Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristina Truluck. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kristina, thanks for joining us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later?

I began my photography journey in 2009 as a Combat Cameraman for the Army, capturing training and combat.

I started volunteering at a horse rescue about a year after returning home from a deployment to Afghanistan. I had always loved horses, but didn’t have the opportunity to grow up with them. When they learned that I was a photographer, I was invited to bring my camera out to document the lives of the rescue horses and their interactions with the volunteers. In 2014, I wasn’t aware of any resources or education for equine photography, so I learned equine photography through trial and error.

After being medically retired from the Army in 2017, I continued photography as a hobbyist, unaware of the vast opportunities within equine photography. It wasn’t until 2020, when I attended an equine photography retreat, that the realization struck me – turning my passion into a viable career was not only possible but also incredibly fulfilling.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that earlier awareness of available resources could have accelerated my transition from hobbyist to professional. The lack of confidence I felt in my abilities as an equine photographer, thinking that I was an “island” in this field, would have quickly been pushed to the side. For years, I was scared to call myself a professional. Knowing about these resources earlier would have empowered me to embrace the career that I am now passionate about.

Now, as I look back, I am grateful for the equine photography community I’ve become a part of. The friendships and support I’ve found within this career field have been invaluable. Although the path might have been different if I had started earlier, I believe that every step, every challenge, has contributed to the photographer I am today.

Kristina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, I’m Kristina! I capture the heart of the equestrian story, focusing on the connection between horse people and their four-legged best friends. I also travel across the southwest photographing rodeos and horse shows.

I started this journey photographing at a horse rescue in Maryland and have traveled across the U.S. sharing heartfelt stories. I’m currently based out of El Paso, Texas.

Drawing on my background as a Combat Cameraman, I’ve honed the art of storytelling with simplicity. With over nine years of training to be an invisible asset, I’ve learned to be unobtrusive while documenting with poses and prompts given to bring out the best of my clients. I firmly believe in forging a connection with my clients, understanding their unique stories, and translating that into compelling visual narratives that capture the profound bond they share with their horses.

Beyond personalized photography sessions, I provide high-quality artwork, ensuring that my clients can relish their cherished moments for years to come. My favorite product that I provide to my clients are custom albums, a perfect way to showcase their story without saying a word.

In addition to custom-tailored photography sessions, I offer high-quality artwork for my clients to enjoy for years to come. My absolute favorite pieces of work are my albums – it’s a perfect way to show off your story without saying a word.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

For the longest time, I operated under the belief that I had to navigate every aspect of my business journey alone – from running my business to mastering the art of equine photography. It was a solitary pursuit, and while there was a sense of self-reliance, it often felt like an uphill battle.

The turning point came when I stumbled upon the equine photography community. Suddenly, I realized that I didn’t have to be a lone ranger in this passionate pursuit. There were like-minded individuals who not only shared my love for equine photography but were also willing to share their knowledge, experiences, and insights.

The impact of this discovery was profound. No longer did I have to grapple with every challenge on my own. The community became a source of learning, support, and camaraderie. Tasks that were once exhausting, like capturing the perfect shot of a horse and rider, became collaborative efforts. Having others to assist not only made the process more enjoyable but also elevated the quality of my work.

Even though it’s still a challenge to ask for help at times, the reassurance of knowing that a supportive community exists has been a game-changer. Whether seeking advice, learning from others’ experiences, or simply sharing the joys and struggles of this unique profession, the equine photography community has become an invaluable resource.

This shift from isolation to community has not only improved my craft but has also enriched my overall experience as a business owner. It’s a reminder that growth is often a collective effort, and the equine photography community has become an integral part of my journey, shaping not just my work but also my sense of connection and belonging within this passionate field.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In the dynamic world of military life, adaptability becomes a way of life. During my deployment, my team lived by the mantra “semper gumby” – always flexible because plans rarely unfolded as expected. This philosophy has echoed through every aspect of my life, especially when my husband’s active-duty commitments meant frequent relocations across the U.S.

Each move brought a unique set of challenges, especially immersing myself in different equestrian communities. Each region presented a unique equestrian lifestyle, necessitating adjustments in my approach to marketing and client communication. Initially, these constant changes were a source of frustrations. However, over time, I learned to embrace the challenge, realizing that each pivot was an opportunity for growth.

Adapting to diverse markets has not only broadened my understanding of the equestrian world, but has also made me a more resilient and versatile business owner. I’ve fine-tuned my marketing strategies, refined communication styles with clients, and developed a keen sense for identifying and seizing new opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.truluckphoto.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/@truluckphoto
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/@truluckphoto
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@truluckphoto

Image Credits
Profile photo by FoxTrot Equine Photography