Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin.
Hi Kristin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story starts with a camera, sitting in a box. For years.
I had been taking college classes online and needed a superlative class, so I decided to finally use that camera in my closet. Of course I knew how to set it in auto and snap a semi-decent photo, but I had no idea, the extent and capabilities of a camera. As well as that of the photographer.
I moved to Florida from Maryland during COVID knowing only my momma who recently moved to St Augustine. Back home, I was in year 3 of learning photography so I had built up loyal clients (who still sometimes ask me when I’m coming to visit), a location shot list and I really started making a name for my business. So, when you move far away and are a small business like myself, you literally start all over from pretty much the ground up. It was hard and at times discouraging, but you have to have perseverance if you want to be successful in anything you do in life.
Photography opened many doors for me. I am able to be a stay at home mom with my children, be more present in my daily life and express myself in ways that promote inner growth and peace. I found something that fulfills me in a way I wasn’t able to do in my past corporate 8-5 job. I found family in other peoples families, I found friends, moments, love, sadness, growth, loyalty and passion just by being present.
It’s a beautiful honor that I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
If you don’t have obstacles, you aren’t doing it right!
My biggest challenge to date is my social anxiety. I am an introverted extrovert that loves people but loves to be home. It’s difficult putting yourself out there, marketing yourself, building websites, meeting new people, and sometimes it’s difficult just leaving the house. But, I don’t believe in living life in your own comfort zone. Sometimes, you have to get out of your own way to see the beauty, appreciate the growth, and move forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have been photographing for almost 9 years and have dabbled in just about everything I could photograph, but I mainly specialize in wedding and family photography.
My family and I recently moved into a new home where I have been remodeling my new studio. I will open it and market it fully in the next couple months but I have already had a few sessions including newborn and headshots. It’s exciting and I look forward to learning and enhancing my studio skills. The studio will also be eligible to be rented out to other photographers at an affordable price.
The editing style that I have can be classified as bold, moody, colorful and real. What I take pride in is capturing those real genuine moments. That glance that you see in couples when you know they are just in awe of each other. The hug of a parent from a child that the parent didn’t even know they needed but are loving every bit. The personality of each different child. The laughs between siblings, or tears from a groom seeing their better half walk down the aisle. It’s all magical and that is what I capture in my work.
I think the biggest thing that sets me apart from others is my ability to connect on a personal level with each client as well as making sure I go to whatever lengths I have to so that their session is what they dreamed of. I love seeing people happy and I love feeling like I played a part in that happiness.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
If I had to speculate, I believe that people are going to focus more on supporting local businesses because of the amount of corporate takeover we have in the current society. We are really starting to recognize how damning large corporations can be to our world and the way to overcome is to make it more wholesome. Put your trust, money, time, and appreciation back into the local community that can help shape and enrich the areas in which we live. .
Pricing:
- Mini Session $250
- Standard Session $400
- Extended Session $700
- 6 hour wedding package $1800
- 8 hour wedding package includes engagement session and premium photo album $2500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ohsnapkristin.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohsnapkristin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OHSNAPKRISTIN
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-mcclanathan-258a543a8/
