Meet Roz Ackerman | Family Lifestyle Photographer

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

Hi Roz, how does your business help the community?
Photography is more than just capturing moments—it’s about preserving connections, emotions, and legacies. Through my work, I help families in the Boulder and Denver area document the love and joy they share, creating timeless images they can cherish for generations.

Beyond providing families with beautiful photos, I also strive to make a meaningful impact by fostering confidence and comfort in front of the camera. Many people feel awkward or self-conscious, and I take pride in creating a relaxed, enjoyable experience that allows their true personalities to shine.

On a larger scale, photography has the power to tell stories, evoke emotions, and bring communities together. Whether it’s capturing the warmth of a growing family, the strength of a local business, or the energy of a fitness community, my goal is always to celebrate real, authentic moments that connect us all.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Photography, to me, is more than just capturing beautiful images—it’s about preserving emotion, connection, and fleeting moments that tell a family’s unique story. My style is warm, natural, and timeless, with a focus on genuine interactions. I want my clients to look back at their photos and truly feel the love, joy, and connection of that season in their lives.

What sets me apart is not just my ability to create beautiful images, but the experience I provide. I know how intimidating it can be to step in front of the camera, so I focus on making my sessions relaxed, fun, and stress-free. My goal is to capture real, unfiltered moments that feel authentic to my clients—whether it’s a mother snuggling her newborn, a toddler’s infectious giggle, or the quiet love shared between a couple.

More specifically, I like to think I offer something a little different with my services. Every client who books a full session (one hour or more) receives a specially curated photo book featuring my favorite images from their session. In a digital-heavy world, I believe in the power of tangible memories—something you can hold, flip through, and pass down through generations. Additionally, I’m passionate about making professional photography more accessible, especially for small business owners in my area. That’s why I offer photography memberships for families and businesses, providing an innovative solution for budgetary constraints. These memberships not only offer affordable payment options but also provide incredible value, including discounts on multiple sessions and exclusive perks, ensuring that cherished moments and milestones don’t have to be sacrificed.

Although I truly enjoy every creative experience with my clients, I naturally find myself most excited when my work showcases the beauty and complexity of motherhood and the innocence of children. My own transition into motherhood was hugely transformative. Had I not become a mother, I don’t know if I would have ever pursued photography as something more than a hobby. The identity shift I experienced played a huge role in allowing me to tap into my creative and observationally curious side. This personal journey has given me a deep appreciation for the fleeting nature of childhood and the profound strength of motherhood, and it’s what drives my passion for capturing these moments in a way that feels honest and timeless.

My journey to where I am today hasn’t been easy, but it has been incredibly fulfilling. Like many solopreneurs, I’ve had to navigate self-doubt, burnout, and the challenges of running a business whilst also being a full-time mom to two young children (4 & almost 2!). One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of community. Connecting with other photographers and surrounding myself with people who understand this journey has been invaluable. I’ve also learned that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to keep learning and growing.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that I pour my heart into this work. Every session is personal to me, and I truly care about the people I photograph. I feel so grateful for every family that invites me into their lives to document their most treasured moments, and I don’t take that trust lightly. At the end of the day, my goal is to give people something lasting—images that bring them right back to the love, laughter, and beauty of this time in their lives.

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.
If my best friend were visiting in the winter, I’d want to give them a mix of adventure, relaxation, and a taste of what makes Colorado so special.

Day 1-2: Hitting the Slopes
We’d kick off the trip with a couple of days in the mountains, snowboarding at one of my favorite resorts—probably Breckenridge or Copper Mountain for their great runs and fun atmosphere. I love taking full advantage of conveniently located Eldora during the week while my kids are in school. There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as carving down the slopes surrounded by breathtaking views, with minimal disruptions from technology—it’s so good for the soul! After a full day on the mountain, we’d warm up with après-ski cocktails or a soak in a hot tub with a glass of wine!

Day 3: Hiking & Red Rocks
After a couple of action-packed days, I’d take them somewhere a little more relaxed but still stunning—Red Rocks in Morrison. The short loops and easy terrain make it a great hike, and the vibrantly colored rock formations are breathtaking. If there’s a concert happening, seeing a live show at Red Rocks is an absolute must—there’s truly no venue like it in the world!

Day 4: Boulder Art & Brunch Day
For a change of pace, we’d head to Boulder to soak in the creative energy of the city. A walking tour of Boulder’s street murals is such a fun way to see the city, with vibrant artwork around almost every corner. Afterward, we’d grab brunch at one of my favorite spots—maybe The Kitchen for a farm-to-table feel or Snooze for epic pancakes.

Day 5: Denver Night Out
No trip would be complete without a fun night in Denver! We’d start with dinner at a chic spot like Tavernetta (for incredible Italian) or Linger (for a globally inspired menu with a cool rooftop vibe). After dinner, we’d head to RiNo (River North Art District) for some craft cocktails at Death & Co. or check out a speakeasy like Williams & Graham.

Day 6: Relax & Recharge
After a busy week, we’d take a slower day—maybe a visit to the hot springs in Idaho Springs for a soak, or a self-care morning at a spa like The Woodhouse in Denver or the spa at St Julien in Boulder. A casual dinner at home with some local brews and a cozy movie night would be the perfect way to wind down.

Day 7: A Final Adventure
To wrap up the trip, we’d do something unique—maybe snowshoeing at Brainard Lake, a scenic drive up to Estes Park, or visiting a local distillery like Spirit Hound in Lyons for one last toast to an amazing trip.

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?
Moms often hear the sentiment, ‘It takes a village,’ and I feel like the same is so true for a photographer! Being a solopreneur is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also hard work, and I wouldn’t be where I am without so many people rooting for me along the way.

My husband has been my biggest supporter, always encouraging me to chase my passion and believe in myself. Beyond that, I’ve been incredibly lucky to find two amazing photography communities—one led by Sarah Hill of Sugarhill Studios in Longmont and the other by Becky Durigan of Denver Photo Collective. These groups have introduced me to so many talented women who are not only incredible photographers but also moms, business owners, and creatives juggling so much in their lives. Their encouragement, advice, and shared experiences have been transformative, and I’m so grateful to be part of such a supportive network.

Most importantly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the friends and families who have trusted me to capture some of their most treasured and significant moments. It is truly an honor to document these milestones, and I never take for granted the privilege of preserving these memories for years to come.

Website: https://www.rozackermanphotography.com

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

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

Image Credits
Katie Torres of Your story Denver (profile image)