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

Christine, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

When people ask me if I love my job, my answer is always a big, enthusiastic “YES!” But it wasn’t always this way—back when I was just starting out, I worked as a bartender alongside building my career. Every shift at the bar came with the inevitable “Is this your real job?” question. I’d smile and say, “Yes, but I’m also a photographer,” which usually opened up a whole new can of worms. Not everyone sees photography as a “real” job. And that’s okay—it’s taken me 15 years (10 of those full-time) to know otherwise confidently.
Sure, I could take a more traditional route. Maybe I’d have a steady paycheck, more consistent benefits, and affordable healthcare. But here’s the thing—nothing else makes me as happy as being my own boss and doing what I love. Absolutely nothing.
As a kid, I used to sit at the family computer, setting up pretend businesses and imagining myself running the show. Fast forward to today, and here I am—living out my childhood dream as a full-time photographer. It’s hard, rewarding, unpredictable, and oh-so-fulfilling. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

If you’re chasing your dream—whether that’s photography or something totally different—keep at it. It’s not always easy, and not everyone will “get it,” but believe me, staying true to your passion is worth it. Here’s to following your heart and calling the shots!

Christine, 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’m a wedding, elopement, and portrait photographer based just outside Madison, Wisconsin, and I get to do this amazing work alongside the love of my life—my right-hand man and biggest cheerleader. Together, we make capturing life’s most beautiful moments an unforgettable experience.
Over the years, I’ve had the honor of photographing more than 200 weddings, thousands of families, and countless brands. Helping people tell their stories and watching businesses come to life online through photography? It truly is the best gig out there.

What sets me apart (and what I’m most proud of) is my ability to make people feel completely at ease in front of the camera. Nervous about those stiff poses or fake smiles? Forget about it—you’ll feel so natural, you might even forget I’m there… and honestly, that’s exactly the magic I love to capture.

Whether I’m photographing the love between two people, the laughter within a family, or milestones that deserve to be celebrated, I’m all about freezing those memories in time. For me, it’s not just about delivering stunning photos—it’s about showing up as your bonus friend who just so happens to be carrying a really rad camera. Together, we create something greater than just an image. We create memories.

Living in the Madison area, I adore connecting with local families, couples planning their dream weddings, and pretty much anyone chasing their creative or entrepreneurial goals.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

During the early days of Covid, when business took a big hit, Justin and I had to think on our feet. With large gatherings on hold but couples still eager to tie the knot, we noticed a surprising gap—there weren’t enough officiants to meet the demand. So, what did we do? We both got ordained! Yup, we officially added “wedding officiant” to our résumés.

To keep things going—and add a personal touch—we came up with a new offering: a wedding collection that included one of us officiating the ceremony. It felt like coming full circle, bringing us back to the small, intimate weddings that we loved when starting out. That pivot not only kept us in business but also reinforced why we do what we do—telling love stories in meaningful, creative ways.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When I started, I was a server and bartender, hustling every shift and tucking away every dollar I earned into my dream. I chose not to take out a loan—it wasn’t the path for me. Instead, I rolled up my sleeves and worked harder than I thought possible to bring my business to life. It wasn’t glamorous, it wasn’t easy, but it was worth every late night, every sacrifice, and every drop of sweat. Looking back now, those years built more than just my business—they built the grit and determination I carry with me every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.naturalintitionphoto.com
• Instagram: @naturalintuitionphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturalintuitionphoto

Image Credits

All images by Natural Intuition Photography