Meet Kristy Lourance | Owner/Photography – NoCo Street Dog

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

Hi Kristy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I honestly believe there wasn’t a whole lot of thought process – it really came as a surprise.  My son was born in 2008 & while my husband was the breadwinner in our home – I knew that I did not want to go back to a nine to five job. It was my goal to be a SAHM & have the option to dabble in something part-time or through my own creativity. I have always had a love for photography and in 2009 my husband bought me my very first DSLR camera for my birthday & instantly fell in love. I knew from that point forward – photography would always be a part of my life in some way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Photography is defined as the art or practice of taking and processing photographs. Really it is very vague in the big picture of what photography looks like, how it impacts someone and how each image can be interpreted. Anyone can take a photograph. Yes I said that. However – I knew very early on that I had to be completely honest with myself. It did not come without struggles. I had to lay it all out on the line & make it very clear to myself that I did not want to photograph people (particularly family portraits). GASP! I started there – I started photographing people. I very quickly realized it was not for me. Maybe it was my inability to connect on a personal level & that is okay to come to that realization. What I struggled with was the lack of confidence in so many subjects. The “joking” comments such as – can you make me look skinny, take away my wrinkles, fix my skin & make sure you shoot from my good side. This was a hard struggle for me & if I was to look back on it now it is because society has put so much pressure on individuals – especially women – to look a certain way. As a 43 year old woman myself – it is something I have struggled with. I simply did not have it in me to try & bring out the best in someone & show them how beautiful they are…when I struggled with those same thoughts.

During these struggles & questioning if I was really meant to be a photographer I dabbled in birth photography – which I absolutely LOVE with all of my heart. I will revisit it someday – first I have a son to raise. The timing was just not right. I volunteered as a stillborn/birth loss photographer – something very near & dear to my heart – again I will revisit in the future.

For me – it was pet photography that really stood out. Specifically – rescue dogs. It took a long time for me to really narrow down who I was as a photographer. Years! Darn near 14 years to be exact. I have started, stopped, quit, walked away, cried, smiled, laughed & really questioned myself over that time. It was a challenge & one I can look back on and realize that this was the way it was meant to happen. I didn’t want to photograph the “perfect” subject. I found my “perfect” subject in the imperfections of an animal who was unwanted.  It has also made me realize that I do want to photograph people; however individuals & in the form of empowerment, recovery & really thought provoking, raw, deep & emotional stories.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh gosh – so many places to still learn about!  We moved to Fort Collins in June of 2022 from Canada. Having lived in Colorado previously – without a doubt we knew this was where we wanted to settle. Our son is a goalie & it was really important that this move was to an area that would allow him to continue to play at a competitive level. We were welcomed with open arms at NCYH! If you have not been to NoCo Ice Center to check out a hockey game – you are really missing out. Stop in and say Hi to Socks at The Eagle’s Nest. Grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink at the bar. Hands down – the best hockey bar in Northern Colorado.

We still have a vast amount of exploring to do in this beautiful city. There are so many places we have yet to explore & each day there is something new & exciting. A few of our favorites so far are Otto Pint & you must make a trip up to Wellington to Soul Squared Brewing Company. I am a huge lover of all things houseplants & if you have not been to Stems & Roots – what are you waiting for! The vast amount of trails – the abundance of bald eagles & we cannot forget our friends from the north – the Canadian Geese (or Cobra Chickens as we Canadians like to call them). The atmosphere of Downtown Fort Collins is amazing. As a pet photographer…all the dogs!!! Colorado is the best – dogs are allowed darn near everywhere and it makes my heart sing.  My most recent love is for Maxline Brewing.  The atmosphere, the hospitality & their love for dogs shows!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without so many people in my life – customers/friends/family/strangers…encouraging, supporting, loving, mentoring & being down right honest about my photography & even the struggles I have endured. The most important person is my son, Tucker. First & foremost I would not be a Mom if I was not blessed to bring him earth-side. Once a young toddler – he acted as my “model” to practice on. He is my reason for everything in life! I love you more than words will ever be able to describe. My husband, Travis. You keep me grounded. You are the one who always brings me back to reality…even when I don’t want to hear it. When it feels like you are not supportive – in reality – it is you bringing me back down to earth from my dreams & making me realize that more thought needs to be put into my idea. There are far too many names to mention who have supported me, loved me, encouraged me, mentored me & had my back. You know who you are & I love you.

Special shoutout to Anneliese of Bounce Animal Rescue for trusting me to become your event photographer. You are an amazing individual & I am blessed to have been introduced to you.

Website: www.nocostreetdog.com

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

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

Other: https://bounceanimalrescue.org/