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

Christin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

I think the biggest challenge to profitability in photography is courage to ask for what you’re worth. Especially when starting out, asking friends and family for their willingness to “let” you do a portrait session, grad session, what have you. Most start off not charging at all. Then as you grow, you start charging, but sometimes clients get used to your low prices and you feel conflicted.
Especially when buying more gear to up your game, you want to start charging more.

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

I grew up around cameras, and people taking pictures. I developed the love for photography very young, I took some sort of camera on every trip, and even just took pictures around the house.
As I got older, and started going more places, I started becoming interested in landscape and wildlife photography and really honing my craft. I learned some Photoshop and Lightroom and photography techniques, which furthered my excitement to try new things, so I also did family portraits, grad sessions, headshots, and assisted in a wedding. The positive feedback I’ve always received grows my confidence. I of course like to edit, but my style is just improving on the original-composition, colors, light. I don’t like to edit heavily, as I feel that takes way from the authenticity of the subject.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative, or an artist, is being called that, and learning to believe it. I didn’t grow up thinking that or hearing that, and through my photography journey, I’ve learned that I am, and that makes me proud.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I think non-creatives may not understand the passion we have for our art and how we see the world differently. I know non creatives who may look at a blurry phone sunset photo and think it’s great, and not see that a DSLR sunset photo edited and bursting with beautiful colors and light is well, just better. They may not understand the value in capturing special moments with family, and leave an event never having taken a single picture. They may not understand why we may need to pull over on the side of the road because there’s an amazing shot just needing to be taken.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: christinmdk