We recently connected with Kristina Couturier and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kristina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?
My mom is my hero. My mom was truly the best person I have ever known. She was courageous, kind, positive, and had such a strong faith. She was my best friend. She passed away when I was 13 years old from Leukemia. She battled it for many years and never gave up. She always put others before herself, even when she was sick in the hospital. When I was about 5 years old my mom was hospitalized. My aunt, uncle, and cousins stayed at our house to watch me while she was away. Before my mom was admitted to the hospital, she loaded up her closet with presents for us. Every day my cousins and I got to go in the closet and pick a gift from it that my mom had bought for us. Another amazing thing my mom did for others is while she was in remission, she volunteered for the Make-A-Wish foundation and helped grant kids their wish. She also volunteered for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Team in Training. She ran marathons, helped raise money for the LLS, and spoke at Regattas to tell her story. She was often The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Honored Hero. My mom lived her life to the fullest. As I grow up, I see how easy it is for people to become bitter and mad at the world. My mom could have easily done that, but instead though all the battles, she continued to have hope and be positive. I’ve learned so much from my wonderful mom- to always be kind, be positive, have hope, care for others, and have faith. She lived out these things every single day and I strive to do these things every day as well. Life is too short and every day counts, so we should always try to make today a great day! With photography all of these things are very important. I’ve been told I’m very bubbly and positive, and I believe this makes for great photoshoots. It puts my client’s at ease and allows all of us to have a great time during the shoot! Being kind and caring also makes for a great session. I truly care about all of my clients. I want them to have a great experience with me from the beginning emails, to the engagement session, to the wedding day, and future sessions beyond that. Regarding faith, that is at my core. I have experienced some rough days, especially losing my mom at 13 years old, and I don’t know where I would be without my faith. Knowing I have a God who loves me, saved me, and has an amazing life beyond this one waiting for me is another reason I am so joyful and positive. I would not be the person I am today if it wasn’t for my amazing mom.
Kristina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am the owner of Kristina Sobel Photography. I specialize in weddings and elopements. I am based in Traverse City, Michigan, although I am always up for traveling. I recently had a wedding in San Diego, California and St. Ignace in Michigan’s upper peninsula. I believe what sets me apart from others is my personality and that I truly am excited for every single engagement session and wedding. I usually meet my client’s for the first time at their engagement session. I love getting to know them and just hanging out with them! I still keep in contact with my couples even after their wedding day because we usually all become friends. I truly care about them, want them to have a wonderful photography experience, and want them to love their galleries so they can cherish them for a lifetime. Another thing that sets me apart is that I do most of my engagement sessions at the beach. I am a total beach girl, so getting to shoot people in love in beautiful beach locations is a dream!
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My main goal for my business, more than anything, is to make sure my client’s have a wonderful experience. It sounds simple and cheesy, but it’s true. When you hire a professional photographer, receiving great photos is a given. I strive to make sure my client’s not only receive great photos, but I also am there to help them with whatever they need. I have a Location Guide and Style Guide so they feel prepared for the engagement session. I can help them with finding the right DJ, videographer, hair stylist, etc for their special day. I also put together a timeline for every one of my client’s to help the wedding day run smoothly. Many people who get married in Traverse City are not from Traverse City, so I love being able to recommended them different vendors and help them in anyway that I can! My goal/mission is to serve my client’s well so they have a wonderful experience!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I have never had to pivot my career, it was a choice. I am an Emergency Department Registered Nurse as well. However, I always loved photography. After some education courses, I started my business and honestly just hoped for the best. I thought at most this business of mine would become a small side hustle, something I could do on my day’s off from nursing. However, my business has grown immensely in the past year. I am now a full-time photographer and I am completely loving every second of it! I still love nursing, helping others in a time of need, and emergency medicine, so I keep up on my credentials and certifications. I work in the ER once a month or so. I don’t have time to work more than that usually because I am so busy with photography. Photography is what is bringing me more joy and so that is my main focus. I literally love every part of it- meeting new client’s, engagement sessions at the beach, shooting at beautiful venues, meeting vendors, hanging out with great couples on their wedding day, editing, delivering galleries, education, and even the entire business side of it (except taxes) I have grown to love!
Contact Info:
- Website: kristinasobelphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinasobelphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinasobelphotography/
Image Credits
Kristina Sobel Photography