We were lucky to catch up with Karissa Soto recently and have shared our conversation below.

Karissa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us 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?

I can wholeheartedly say that I am happier as a business owner. I have definitely thought about what it would be like to have a full time consistent job working for someone else, but that thought has never lasted long. Being a business owner can be really challenging at times and I have had my fair share of tears. I remember specifically, about a year ago, I was really struggling with booking clients and figuring out the direction I wanted to take my photography. How was I going to make a living and be comfortable? I didn’t come from a wealthy family and I have always dreamt of being independent financially and being able to provide for myself. Being able to make a living from photography had always felt like a distant dream.
In those moments when I would spiral or get down about the growth that I wasn’t yet achieving, having a strong support system is really what got me through it. My girlfriend has continually reminded me when I needed it, that I am more than capable to achieve my dreams and I just need to continue to be consistent and work hard. It may sound cliche, but truly no one gets to where they want to be without putting in the work.
I’ve learned that you really have to believe in YOU. The only person holding you back is yourself.

Karissa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, I’m Kari! I am a wedding photographer based out of Fredericksburg, TX.
I have been photographing couples since 2019 and it is truly the best job ever.

I bought my first camera from a friend because I wanted to take better pictures for instagram, haha! I then started taking pictures of friends and family and doing tons of work for free. After I had my first couples session, it felt so natural to me and I knew that that’s what I wanted to pursue.

My heart for my couples is for them to feel completely taken care of, understood, seen and celebrated!
Inclusivity is at the heart of everything that I do and EVERYONE is welcome with me. The last thing that any couple should have to worry about when looking for vendors, is if the vendor will even serve them because of who they love. Love is Love!

When a couple reaches out to me I love spending some time getting to know them and for us to make sure that we resonate with each other. I am not just your photographer but I am here to be your friend, your biggest fan, your guidance, and your calm if things get a little hectic on your wedding day.

I am really proud of how well I take care of my clients and how comfortable I make them feel. I truly truly care about each and every person that I get to serve and I put my heart and soul into giving them the best experience imaginable.
Need vendor recommendations because you’re overwhelmed with options? You bet I’m sending you vendors that I trust like makeup artists, florists, planners, DJ’s, rental services, bridal shops and whatever else you need!
Not sure which location to choose from for your engagement session? I’ve already got a location guide ready to send your way.
You live out of town and you need me to scope out your venue? I will be there ready to facetime you so I can take you along.

Anyone who books a couples session with me or chooses me to document their wedding can expect for real, authentic and genuine moments to be captured. You do not have to worry about cheesy poses, or photos that simply don’t feel like your relationship was captured in its true essence. Everyone’s story and relationship is different; let’s work together to capture the beauty of YOUR story.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the biggest reasons why I am so passionate about inclusivity in my life and in my work is because of my own personal journey. I am a queer woman and my life has completely changed over the past two years after I came out to my family and the people who used to be close to me. I’ve honestly had to start from the ground up.
I moved from my home state of FL to be with my partner here in TX. I packed up my car with my belongings, having no idea what was ahead of me. I did not have a steady job, I was only barely starting to get serious about photography but I didn’t have all of the tools that I needed to succeed. At this point, I felt completely abandoned by the support system I once had, including my parents.
Since then I have been able to go to therapy and unpack all of the trauma I have experienced. I have made new friends and have surrounded myself with people who love me for me. I have worked so hard, and I am seeing the growth not only in myself but in my business as well.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I wouldn’t have been so timid to reach out to other photographers and creatives in my area! There is so much education out there that is available to us and it is so valuable, but I do not think that I would be the photographer that I am today had I not second shot with other wedding photographers. Nothing compares to being able to work in the industry and learning from a seasoned wedding photographer. I am a huge believer of community over competition and connecting with other incredible creatives has only made me become a better photographer.

Contact Info:

• Website: karicreativephotography.com
• Instagram: @karicreativephotography
• Other: Email: Karicreativephotography@gmail.com

Image Credits
Kari Creative Photography