We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristin Sonnier. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristin below.

Kristin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To succeed as a concert photographer, you need technical skills, creativity, networking, perseverance, a strong portfolio, professionalism, marketing savvy, and a commitment to continuous learning.

The struggle as a woman in the concert photography industry involves overcoming gender biases, navigating male-dominated spaces, facing unequal opportunities, and combating stereotypes. Women often have to work harder to prove themselves, advocate for equal treatment, and establish their presence in the field.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I began my journey with portrait photography, drawn to capturing special moments and artistic expressions. Over the years, my passion for photography has led me to immerse myself in festivals and concerts, where I’ve longed to contribute to the creation of lasting memories for both myself and others.

I’ve had the privilege of photographing artists such as Teminite, Svdden Death, Al Ross, Dirtyphonics, Koven, Stylust P, UZ, Yakz, and many other talented performers at my local venues here in Seattle.

Continuously refining my brand, many recognize my work for its bold and vividly contrasted editing style. While I appreciate black and white photography, my standout pieces often stem from capturing the dynamic stage productions.

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

Networking and seizing opportunities have been crucial for propelling my career and expanding my clientele. In today’s competitive media landscape, it’s essential to seize every opportunity and actively seek out new work. Connecting with artists’ management teams, engaging with local promoters and venues, and collaborating with fellow photographers are effective strategies for increasing visibility and establishing a presence in the industry.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

My journey began in 2009 when I received my first DSLR, a Canon T1i Rebel, as a Christmas gift. Over time, I’ve upgraded my gear, and I now work with a Sony Alpha A74. The decision to upgrade was driven by the need for better low-light performance, higher resolution, and faster processing times. In a competitive industry, having the right equipment is crucial for standing out, although acquiring it can be a significant financial investment. I worked extra hard, booking smaller gigs and putting in overtime at my 9-5 job, to save up for these tools. Despite the challenges, I knew it would be worth it and would greatly contribute to my progress.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://prettylightsmedia.com/
• Instagram: https://prettylightsmedia.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/HQABYQNsJyBwXoJ1/?mibextid=WC7FNe
• Twitter: https://x.com/prettylightsm?s=21