We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Krista Prince a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Krista, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?

When I first ventured into the world of wedding photography, I had this apprehension about sharing my business on Instagram. There was this nagging fear of being ridiculed, and for a while, I kept it under wraps. Interestingly, Meta had different plans and recommended my business to my family within just 30 minutes of its creation.

In the early days, all I had to rely on was word of mouth. To build my portfolio and gain some initial traction, I decided to offer free photo shoots to my close friends and immediate family. It was a win-win situation – they got quality services without the price tag, and I got the much-needed exposure.

As my business grew, I found a way to navigate the delicate balance of involving friends and family while maintaining a sustainable business model. I created three circles to categorize my relationships. The first circle includes my immediate family and closest friends, for whom I happily offer free services. The second circle involves friends and family outside the inner circle, and I extend a discount to show my appreciation for our connection.

It’s interesting how the dynamics of relationships can influence business decisions. Over time, I’ve come to realize that real friends and family appreciate the value of my work and are more than willing to pay for my services. It’s a shift in mindset that becomes crucial as the business matures.

This journey, from hiding my business out of fear to now having a structured approach to pricing based on relationships, has taught me a lot. It’s about finding that balance between building a supportive network and ensuring the sustainability of my passion.

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?

I’m Krista, a wedding photographer with a passion for capturing joy and creating sessions that reflect the sunny and bright aspects of life – just like my friends would describe me. As the youngest sister among four girls, I’ve always been immersed in creativity (and, of course, sharing my clothes with my sisters).

What I love most is infusing that creativity and fun into my photography sessions, and I feel incredibly fortunate to turn my passion into a daily job. My journey into the world of photography began under the guidance of my oldest sister, a seasoned professional photographer. Watching her edit, mastering poses, and honing my craft has been a thrilling experience.

Originally from Huntsville, Alabama, my love story with my husband Conner started in middle school – yes, we’re middle school sweethearts! After six years in the Army, Conner and I decided to explore new possibilities and moved back to Birmingham, Alabama, where we spent much of our college days. And, I can’t forget to mention that I’m a proud dog person, with a special place in my heart for my sweet puppy Theodore.

What sets me apart in the world of photography is not just the ability to take a good photo – it’s the way I connect with my clients and engage with guests on their special day, especially during weddings. My photography services encompass weddings, engagements, family portraits, senior sessions, and personal branding.

One of my proudest achievements is building my business from the ground up, achieving a six-figure income within the first five years while managing it as a side hustle. I pour my heart into every session, ensuring that each moment is not just captured but cherished for a lifetime. What I want potential clients and followers to know is that beyond delivering stunning photographs, I bring a personal touch and vibrant energy to every shoot, making the experience as memorable as the images themselves. And, of course, my love for Dr. Pepper is unmatched!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Certainly! The story of building my audience on social media has been a journey of organic growth, cultivated little by little over time. One pivotal strategy that significantly contributed to this growth was embracing the trends of reels and TikToks. Consistency played a key role; being dedicated to regular posting and the occasional stroke of luck with a few viral videos certainly didn’t hurt (laughs).

Engagement groups within my local community on Instagram were a game-changer. These groups operate on a mutual support system where members like and comment on each other’s posts. It not only boosts visibility but also fosters a sense of community. This proved to be an effective way to connect with like-minded individuals and expand my reach within my target audience.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to stay consistent with your posting schedule. Whether it’s sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, client stories, or the latest trends in your industry, consistency builds trust and keeps your audience engaged. Don’t shy away from embracing new features like reels and TikToks – these short-form videos have a way of catching attention and can go a long way in expanding your reach.

Engaging with your community is crucial. Joining local engagement groups or broader communities within your niche can provide valuable exposure. Remember, it’s not just about showcasing your work; it’s about building connections and adding value to your audience’s experience.

Lastly, authenticity is key. Share your journey, your passion, and the personality behind your brand. People connect with real stories, and authenticity can set you apart in a crowded digital space.

Building a social media presence is indeed a marathon, not a sprint. Stay committed, adapt to the evolving landscape, and most importantly, enjoy the process of connecting with your audience.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

In addition to word of mouth, another key source of new clients for me is active participation in several wedding-related Facebook groups. These online communities provide a platform to connect with engaged couples, share my portfolio, and engage in conversations about wedding planning. Being part of these groups not only expands my online presence but also allows me to offer advice, showcase my expertise, and establish myself as a trusted professional within the wedding industry.

These groups serve as dynamic forums where couples often seek recommendations for wedding vendors, including photographers. By actively participating in discussions and sharing my work, I’ve been able to generate interest and inquiries from couples who are actively planning their weddings. The digital landscape has become a significant space for wedding planning, and these Facebook groups have proven to be a valuable channel for reaching and connecting with potential clients.

So, between word of mouth, vendor events, and my involvement in wedding-focused online communities, I’ve been able to create a multifaceted approach to attracting new clients and establishing a strong presence in the wedding photography market.

Contact Info:

• Website: Kristasuzanne.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristasuzannephotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birminghamalphotographer

Image Credits
Krista Suzanne Photography