We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christina Percario. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christina below.
Christina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
When I started to pursue photography, I never imagined it would grow into what it has become today. I thought “I will just have fun with it,” so I didn’t take much time to think about the business side of things like my brand or my mission. As I have been learning more and more throughout this year and growing into the photographer I am today, I have realized how important those aspects of my business truly are. I like to think that even without putting much conscious thought into my brand and mission, I have effortlessly conveyed them by building my business around being authentically myself. I would say that my mission is to make people FEEL when working with me; feel warm and welcomed, feel excited and in love, feel beautiful and seen. This is my mission with everything, not just with my photography. As a teacher it is my mission to make my students feel this way, as a friend, as a neighbor, as a daughter… my mission is always to make people feel happy when they are around me, and that holds true with my business as well.
Christina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a 29 year old photographer living in Charleston, SC! I am a teacher as well, and also a dog mom, a daughter, sister, friend, partner, the list goes on and on as one label can never truly define a person! Honing in on photography though, what got me into it was a desire to create and connect. My whole life I have always thought of myself a certain type of way, never allowing myself to step outside of that box. “Oh I am not good enough I could never…” So last Christmas, I bought a camera and challenge myself to see what I could do…. and it was the best decision of my life! I have really spent this year learning what niche I am most passionate about, and have had the most incredible experiences and met the most beautiful people along the way. I’ve learned I love to focus on people and their love: the love between a couple who has just gotten engaged, the love between a mother who is carrying her first child, the love new parents have for their baby. I am so proud of what I have accomplished so far with my clients and am excited to see all I can do in the future.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Instagram has been a game changer for me! There are SO many talented photographers to connect with at my fingertips and I have recently really started taking advantage of that. I don’t know if I was intimidated or embarrassed before, but I never reached out to any of the photographers who inspire me. Lately I have been messaging so many of them, spreading admiration and asking for advice, and I have been met with SUCH kindness! I wish I had done so sooner!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I would say I had to unlearn what my idea of a photographer or even an artist was. I always had this notion that some people are just better than others, and one day I will get to that level. While I do think that time and experience are important, art and photography is really just all about someones own personal style. You could have 100 photographers at the same location taking the same photo, and each of them would turn out completely different, because each photographer has their own unique style. It isn’t about “who is better than who,” it is about “wow, I really love this photographers style, they fit my vibe so well!”
Contact Info:
- Website: christinaleighphotos.com
- Instagram: christinaleighphotos