We were lucky to catch up with Christine Harris recently and have shared our conversation below.

Christine, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I attempted to learn photography many times through classes and workshops, but it never stuck.  It wasn’t until I started playing that I finally grasped it.  I learned how to use a camera and take portraits by photographing flowers on my dining room table. Through an online creative community, I navigated Lightroom and Photoshop by making cards, calendars, and all kinds of projects. It’s an ongoing practice and I learn something new every day.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Originally from Los Angeles, I was a stay-at-home mom until I relocated to Upstate New York at 50.  While raising a family, my creative outlets were cooking, entertaining, gardening, and decorating.  As the girls got older, I started traveling to Europe. I wrote and photographed those trips and eventually blogged about them. I thought I would end up living in Italy and writing about my life living abroad, but after a summer working in Florence, I realized I didn’t want to be that far from my college-aged daughters and my family in LA.  Where to go?

I always longed for seasons and a smaller community.  Being around art was important too.  During a visit to a friend’s farm in Upstate New York, I knew I was home.  The quirky town of Sharon Springs, NY, home to Beekman 1802 and many former NYC actors, musicians, and singers, is where I found instant community.  Soon into my visit, I had purchased the first home I owned by myself and returned to LA to pack up and begin a new life.  The little cottage just off Main Street had a bonus building next to it, an artist’s studio.  I was in awe of the building and dreamed of what might happen there.  I never dreamt it would become a photography studio where I would later run a portrait business.

Moving was the beginning of a new chapter and I had no idea what I was going to do for a career.  I was interested in photography and design and thought I might go back to school to pursue something in that field. Although I had always taken photographs, portrait photography hadn’t crossed my mind.  I took candids and pictures of my travels. The turning point came when I was invited to take 100 portraits for a community art project. In preparation, I studied how to direct people and make them feel comfortable.  I quickly discovered that I loved connecting with people from behind the lens and that portraiture was my calling.  That night, I purchased a professional camera and enrolled in an online photography course. That was post-Covid, limiting how much I could practice on people.  That’s when I turned to flowers and creating cards and calendars.  Surprisingly, those flower images were exhibited in three gallery shows soon after.  Alongside photographing people, I now have a line of cards and calendars featuring my flower photography.

Today at 56, I run a portrait photography business out of the studio next to my home.  My niche lies in capturing a person’s authentic personality. Connecting with people and building a rapport during their session is reflected in their images – a result of meaningful conversations where they feel truly seen and heard. I incorporate lots of movement and candid shots, which resonate most with my clients.  I believe with my age comes a freedom to create what inspires.  Although I’ve studied the rules of lighting and posing and what makes a proper portrait, I was drawn to a more natural and less posed image.

Currently, I am working on the 50 Women Project, an incredibly rewarding campaign. The majority of women are in midlife and beyond and each woman’s story adds a wonderful dimension to the project.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

My most valuable stream of new clients came from serving on two local art councils. Involvement in projects throughout the area has been a great way of meeting people and establishing a name for myself in the community. As a new photographer, it has helped with learning what other people are doing in the art world.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the connection it fosters. Whether it’s working with clients during a photoshoot or gathering for an exhibit, there’s always a connection element. Putting your work out opens the door for communication and if you embrace that, it can be very fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bychristineharris.com
• Instagram: @by_christineharris