Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristen Perrine. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Kristen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

One of my favorite parts of photography is making my clients feel comfortable and confident. I once had a senior who was incredibly shy and nervous about being in front of the camera. Instead of rushing through poses, I took the time to talk, laugh, and make them feel at ease. By the end of the session, they were completely relaxed, and their mom later told me it was the most confident they had seen their teen in a long time. That’s when I realized—success isn’t just about taking great photos; it’s about making people feel seen and valued.

What’s even more rewarding is that a lot of the clients I had in my first year of business have returned year after year. It’s an honor to capture their families as they grow, and in many ways, I feel like I’ve become a part of their story. I’m also incredibly grateful for my clients who value my work and continue to support my business. Success isn’t just about numbers or income—it’s about relationships, trust, and being able to capture people’s most cherished moments.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a family and senior photographer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with a heart for storytelling through my lens! I believe that every moment—big or small—is worth celebrating. Whether it’s your teen’s high school graduation, welcoming a newborn, or simply a cozy Saturday with your little ones, I’m here to capture the joy, love, and connection that make your family unique.

I absolutely love photographing families through every stage of life. I’m not afraid to get down on the ground for that perfect shot of your little one’s giggles or hike through a field to chase that dreamy golden-hour glow. My goal? To create images that are fun, joyful, and authentic.

Growing up, my mom always took photos of our family—on vacations, during special occasions, and in everyday moments with friends and loved ones. As I’ve gotten older, I treasure looking back on those memories, but I wish my mom was in more of the photos with us. That’s why I became a photographer! I want you to be in the photos with your family, soaking in every moment.

My photography journey first began when I picked up my first camera at 14. I fell in love with capturing nature, landscapes, and all the little details most people overlook. While I still adore photographing the beauty of the outdoors, my true passion now lies in capturing the people in it—helping my clients preserve their most cherished moments so they can relive them for years to come.

When I’m not behind the camera capturing amazing moments or in front of my computer editing, you’ll find me spending time with my husband and our adorable Corgi, Kipper, exploring nature, tending to my many houseplants, or singing my heart out at a concert.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Ever since I was a pre-teen, I knew I wanted to be a professional photographer—I just wasn’t sure what that would look like. My love for photography started with nature photography, but over time, my sister would ask me to take her family photos, and I realized I enjoyed portraits way more than I expected! I took photography classes in high school, minored in Photography in college, and found myself constantly taking photos for my friends and their friends.

Fast forward to October 2020—my husband and I moved from Mankato to Lakeville for his new job, and that move completely changed everything for me. Suddenly, I saw a real opportunity to turn my photography hobby into a full-time career, especially now that we lived in a more populated area. By December, I was deep in research mode, figuring out how to officially start a business. I found my first photography mentor (which was a game-changer!), and by January 2021, Kristen Elizabeth Photography was officially born!

From there, I hit the ground running. I poured my heart and soul into growing my business, and after two years of hard work, I was able to leave my 9-5 office job in March 2023 to become a full-time photographer. It’s been the best decision ever! Every session, every client, every milestone—it all makes me so grateful that I took the leap. I truly love what I do and couldn’t imagine doing anything else!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I truly believe my reputation has grown because of two key things: the experience I provide and the relationships I build with my clients. From the very beginning, I wanted Kristen Elizabeth Photography to be more than just beautiful photos—I wanted it to be a fun, stress-free, and memorable experience for every client.

For my seniors, I take the time to get to know them—their interests, personalities, and what makes them so special—so their photos truly reflect who they are. For families, I focus on capturing their real connections, the love and laughter they share, and the little moments that make their relationships special.

Because of this, so many of my clients come back year after year, and they tell their friends about me! Word-of-mouth has been HUGE for my business, and it means the world to me when clients say they felt comfortable, had fun, and love their photos.

On top of that, I’ve worked hard to showcase my work consistently, whether that’s through social media, my website, or blogging about my sessions. Staying visible and sharing not just my photos, but also my personality and process, has helped me connect with the right clients—the ones who value an authentic and joyful photography experience.

Another huge part of my growth has been mentorship. My first year in business, I had the help of a few amazing photography mentors who guided me and gave me the confidence to grow. They each taught me something different about what it’s like to run a photography business. Because of their support, I now offer mentoring for photographers—whether someone is just starting out or looking to level up their business. No matter what stage someone is at, learning and growing is key, and it’s always helpful to have someone in your corner to bounce ideas off of. I love helping other photographers find their confidence and build a business they’re proud of!

At the end of the day, I want my clients to feel like they’re working with a friend, not just a photographer—and I want photographers I mentor to feel the same level of support. That’s been the biggest factor in building my reputation, and I’m so grateful for this journey!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kristenelizabethphotography.co/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/kristenelizabethphoto
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/kristenelizabethphotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kristen-elizabeth-photography
• Other: Second Instagram Account: https://instagram.com/kristenelizabethphoto.seniors

Image Credits

Kristen Elizabeth Photography