We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristi Pickel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristi below.

Hi Kristi, thanks for joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I have been full time with photography as my main income for about three years now. I initially started out doing photography on the side of my full time job and the dream was to be able to make this my full time income. I moved to Florida and actually was going to just put down the camera altogether, no more photo shoots. I was also burnt out in my corporate job and needed a change so I quit my job to take classes to learn how to code. Through conversations with others in the community I was encouraged to try photography in Florida. I had a friend visiting from another state and asked if I would take their family photos on the beach. That lit my fire and I decided to pursue photography (while still doing my coding classes). It took off and things went really well. One thing I wish I would have done from the beginning though is charged a living wage right from the start. That has slowed some growth, and would advise anyone just starting their photography career to charge a living wage and not just what someone else in the area is charging.

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

My love of photography started probably from the first time I got my first camera – which was film and we had to wait to get the film developed to see the photos. However I think that grew in high school when I got to actually develop my own film and prints. From there I did a year of college and then classes at New York Institute of Photography where I learned the basics of my camera and what it was capable of. Shortly after digital photography became the main thing and learning how to edit was the next skill to develop. Now I help families preserve their memories and milestones. It brings me so much joy to see their faces light up when they see their images and know that they will get that feeling of that time their session every time they walk by the photo hanging on their wall. I also have the privilege of helping small businesses/brands and entrepreneurs elevate their online presence. By capturing them as they are in their element showcasing the services or products they provide I help them attract their ideal client and increase their bottom line. Whether its families or a small business owner I pride myself in capturing someone authentically as they are. And if you are someone who thinks they are awkward in front of the camera, well… challenge accepted.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Knowing that I am helping someone else build their business with images that communicate and portray who they are to increase their sales. Knowing that I am just not pushing a button and going about my day but what I do impacts others for the better. It is so important for me to influence in a positive way. For families, I know I am giving the gift of time. Whether its a milestone such as a birth, graduation, marriage or just because – I am capturing those moments that will live on forever.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

For photographers, understand that it is just more than pushing a button. There is a lot of technical aspects that are at play of course, lighting, operating your camera to take a well exposed photo, how to pose, how to make someone feel relaxed in front of the camera but also the fact that we are freezing time. While everyone carries a nice camera with them every day in their pocket (their cell phone), when you hire a photographer you are hiring them for a service. You are hiring them for their expertise and knowledge. I can’t tell you how many times “wow I can’t believe my kids behaved for you!” or “they never smile, how did you do that?!” We are more than just taking those photos, we are providing a service and a good photographer will provide you an experience that you won’t forget. Know that those who charge more understand what it takes to run a sustainable business and understand that they are giving you more than just a photo but a true memory and moment in time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kristimariephotos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristi.marie.photos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristimariephotos81

Image Credits

All images are taken and owned by me Kristi Marie Photography, LLC