Inspiring Conversations with Christa Rieger of Storyweaver Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christa Rieger.

Hi Christa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Storyweaver Studio launched in early 2020. What began as a side project quickly took off as families in my community started asking me to document their milestones. Word spread, and soon my schedule was filling with sessions.

Thanks to that rapid growth—and a push of encouragement from my husband—I made the leap to full time in 2021.

But truthfully, I should’ve seen this coming a long time ago.

I earned my degree in Graphic Design and Public Relations from Drury University in 2013, then spent eight years working in higher education marketing. Throughout that time, I always found myself behind the camera. I had learned how to create with professional cameras in high school, a skill that paired perfectly with design, and before long, I became the go-to photographer for both campuses and communities where I worked.

Now with more than 15 years of professional photography experience under my belt—and a few awards collected along the way—I’m honored to help families across the Kansas City metro and Northeast Kansas preserve their stories through every chapter, from weddings to newborns to extended family portraits.

Because your story doesn’t fit into one chapter—and neither should your photos.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t think any business owner can truly say their journey was a smooth road. And I think a lot of moms who run businesses deeply understand why.

When I first launched Storyweaver Studio, I was working full time in higher education marketing, with two kids under age three. For that first year, I essentially worked two jobs, shooting sessions on nights and weekends, and editing into the late hours after my kids were in bed. Sleep was a rare luxury.

Now, with three young kids and a full-time business, the balance is still a constant push and pull. Motherhood is my first calling, but I’m also incredibly passionate about the work I do. Some days the scale tips more toward business; some days it tips toward family. The key is giving myself permission to live in that tension, and designing my business to serve both parts of my life well.

It’s not perfect—but it’s worth it!

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Storyweaver Studio, my goal is simple: to create heirloom photos without the stress.

Through a storytelling approach, I help weave the everyday life of families into images that feel sacred and true. Sessions are relaxed and joy-filled so your photos reflect real connection, not stiff poses.

But more than that, these images are a gift. Someday they will be the only visual memories a family has of this season, of these fleeting, ordinary-yet-extraordinary moments. Capturing them with both artistry and intention is something only a skilled photographer can offer.

I specialize in every stage of the family story—weddings, newborns, seniors, family portraits, and extended family sessions—serving the Kansas City metro and Northeast Kansas. What sets my work apart is the blend of 15 years of technical expertise with a delicate understanding of human dynamics. It takes both to create images that feel alive with meaning and timeless enough to become treasured heirlooms.

Clients consistently refer me for my next level communication and client care. From first inquiry to final gallery, I am hands-on and responsive, making sure families feel seen, supported, and stress free. Every photo package is fully transparent and all inclusive, with no surprises.

Many of my clients return year after year, trusting me to document their unfolding story. Because your story does not fit into one chapter, and neither should your photos.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
If there is one thing I’d love readers to take away, it’s this: your story and your legacy matter, and they are worth preserving. If not for you, then for the loved ones who will remember you long after you are gone.

The everyday moments you think you’ll never forget will someday feel far away. Photographs, when created with intention and artistry, become the bridge back to those seasons and the people you love.

Whether you work with me or with another skilled photographer, I encourage every family to invest in documenting their story through the art of photography. I mean, it’s only been about 200 years since photography was invented—how amazing is it that we are some of the first humans who can preserve our lives this way? Pretty cool, I think.

And if you ever find yourself in need of a storyteller with a camera and a heart for making families feel seen, I’d be honored to work with you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.storyweaverstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyweaverstudio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyweaverstudio
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/storyweaverstudio