I’ve been slightly hesitant to write about this, for fear of becoming a walking cliche’. I’ve never been one to follow the crowd — if everybody else is doing it, that’s usually reason enough for me to AVOID doing something like the plague. But now that I sound all Mr. Darcy-ish (against all my better judgement, I passionately love you, and all that) – I shall confess that I am dipping my toes into the world of portrait photography, and so far, I love it!
Why is it that all bloggers become photographers? I want to know.
Way back before I began blogging though, I loved to take pictures…perhaps that was even some of the fuel that encouraged me to start a blog in the first place. But I had never really had an interest in taking portraits until maybe a year or so ago…I thought it might be fun to try – from an artistic point of view. But I was afraid. Then there was that whole cliche’ thing. So I didn’t.
I loved the direction that photography in general was headed – toward more natural settings and poses. But I didn’t have a clear direction that I wanted to head. So I just stood still… Then I borrowed a DSLR. Then I bought an even nicer DSLR. And I began to wonder again what it would be like to try… But still no direction. I so wanted to have a “niche”. Something that everybody else wasn’t doing.
And then one day, in the shower no less (isn’t that where all great ideas come to you?), it hit me:
Capturing love. That’s what I wanted to do. Not weddings, or families, or senior portraits. Just couples in love. Very few props. Very little background. Very little color saturation. Soft, vintag-y editing. Lots of sunflare. Lots of glow. Love on fire.
So here I am. A lil photographer sprouting her wings. I’ve only done two photo sessions so far – with one more planned for next weekend. But I think it’s fair to say that I’m hooked! Have soooo much growing to do. But this sure seems like an open door – and well, (along with the rest of the blogger world) I’m walkin’ through it. I won’t be posting sessions here on the blog, I’ve got a photog site set up for that, but today I thought I’d share a few of my favorites from my two shoots so far. Hope you enjoy!
What about you? Been doin’ any experimental dream chasing lately?
My husband and I were just talking about this, actually.
My mom was the dedicated photographer for everything my siblings and I did growing up — designing the yearbook pages for my show choir, cast headshots for our shows, scrapbooks, family photo albums, cards, etc. She has an eye for photography but never pursued it. I always wanted to (read: since high school) but never did for the exact reason you listed above. Everyone who took one photography class for an easy A in high school was suddenly on their artistic path to be a photog, and now every blogger is doing the same. My husband and I were talking about how it takes more than a DSLR. Photography is a visual skill. I am happy that you are taking the jump and already doing sessions. Natural light photography is my favorite! I’m excited to follow your journey as a blogger AND photographer, Kristin! Go get ‘em!
You don’t know until you try, right? So I figured I’d better jump in with both feet, and if the waters weren’t to my liking, I could always jump back out again, right?!
And somehow, my dear, I have a feeling that you see life through a beautiful lens…why not try out the waters for a bit? Who knows what good things may come of it?
There’s two Kristin’s running around the world!!!! hehe.
Great shots and I love the color! I think that people who are attracted to life art (words, pictures, beauty in the world around them) tend to make great bloggers. And only those who are attracted to that “life art” make good artists (writers, photographers, etc etc). And, well, that’s why we’re all so big into all of the same stuff. I mean, I would venture to say that we all, years before our blogs, were using our cameras to document our lives (and probably ticking off the people around us a bit, too).
Go for it, girl!
Thanks for the pep talk T!
I think you’re right…by and large it IS creative souls who venture into blogland, huh? And then we are inspired by what surrounds us – and what surrounds us these days is loads of people taking the path toward a photographic career. Who knows where my path will lead? Just enjoying the journey right now…as I know, are you 
. Happy Monday my friend!
Wow Kristen, those are gorgeous!!! I am definitely interested in your prices…I may have to save up for it but I LOVE “in love” pictures and your phrase Love Captured is adorable! You are an amazing photographer. I do think it is interesting about the blogging and photography because I’ve been starting to think about pursuing it I just don’t have time right now…
Hi Stephanie! Thank you!!!! You are too sweet
. I’m going to get one more successful shoot under my belt before I get my packages/prices together, but I will certainly keep you posted! Would love to do a shoot for you and Joshua. 
Kristin, these photos are beautiful! Good for you! You shouldn’t be worried about cliches, as long as you’re feeling fulfilled by what you do. I think it’s great that you’ve ventured into something you really love and want to become better at!
Thank you for that encouragement Kate! It is much appreciated!
I’ve very into photography, too, and found that blogging only increased my desire to learn more and generally get better! It is funny how many bloggers dabble in photography, but I think beautiful design, lovely words and powerful images all go hand-in-hand.
Your portraits are lovely, and I wish you much success!
It does seem to go hand in hand, doesn’t it? Thank you so much for you kind words as I embark on this new adventure Meg!
I agree, if you feel this is something that you want to do, and a door is open go for it, and ignore all the “cliches” of the digital photography world out there. I do know what you mean about it seems everybody is doing it, but some are more gifted at it than others; just the way things are. If we all had the same gifts the world would be oh so boring. You seem to have a lovely eye for capturing couples (and other things as well), and the more you do it the more you learn and perfect your craft! Good Job
Tammy! Thank you
So grateful for all the encouragement I’ve received in response this post, and so grateful for all the people who took the time to leave it. You are a gift! Hope you are enjoying your week thus far…
Kristin, I’m so proud of you and impressed with you for doing this! And WHO CARES if it’s a blogger cliche… it only is so because blogging and photography work so well together, and we bloggers fall in love with beautiful images along the way of putting together beautiful words and interesting posts. If you enjoy doing something and are interested in pursuing it, than by all means, jump in head first! After all, bloggers are only a select group of people. Many if not not most of your clients will come from the “real world” and will have no idea that you’re a cliche, if you are one at all (which I don’t think you are). Good luck to you on this pursuit!
Thanks J! I so appreciate the pep talk and encouragement! Here goes nothin’
Good for you in following your dream, Kristin! I love that you took time in deciding something that was a little different & right for you as well. All the best in pursuing, living, learning and loving your new found dream!
Thank you soooo much for the well-wishes Ella-Lauren!