Hi Kristina , 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?

Yes, I’ve been able to earn a full-time living from my photography, but it definitely wasn’t like that from day one. It’s been a journey full of learning, growth, and intentional decisions that got me to where I am today.

I started out working as a studio manager for The I Do Photography for seven years, which gave me invaluable experience in the wedding industry. I learned not just about photography, but also about business operations, client communication, and workflow efficiency. That foundation was crucial when I launched Arch and Elm Photography three years ago. In the beginning, I balanced my business with other responsibilities, slowly building my client base and refining my style. I focused heavily on word-of-mouth marketing, vendor relationships, and creating a brand that felt personal and connected. It wasn’t an overnight success, but as I honed my craft and built trust with clients, inquiries became more consistent, and I was able to go full-time.

Some of the biggest turning points in my business were investing in professional branding and a website (shoutout to Kara at Palme Design Co.), focusing on SEO and blogging to attract clients organically, and refining my pricing and offerings to reflect the experience I provide. Building strong relationships with vendors and planners led to more referrals and higher-quality bookings, and running targeted Google Ads alongside gathering strong client reviews helped convert more leads into booked weddings.

Looking back, I think I could have reached full-time status faster if I had raised my prices sooner instead of undercharging in the early days, focused on SEO earlier rather than relying mostly on Instagram, and outsourced certain tasks like editing or admin work to free up time for business growth. That said, every step taught me something valuable, and I’m grateful for the journey. If you’re building a creative business, my biggest advice is to stay consistent, invest in relationships, and charge what you’re worth. It takes time, but it is possible!

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

I’m a wedding and elopement photographer based in Spokane, Washington but travel throughout the state along with Idaho and Montana, and my passion is capturing love stories in a way that feels natural, meaningful, and deeply personal. My journey into photography started long before I ever held a camera professionally. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, which led me to earn a degree in Art History from the University of Central Florida. Studying art taught me how images shape emotion and memory, and that perspective influences how I document wedding days—by focusing on the in-between moments, the quiet touches, and the genuine connections that make each love story unique.

Before launching *Arch and Elm Photography*, I spent seven years as a studio manager for *The I Do Photography*, where I gained hands-on experience in both the creative and business sides of the wedding industry. Those years were invaluable in shaping my approach and helping me build a strong foundation when I started my own business three years ago. Since then, I’ve had the honor of working with so many incredible couples, documenting not just their weddings but the connections, emotions, and fleeting moments they’ll cherish forever.

I specialize in wedding and elopement photography, offering full-day wedding coverage, intimate elopement packages, and engagement sessions. What sets me apart is the way I approach photography—not just as a service, but as an experience. I understand that being in front of the camera can feel intimidating, which is why my goal is always to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere where couples feel like themselves. My work is rooted in storytelling, natural interactions, and genuine emotion, so instead of stiff, overly posed images, my couples receive a collection of photographs that truly reflect who they are.

One of the biggest things I strive for is inclusivity. Love is love, and I want every couple to feel seen, valued, and celebrated when they work with me. Representation in wedding photography matters, and it means the world to me when couples tell me they feel comfortable, accepted, and understood in front of my lens.

What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Weddings are once-in-a-lifetime events, and it’s an incredible honor to be the person documenting those memories. I want potential clients to know that when they work with me, they’re not just hiring someone to take photos—they’re gaining a storyteller, a supporter, and someone who genuinely cares about capturing their love in a way that feels honest and timeless.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

At the heart of my creative journey is the mission to preserve love stories in a way that feels deeply personal, honest, and timeless. I believe that photography is more than just capturing beautiful images—it’s about documenting connection, emotion, and the little moments that might otherwise be forgotten. Weddings and elopements are filled with fleeting, unscripted interactions—the way a couple looks at each other during their vows, the quiet hand squeezes, the tearful embraces from loved ones. My goal is to ensure those moments are not only seen but felt every time my couples look back at their photos.

Beyond just creating beautiful images, inclusivity is a huge part of my mission. Love is love, and I want every couple to feel seen, valued, and celebrated when they step in front of my lens. Representation matters in wedding photography, and it’s important to me that my work reflects the diversity of love in all its forms.

At the end of the day, my goal is for my couples to look at their photos and see themselves—their real emotions, their unique connection, and the essence of their love story. I want my work to remind them, years from now, exactly how they felt on one of the most meaningful days of their lives.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building my reputation within the wedding photography market has been a combination of consistency, connection, and delivering an experience that goes beyond just taking beautiful photos. From the very beginning, I’ve focused on creating a brand that feels warm, intentional, and rooted in genuine storytelling.

One of the biggest factors in building my reputation has been the relationships I’ve cultivated—both with my clients and with other wedding vendors. Word-of-mouth referrals have been invaluable, and much of my work comes from past couples who had an incredible experience and shared my name with their engaged friends. Wedding planners, florists, and venues have also been key in recommending me to couples who align with my style and approach. I’ve always made it a priority to not just show up and do my job, but to be a supportive, professional, and easy-to-work-with presence throughout the entire wedding process.

Consistency in my work and messaging has also played a huge role. My brand reflects who I am—family-oriented, inclusive, and deeply invested in storytelling. From my website (thanks to Kara at Palme Design Co.) to my social media presence, I’ve made sure that couples know exactly what to expect from me: a relaxed, natural photography experience that captures their love authentically.

Another key factor has been SEO and blogging. By optimizing my website and creating content that speaks directly to engaged couples searching for a photographer, I’ve been able to reach more of my ideal clients. Investing in targeted Google Ads has also helped increase my visibility and attract couples who prioritize photography and meaningful connection in their wedding planning.

At the end of the day, I think my reputation has grown because I genuinely care about the couples I work with. I take the time to understand their vision, make them feel comfortable in front of the camera, and deliver images that feel like them. My goal is always to provide more than just photos—I want to give my couples an experience that makes them feel seen, valued, and excited to relive their love story for years to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.archandelm.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archandelmphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArchandElmPhotography