Today we’d like to introduce you to Karissa Lupton.
Hi Karissa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For as long as I can remember I’ve had a camera in my hand, and was an active part of the yearbook club in high school. It wasn’t until 2017 when I got my first Canon Rebel T6 that I decided I wanted to start a photography business. Since 2017 I have put in countless hours of perfecting my craft, which has led me to 2024-25 and my most successful year thus far. There have been many trials and tribulations during my photography business owner journey, but each lesson has made me stronger and resilient.
The one thing that I am most proud of in my business that I have been able to do is leave my full time job as a police officer and focus on this business full time now. It has taken me 7 years to be comfortable with this decision, but it truly was worth the wait.
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?
As most entrepreneurs the road has not been smooth. Every difficult experience—whether it’s overcoming personal struggles, facing unexpected obstacles, or learning to cope with loss or disappointment—pushes us to grow, adapt, and evolve in ways that we might not initially understand or appreciate. If life were always easy, there wouldn’t be much room for personal development or resilience.
It’s often the hard parts of life that shape our character, teach us new skills, and deepen our capacity for empathy and understanding. Struggles can help us build patience, tolerance, and wisdom, even if they seem overwhelming at the time.
Life is complex and ever-changing, so even when one chapter feels like it’s going smoothly, other areas can bring up unexpected challenges. Embracing this uncertainty can help you stay open to the lessons and growth that each moment has to offer, even when it’s tough. Having the ability to stay resilient through the tough times will make you that much better of an entrepreneur in any field.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a photographer, my focus is on capturing moments that tell stories. It can be anything from the quiet intimacy between two people, the grandeur of nature, or the raw emotion in a fleeting moment. I specialize in documentary-style and portrait photography, blending authenticity with artistry. My aim is to create images that not only represent the subject but also evoke feelings and provoke thought.
As for what I’m known for, many people appreciate my ability to tell a story with my images, and the personable connection they get when they book me as their photographer. I love finding beauty in unexpected places and turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. I’m also known for my ability to capture authenticity in portraits—ensuring that even posed shots feel candid and alive.
I’m most proud of the way my work has evolved over time, and the ability for someone to spot my images. I’ve always been drawn to the way light, shadow, and human emotion intersect, and I feel that I’ve been able to refine my ability to capture those moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Ultimately, what I aim to do through photography is offer people a way to pause, reflect, and experience moments of beauty, joy, or even melancholy in a new light. Each frame is a way to honor life’s fleeting nature. That’s what keeps me inspired and driven.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
As everyone knows, AI is the biggest thing in our world today. I feel like with the changing technology we will see a huge change in the future with AI.
AI tools are already influencing photography, and over the next decade, I believe they’ll become even more integrated. From automatic image enhancement to intelligent subject recognition and even AI-generated photography, the line between human-created and AI-created art may blur. For photographers, this could mean using AI tools for faster editing or creating unique styles, but it will also raise questions around authenticity and creativity.
There may be a deeper division between “traditional” photography and AI-driven content. While AI may handle certain aspects of technical work, human creativity and the emotional aspect of photography will remain essential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.photographswithriss.com
- Instagram: photographswithriss
- Facebook: Photographs with Riss
- LinkedIn: Karissa Luptom
Image Credits
Photographs with Riss