We were lucky to catch up with Ksu Koystinen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ksu, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

With the widespread availability of digital images and the prevalence of social media and online platforms, it’s difficult for people to understand the true value and prices of professional photographers and their work. Many people may believe that they can get a high-quality images for free or at very low cost, which makes difficult for professional photographers to charge prices that adequately reflect their time, expertise, and creative vision. It’s a big challenge is setting prices up that are both competitive and profitable. I have a constant struggle with determining my worth and charging enough to cover expenses, time, and creative vision, while also remaining competitive in the market.

The advancement of technology and the widespread availability of cameras and smartphones has made it necessary for photographers to invest in high-quality equipment and to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in order to remain competitive. The software, travel, and marketing can quickly add up, and it can be challenging to balance these expenses with revenue generated from photography services.

Ksu, 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?

Although I didn’t have any formal education or professional aspirations when I started my photography journey, I’ve always been a creative spirit. And I was fortunate enough to begin to unravel my photography skills with a Nikon D90. Simply just tacking a pictures. Despite its cost, I found it to be an amazing camera for beginners, with many features that allowed me to experiment and learn about photography by myself.

My great asset in photography business is being human. I am empathetic to my clients’ needs and concerns, adaptable, so my clients feel comfortable working with me. More than that, I’m perfectionist and detail-oriented. Providing a high-quality work and individualization.

I can differentiate myself from other photographers by focusing on the emotional and artistic aspects of my work, and position myself as a creative professional who is passionate about her craft.

But no matter how talented I am, the sales and marketing are essential components of building a successful business, which I have a lack of. I know I have a unique vision, I know I can provide exceptional service to the people.

Side note, I hate the “service” word, so is the trending term “investment” to describe my photography work. Tacking picture of people is the experience, for both sides. It’s about capturing emotional connections, telling stories, and creating art.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The freedom and independence that comes with working as a creative professional. As a mother of 3 I need to be able to set more flexible schedule, choose projects, and make money doing something I love.

But the most rewording aspect is being accepted and appreciated for your unique vision. Staying true to your creative process. Because you always challenge yourself to new things, learn new techniques, and push yourself to the new heights. And it’s very important to know that it’s not for nothing. Feeling accepted and appreciated for who your are as an artist. Being you.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had to pivot a lot in my life.I think the most significant change in my life was migration. I was born and raised in Russia, had planes and ambitions. But life decided to give me one huge turn. Migration has its own set of challenges: adjusting to a new culture, language, and way of life. As well as opportunities: new creative possibilities, such as new landscapes, people, and cultures that inspired my work and helped develop new perspectives. It was long ago, but I still have the sense of displacement and uncertainty, especially now, with current situation. That brings a new set of challenges, including cultural and social.

The other less significant pivot, but nonetheless important is decision to full-time travel across the US. It’s been an eight months already since we’ve left our home in Virginia. Life on the road (in the trailer) is pretty exiting and unique, but it requires fast adaptability, flexibility, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. The places we’ve been, the landscapes we’ve seen its the priceless opportunity.
And it’s extremely difficult to maintain a work-life balance. I had to go back to my wildlife/landscape photography skills on this trip, and put my clients “on hold”.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ksukoystinen.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksu_koystinen/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KsuKoystinen/
• Other: my personal/travel page https://www.instagram.com/kstnen.nomads/

Image Credits
Ksu Koystinen