Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Pearson.
Hi Kristina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Since a young age, I have always lugged a camera around, even back to the days when you’d buy a disposable Kodak from the local grocery store. There was something special about capturing photographs of my family, friends, pets, and the occasional teddy bear or stick. I loved freezing moments in time (and if I’m being honest, I still have those prints in an album somewhere — they’re fun to look back on). Being a hobby photographer throughout secondary school was indescribable.
As I got older, I realized my family didn’t have many photographs together and as you age, memories can fade. I wanted to share the importance of freezing memories for other families so as they grow, they will have these memories to look back upon forever, through the generations. Now files can be kept digitally, but my favorite is when clients print their photographs because it brings a whole new feeling to them.
Professionally, I have been a photographer for a handful of years, always tweaking and perfecting my craft. I love lifestyle, less-posed, authentic moments between people photography. Sure, there needs to be at least one photo when the whole fam is staring at the camera for the holiday card; however, I love when my families or couples interact with one another as if I wasn’t there.
The way they play, work, and flow together is something truly magical. I pride myself in making connections with my clients so they know they aren’t just getting someone to snap pics but understand their story and their connections.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Learning to run a business is not an easy feat. I am married with two children, work full-time at a technical college, and am continuing my education in a master’s program. Many say I’m crazy for starting a business while doing so many other things, but it truly brings me joy working with my clients. There is so much to learn from the business aspect and the creative aspect that you cannot become stagnant in your work.
I strive to continue learning new ways to keep my business effective and relevant. For eight years I have worked with families and juniors/seniors during my day job, so I’ve been lucky when it comes to taking senior portraits as I keep up with the trendy things they like, since I’ve seen them every day for what feels like forever. They’re all so different and unique that it is fun to get creative with them.
Never give up hope if you don’t understand how taxes or other business nuances. Many amazing people work in industries that make our lives easier. One thing I have learned is to never be afraid to ask questions.
People are always willing to help you out if you need it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in a couple of things, both photography and website design. Luckily, I get to integrate the two for small businesses usually. My photography has been a passion for a long while. I am most known for family, couple, and senior photography; however, I love to capture “love” and have added many, many weddings to my schedule. There are some poses, but for the most part, I have my clients interact with each other as if there wasn’t a camera in their faces. I use more prompts than anything. I encourage those natural interactions with moms and kids, dads and daughters, and couples.
Figuring out how to get those genuine smiles or laughs is both challenging and rewarding. I love Ooing and Ahhing when I get “the shot”. I am just as proud of my “back of camera” images as I am of my edited work. I think it’s important to share with clients that you truly are connected with them and serve them the best that you can. I see myself as a service worker more than anything.
Serving my clients and their needs is very important to me and I think that is what sets me apart from others. I don’t do what I do for a paycheck, more for the genuine connections I make. Once you have a session with Kristina Pearson Design, you become family to me.
Any big plans?
I love this question! I am looking forward to making more memories with current clients and building relationships with new ones. Word of mouth is the best, most effective type of advertising, and having clients share their experiences is something I cherish. Not a huge change, but I am opening my calendar to allow more weddings.
Some of my favorite clients are seniors so I have a few ideas to run for showcasing them, their talents, and their plans a little bit more. As far as web design goes, I work with my photography clients to make it an all-inclusive experience.
Offering a whole package is beneficial because my clients know they can trust my work and experience to deliver something that will make a statement for their customers and clients. Reputation and consistency are important when it comes to a small business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kpdesignsd.com
- Instagram: @kristinapearsondesign
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinapearsondesign
Image Credits
Kristina Pearson Design
