Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirsten Hartzell.
Hi Kirsten , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I first started my business when I was in college in 2016 but didn’t decide to make a career path of it until 2020. Since then I have navigated the ups and downs of pursuing entrepreneurship and being in business for myself but I truly can’t imagine life another way. I worked at my full time job for about 6 months as I was I also working on getting my business off the ground and then found a part time position so I could dedicate more of my free time towards my business. In less than a year of working part time I was able to transition into solely working for myself and I haven’t looked back since.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would love to say it’s been easy but there’s so much additional stress and work that comes with running your own business. I always say the highs are high and the lows are the lowest of lows. I think the biggest thing is learning how to navigate your own shortcomings and eventually finding ways to make them your strengths. The only competition you have on this road is yourself which can be the hardest struggle of all. As someone who wants to give my all and pour my heart into everything I do, I have found myself sidetracked with other opportunities and passions on the way but I always come back to photography and documenting precious moments.
I think one of the biggest struggles leans into the subjectivity of art and how that ties into documenting peoples personal lives. Sometimes visions don’t always align and learning how to navigate that as a business owner and artist can be tricky. I think the best way to overcome that happens before we ever create together. I always work really hard to over-communicate with my couples, to truly understand their vision and who they are so I can align myself more with their dreams for their moments captured. I definitely learned the hard way over the years but those experiences have helped me so much in creating an amazing client experience.
We’ve been impressed with Kirsten Hartzell Photography, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I wholeheartedly believe that documenting life through photography is an essential need all of us possess because time has a funny way of blurring the edges of even our fondest memories.
I strive to document the world of each couple I serve through capturing the essence of their experience through photos you can feel, almost hear, smell, and touch. I want to unpack and observe the beauty of the souls I work with sincerely and honestly while documenting beautiful, wild, imperfect human connection.
Although I specialize in couples and weddings, I also offer boudoir photography during the winter months. I am based in Lancaster, PA but travel wherever my clients are inspired by to create work with them.
I think the thing that sets me apart is truly how much I care for my clients, their experience and vision. It’s a cornerstone of my brand and something I find my couples really connect with.
What does success mean to you?
For me, success is tied to freedom. Growing up my parents didn’t have traditional jobs, for a long time I thought I wanted something with more structure and when I finally had it, I knew it wasn’t for me. Seeing the freedom and flexibility my parents possessed was inspiring and as an adult I cherish being able to take a random day to unplug and go do something that inspires me. I think as my business has grown, and me alongside it, I find myself more willing to outsource things and truly focus on the aspects I love which in turn gives me so much more freedom to just live my life. That freedom and expression was what I craved in my structured 9-5 and I love having it. My goals shift year to year but I find that as long as I am pursuing the things that set me ablaze I feel like I am successful in what I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kirstenhartzellphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirstenhartzellphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirstenhartzellphoto
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kirstenhartzellphotography?si=eHzDKl79j-RaMhsU
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kirstenhartzellphoto?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcyou
Image Credits
Image 1 Venue: Harp & Crown Philly
Image 2 Venue & Catering: DiSalvo’s
Makeup: Lash by Keisha
Dj: DC Entertainment
Cake: Sprinkled Sweet Bakery
Dress: Rita Vinieris
Image 3 & 4
Planner: Briggs & Co
Catering: Epicurean Delight Catering
Entertainment: Neil Nicastro
Floral: McCarthy Flowers
HMU: Lavish Scranton
Transportation: The Limo Guy
Breakfast Boards: Bubbles and Brie
Sign Rentals: Borrowed Something Sign Rentals
Image 5
Venue: The Home Farm Barn
Videography team from: Dana Lynn Photos
Video Associates: Bad Media & Blk Swn Media
Bar: Bubbly Bartending LLC
Makeup: v.a.l.l.a_m.a.r.i.a
Dress: Lovely Bride Philly
Image 8
DJ: KC
Sound Video: treehouse
Creative Media
WCC: Gabri Behind the scenes
MUA: Oh Darling Makeup
Dress: In White Bridal