We recently connected with Christina Couture and have shared our conversation below.

Christina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in the arts. I grew up in a very artistic household, my mother created some of the most beautiful paintings and sculptures that were displayed in our house. My father was a photojournalist in the army and an incredible singer and musician. Growing up as a kid my father would constantly record us kids playing and putting on shows for the whole family. My sisters and I loved making home movies where our imagination had no limits for what we could create. When I was 7 my mom bought me my first film camera and I fell in love with capturing moments in my little life and the world around me like my father did with us kids. In highschool and college I studied and explored all types of mediums and decided that Photography was what I always felt the most called to do. I love capturing a moment and telling a story through the lens, there’s no other feeling like it.

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?

Well I guess like many other self taught artists, I really got started just by experimenting. I would bring my camera with me everywhere I went, I started building my portfolio by taking photos of my friends, family, peers, or just anyone who would let me honestly. I got my first paid gig when I was 22, my friend who had modeled for me recommended me to a couple who was getting married and everything really took off from there. My work is very diverse, but I Specialize in concept, portrait and performace photography. My work is very detailed and cinematic. I always try to get to know my clients personality and taste as much as possible before a shoot. I see myself as not just a photographer but a creative director. I always try to capture the character of my subject not just the person. Every single part of my work is important for the creative vision, from the outfit, the lighting, the hair, the makeup, location, color theory and so on. The amount of detail and thought that goes into making a movie and setting up the scene, is the same that I do with each of my photoshoots.

It is so important that the client feels comfortable seen and well represented in my work. In a world where so many people of color and other minority groups are being silenced Its important that as an artist and story teller that everyone feels like their voice is being heard and they feel correctly represented in the work that we do. I started doing photo-interviews on my Website during the pandemic and have been continuing recently with some amazing creatives and visionaries. My goal is to shine the light on individuals who the hetero/white media would not normally give the spotlight to. I’m working on some other great projects that people can see on my website and socials very soon.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I mean there are so many, but probably creating something out of nothing. When you have this idea in your mind and you are able to use your skills, passion and time to bring that idea to life, something so unique to you, that can connect with some many others. Its so incredible the pride and satisfaction that comes from that is unlike anything else. It makes life worth living.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

That the more technical knowledge you have on your craft or medium, the better artist you are. Oh man was that a lie. When I studied photography and fine arts in school I came in contact with some instructors and students who knew so much about different techniques, were always caught up on the lasted theories, and had the latest and best gear. On paper these people were the best photographers, painters, and sculptors but looking that there work it lacked life and originality. Their photos would blend in with a million others and their was nothing special about it. Art is about rebellion, knowing when and how to break the rules, creating your vision and self expression. Its for the artist first and the viewer second. Focusing solely on Technicality was holding me back for the longest time from developing my own style and being truly happy and confident in my craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.christinacouturephotography.com
• Instagram: @christinacouturephotography
• Facebook: C.M.Couture

Image Credits
Photo of Christina Couture shot by Emily Santos. All other photos shot by Christina Couture.