Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Krista Reynolds. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Krista, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Taking the risk to start my business is definitely the first risk of many that I have taken. I had a good full time job and was doing photography on the side. We had just had our first child, so life was a little crazy. I had been photographing since 2007 and it was now 2011. My business had gotten bigger and was continuing to grow.
A few days after returning to work from maternity leave. I walked into my bossed Office and put in my two week notice. I then called my husband on my lunch break and told him what I dd. I wanted to pursue my business full time and stay home with our daughter.
Now, I don’t recommend doing this without talking about it over with your spouse. However, he was pretty great about it. He simply said “ok, if that’s what you want to do.”
Two weeks later I walked out of my 40 hour a week job and have never gone back.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I started my photography business in 2007 after a long love for still photography. Think dark rooms and all. You could find me developing my prints after school in high school and college. I also did a science project on the art of black and white photography in 4th grade. I never could have dreamed that it would turn into my actual carrier.
Over the years I have branded myself as a wedding and family photographer. Receiving multiple awards, acolyte’s, magazine and blog articles featuring my work and my beautiful clients!
In the past few years I have cut back on the amount of weddings that I will take. Our summer months here in Minnesota are so short and I found myself missing a lot of family time over the years. Also, as our kids have gotten older they have multiple activities and tournaments that I don’t want to miss. So, I currently only take a few weddings a year.
I mainly focus on product, branding and family photography now. I have really enjoyed this shift. It has allowed me to meet so many amazing people and to take my time in being creative. I love getting to know other entrepreneurs and hear all about their brands and products.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Resilience is such a big word when It comes to running your own business. I feel like being a creative comes with so much resilience everyday. The biggest challenge I can look back on though was when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
I vividly remember that I was shooting in Colorado, at Garden of the Gods. When I was having a conversation with my mom about how I had a small lump that was bothering me in my chest. When I got home I made an appointment that changed the trajectory of our lives.
I was quickly diagnosed with Breast Cancer and had to pivot my entire business to prepare for surgeries and treatments.
During that time thought, I never missed a wedding! And even though the finance part of it all was really scary, we made it through.
Now little mishaps don’t really bother me. No matter what life throws at us we can handle it.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding part of what I do is literally freezing moments in time. The joy I get when my clients show off their photos and websites is euphoric!
I also can’t tell you how special it is to have clients reach out and tell me how amazing their images are after their wedding days and that they will chairs the moment that I captured for generations to come. That is priceless.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kristareynoldsphotography.com
- Instagram: @kristareynolds.photography
- Facebook: Krista Reynolds Photography & Co
