Fort Collins Portrait Photographer – The Heart Behind Avenir Photo Co.

Fort Collins portrait photographer, that’s how I introduce myself today, but the story of how I got here started long before I ever held that title. Hi, I’m Bailee, the photographer behind Avenir Photo Co., and if you had told seven-year-old me, running around with a disposable camera, snapping photos of anything that held still long enough, that I’d someday be a full-time Fort Collins portrait photographer, I probably would’ve believed you. I’ve always been that girl with big dreams, wild curiosity, and a deep love for freezing moments in time.

Back then, I dreamed of working for National Geographic. I thought I’d travel the world photographing wildlife and faraway places. I imagined trekking through rainforests and climbing mountains with a camera slung around my neck. What I didn’t know then was that while nature was beautiful, the real magic for me wasn’t in landscapes or lions. It was in people. In stories. In connection. And that journey, one filled with passion, purpose, and a little bit of adventure, led me right here, building Avenir Photo Co. and proudly claiming my place as a Fort Collins portrait photographer.

Finding My Calling as a Fort Collins Portrait Photographer

Even in my earliest days, I was fascinated by how photography could turn fleeting moments into something permanent. As I got older, cameras turned from toys into tools and eventually into the thing I trusted most to create and communicate. When I started photographing people, something clicked in me. The energy shifted. The joy intensified. I realized that nothing lights me up quite like working with people, helping them feel comfortable and confident, and creating images that reflect who they truly are.

That’s when I truly fell hard and fast for portrait photography. I never expected it to be my forever thing. Yet here I am, years later, obsessed with lighting, posing, laughter-filled sessions, and creating heartfelt images that bring tears to my clients’ eyes. Becoming a Fort Collins portrait photographer felt as natural as breathing.

Avenir Photo Co. A Passion Brought to Life

Avenir, which means “future” in French, represents so much of what I believe photography is about. Yes, it is about remembering the past, but it is also about preserving who you are today for all the years ahead. Avenir Photo Co. was built out of love, dedication, and a genuine passion for people. Every image I create is meant to tell a part of someone’s story, to capture the version of them that’s living right now.

And that’s why portrait photography has such a special place in my heart. As a Fort Collins portrait photographer, I get the privilege of photographing seniors embarking on adulthood, couples in the middle of their love story, families growing and changing, and individuals stepping into new seasons of life. Every session is meaningful. Every client is unique. And every click of the shutter is intentional.

Guided by Creativity and Connection as Your Fort Collins Portrait Photographer

I like to say I run on passion, creativity, and a solid amount of caffeine. Photography isn’t just something I do. It’s who I am. Being a Fort Collins portrait photographer means showing up for my clients wholeheartedly, making sure they not only love their photos but feel seen and valued during the process.

From hyping you up during your session to dancing behind the camera to get those real laughs, to sending you sneak peeks because I just can’t wait, working with me is fun, light-hearted, and refreshingly authentic. I’m not here to force stiff poses or perfection. I’m here to capture the real you.

My Other Business, Alpine Vows

In addition to Avenir Photo Co., I also own a Colorado elopement photography business called Alpine Vows. Alpine Vows is all about intimate wedding experiences in stunning landscapes. It feeds the part of me that still yearns for adventurous travel and breathtaking scenery. Even amidst wildflower meadows and mountain summits, the heart of my work remains the same. People.

Running Alpine Vows has shaped me tremendously as a photographer. It has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of capturing authentic emotion. But portrait photography, that’s where my heart lives every day. I love weddings, couples, engagements, seniors, and families. If you asked me to choose between them, I couldn’t. I love them all for different reasons. Anything where I get to connect, create, and celebrate someone’s story makes me fall more in love with being a Fort Collins portrait photographer.

Why Fort Collins Is the Perfect Place to Be a Portrait Photographer

Fort Collins is more than just home. It is part of my identity. I can’t imagine building Avenir Photo Co. anywhere else. This city has endless charm, welcoming people, and the perfect blend of natural beauty and vibrant community. Whether I’m photographing at Horsetooth Reservoir, in Old Town, or in a quiet little field where the light hits just right, being a Fort Collins portrait photographer means I get to use this stunning area as my backdrop.

But it’s more than just the location. It’s the people. Fort Collins is full of dreamers, wanderers, thinkers, and doers. So many of my clients are deeply rooted here, in love with this community just like I am. They show up to their sessions with open hearts and a trust that allows me to create freely.

This is where I laugh with families as their toddlers run in circles, where I cheer on high school seniors who are ready to conquer the world. This is where couples whisper “I love you” and forget I’m here. It is everything I could ever want as a Fort Collins portrait photographer.

What Makes Working With Me Unique

It doesn’t matter if you’re booking a professional headshot, an engagement session, or a full extended family photo shoot. Working with me is personal, intentional, and joyful. My goal is never just to take photos. It is to create an experience. I want you to feel cared for from the moment you inquire until the moment you open your gallery and beyond.

Here’s what you can expect when working with Avenir Photo Co.:

• A relaxed, fun atmosphere
• Guidance every step of the way, from choosing outfits to finding the perfect location
• Heartfelt connection
• High-quality images you’ll treasure for life
• A Fort Collins portrait photographer who is just as invested as you are

The Future of Avenir Photo Co.

Looking ahead, I see Avenir Photo Co. continuing to grow alongside this beautiful community. I want to serve more families, more milestones, and more love stories. I want to offer sessions that feel meaningful and create photographs that are passed down for generations.

No matter where this business goes, I know one thing will always be true. I’ll still be that little girl who fell in love with photography, living out her dream. Only now, instead of photographing exotic animals for NatGeo, I get to capture something even more beautiful. Human connection.

Being a Fort Collins portrait photographer has given me purpose, joy, and endless inspiration. I wake up grateful every day that I get to do this work and call it my career.

Ready to Work With Your Fort Collins Portrait Photographer?

If you’ve been looking for someone who will celebrate your uniqueness, capture your personality, and make your session feel like hanging out with a friend who just happens to have a camera, I’m your girl. Whether you’re getting married, graduating, growing your family, or simply wanting photos that feel like you, I’d love to be your Fort Collins portrait photographer.

Let’s create something beautiful together.

Reach out to book your portrait session with Avenir Photo Co., and let’s capture your story authentically, joyfully, and wholeheartedly.