personal | my passion
My passion for photography came a little over 4 years ago after the birth of my son. I had no idea photography would become a full-blown career, nor did I know the industry I would be stepping into. I quit my full-time job to fulfill my dream of being a stay-at-home-mom to my then 2 year old son and baby girl on the way. I was blessed beyond belief when my photography career took off. I’m so thankful to the hundreds that have put their trust in me and the hundreds that have been with me from the beginning. I’m truly honored.
We all know that social media is a powerful thing, almost too powerful! And with that comes good and bad. I love when fellow photographers comment on my photos or pay me a compliment; who doesn’t? But then there are others that try to bring you down. At the end of the day the only comments that “really” matter are the comments/compliments from my clients. Comments like:
“How am I ever going to choose? The photos are all so good! “
“I think you’re pretty incredible!!! Received some really awesome pictures in the mail today…they are SOOOOO perfect. My fam and I just got done drooling over them.”
“One of the most talented people I have ever met.”
“Kristen, I just now got home and looked at all the pictures and we LOVE them. They are perfect, you do an amazing job!! Thank you so much ;)”
“Kristen, I am just starting to appreciate how talented you are! Thank you for the opportunity to work with you! These are very special pix you took of my babies!”
… just to list a few. Whenever I receive a compliment from a client, I copy and paste it to a Word document so they are always there to remind me why I do what I do. I do it for my clients and the lifelong memories I am blessed to create for them. Only my clients know that I spent 5 hours at their newborn session to capture every shot I would have at a smooth flowing 2 hour session. Only my clients know that I worked over an hour on the 1 pose they really wanted. Only my clients saw me soothe and love their baby like they were my own.
Unfortunately, there is negativity in the photography industry (as with every industry) and it’s so easy to get caught up in what your peers think. Make yourself a little brag book compiled of comments and compliments from your clients, because in the end, they are all that matter.
In closing, my passion will never die. My passion for teaching fellow photographers and photographing expectant mothers, newborns, babies and children will NEVER die. Anyone that knows me personally know that I pour every ounce of my heart into my craft; whether it be teaching a fellow photographer or photographing a newborn, baby or child.
I saw this quote on a dear friends Facebook wall and it has stuck with me and is a great reminder when I see myself or my peers falling victim to what others think within our industry.
Art has never been a popularity contest. – James Levine
Such a powerful statement and reminds me daily of my passion to serve my clients.
Love love love!! All those who know you and are photographed by you are TRULY, TRULY BLESSED!!!
that was beautiful
i really needed the quote by james levine. so true!
i always say to myself, i only care about what the ppl who love me think. the people who dont love me….well they can jump in a lake with their nasty comments 🙂
Kristen, this is such a lovely post! You are so completely right. They are the only ones who matter, and even the best of the best (you!) are sensitive to negativity. Your idea of keeping a collection of the positive comments is a great one. Truly. You are a HUGE inspiration and talented beyond belief. 🙂
Kristen,
It seems that the more successful one becomes, it even more imperative to guard yourself. Really, what it boils down to is that Satan is out to steal, kill & destroy and that goes for your success. These negative things that come along are his attempt to knock you off track. Only surround yourself with positive people who make you want to be a better mom, wife, professional, etc.
It’s good to hear that I’m not the only one who spends 4+ hours in a session! 😉
Love,
Jen
Well written Kristen. You are such a lovely person & the work you do is nothing short of amazing. I’m inspired by you on many levels. If you didn’t love what you did, it would show through. But each photo is soft and delicate and filled with love for those babies. Keep on going. And what a great thing to do – copy all of the sweet commentary to keep you motivated by what really matters!
Kristen … It is so clear that you love what you do, and that your talent surpasses that of most other photographers. You know I feel so sad for the negativity in this business but you are SO right that your clients being so amazingly touched is the best compliment and affirmation of why you do what you do. When a client tells me she cried tears of joy and love when looking at her gallery, I KNOW that is the best compliment I could ask for. You’re amazing! 🙂
Awesome work! I love the way you use the lack of “depth of field” combined with a sharp focal point to keep the viewers eyes from wondering about the photograph. If photography is “painting with light” than you are truly blessed with the ability to express that in this medium.
I was involved in many aspects of photograph over a 30 year period and found it to be a very rewarding path in life. You seem to have reached a good balance between art and producing an image people will treasure for a lifetime and beyond your years.
Much continued success!
I truly believe I was led to your website to read this post. I needed to read the words you wrote so very much. Every day I beat myself up about the fact that I am not as good as this photographer or not as creative as this photographer. I compare myself to every photographer I admire and in comparison always come up short. I have been knocked down several times by other photographers who have felt the need to critique my work and it has broken my heart. I am going to follow your advice and keep all the emails and Facebook messages I receive from my clients that are sometimes written through tears because they are so happy. I need to remember why I do this and who I do this for. Thank you so much for writing this. Your work is beautiful and you are an equally beautiful person. God bless!
Kristen ,
That was soo beautiful . I agree with every word and I think Laurie summed up my feelings exactly . I can’t wait to work one on one with you in March . You are so very talented , and I can see and feel your passion through your work 😉 You’re Amazing !