could do scenic drives, wildlife spotting, and easy hikes to breathtaking alpine lakes.

I’d bring them to Colorado Springs to see the dramatic rock formations at Garden of the Gods — it’s free, gorgeous, and perfect for photos. Nearby, the Pikes Peak Highway offers amazing panoramic views.

Finally, I’d make sure we enjoy Colorado’s food scene — from authentic Mexican in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood to craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants across the Front Range.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people I’m grateful for, but if I had to give a shoutout, it would definitely go to my family—especially my kids. They’ve been my biggest motivation. I also want to thank my close friends who believed in me, cheered me on, and booked me for those very first sessions.

This journey isn’t just mine—it’s been built on love, patience, and the belief others had in me when I was still figuring things out.

It’s hard to name just one person, because so many have helped me along the way, and each one has played a meaningful role in where I am today.

Website: https://www.irisolivasphotography.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alondra-olivas-b450a92ba/

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

Image Credits
Iris Olivas Photography