We were lucky to catch up with Kirsten Lee recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kirsten, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
As a photographer, it is important to take photos for myself from time to time. It’s important to fill that creativity bucket and remember why I became photographer. Yes, I always get excited for my clients and their sessions. I enjoy helping their vision come to life, capture their special season of life, or be there for a special event. But it is also important to create art for yourself and keep that creativity alive.
What do I do to fill my creativity bucket? I often will ask my teenage daughter and her friends if I can do a fun “bestie” session. I will capture my sons at their sporting events and volunteer my time photographing events at my church. I will also reach out to a client and ask them if I can use them as a model. We can try a new location, prepare a fun outfit, and create art for fun!
Another way to keep the creativity alive is to attend photography conferences. Yes, I know that sounds like work but it is a great way to learn more about my craft, be in community with other like minded artists, and learn new things!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Kirsten, with Kirsten Lee Photography and an Atlanta based lifestyle photographer specializing in Children and Family photos. Whether my clients want to capture their family in the comfort of their home, beautiful parks of Atlanta, or a unique urban location, I’m excited to capture those memories for my clients.
I’ve been in business for 12 years and it is something that I cherish. I still have clients who have been with me from the start. It is such an honor to photograph a family and capture their children year after year. Each year I meet more expecting mothers and fathers, children, and new families. It never gets old!
Whats one thing that my clients know about me? They know that I LOVE to show connection in my photos. I’m always working with my clients so they are comfortable in front of the camera and they can be themselves. Yes, I always make sure to get that “one photo” where everyone is looking at the camera but I also enjoy capturing a family and showcasing their love for one another.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three skills I think are important to being a professional photographer?
1 . Learn your skill. Work at it and perfect it. Even when you believe you’ve mastered it? Learn some more. I’m always looking at ways to learn more in the area of photography. Better your skills as a photographer by attending a conference, networking groups, youtube, and online classes.
2. You are a small business owner. Make sure you are following the correct procedures to be a legit business owner in your area.
3. Be a good communicator and provide great customer service. I treat my clients how I want to be treated. I make sure they have all the information they need and ready for their session with me. A photography session is a luxury service and I want to make sure my clients walk away feeling fabulous!
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal clients are those that understand the value of photography. They want to have their family photographed because they want to capture that season of their life. My client understands the importance of being able to look back at a photo and remember how it was when their children were 5, 10, or 15 years old.
Contact Info:
- Website: kirstenleephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirstenleephotographyatl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirstenleephotography
- Other: email : kirstenleephotography@yahoo.com
Image Credits
Headshot image of Kirsten Lee by Jacey Verhoef Photography
