We were lucky to catch up with Christina Schmidt recently and have shared our conversation below.
Christina, so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?
Self-discipline, for me, originates from a combination of my personal passion for photography and my deep respect for the significance of weddings. Every time I have the honor of capturing a couple’s special day, I’m acutely aware that these moments are once-in-a-lifetime and can’t be recreated. This realization drives me to be disciplined in every aspect of my work, from the pre-wedding preparations to the meticulous post-production processes.
I’ve developed a routine and a workflow that ensures consistency in the quality of my work. Each wedding I’ve photographed is different and unique on its own and has taught me something new each time, I’ve internalized these lessons to continuously improve and remain disciplined.
The joy and appreciation of my clients, when they see their wedding photographs, is an immeasurable reward. Knowing that I’ve played a part in preserving their precious memories for generations to come is a responsibility I don’t take lightly. Their satisfaction and the trust they place in me serve as a constant motivator to maintain self-discipline in my craft.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’ve always believed that photography is more than just capturing images; it’s about encapsulating emotions and telling stories. As a professional wedding photographer, my focus has always been on the depth, love, style, and romance that each couple shares. Every wedding is unique, and every love story is distinct, which is why I emphasize quality over quantity. Instead of simply delivering a vast number of photos, I strive to provide a curated collection of moments that genuinely evoke the essence of the day.
What excites me the most about my work is the privilege of being a part of such a significant chapter in someone’s life. Each time I peer through my lens, I’m not just looking for a perfect shot; I’m searching for the raw emotions, the unscripted laughter, the gentle touches, and the fleeting glances that speak volumes. From time to time I may ask the couple to recreate something that happened organically in a flash so it can be captured. My aim is to immortalize these moments in a way that, years from now, couples can look back and be immediately transported to the fun and love of their special day.
My brand is a reflection of this philosophy. Every image I create is a labor of love, a piece of art that embodies the fun, intimacy, and romance of the wedding day. I take immense pride in my meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every photograph is a timeless and true testament to the couple’s love story.
For those who have been following my journey, thank you! Thank you to all who have trusted me with their precious moments. It’s a privilege I cherish, and I look forward to capturing many more stories of love, style, and romance in the years to come.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, there are undoubtedly numerous factors that contributed to where I am today, but if I had to distill them, the top three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge would be:
Empathy: Photography, especially wedding photography, is all about capturing raw emotions. To truly encapsulate a couple’s essence and the spirit of the day, one has to be in tune with the emotions around them. It’s not just about pointing a camera and clicking; it’s about feeling the moment with the subjects and understanding how important this day is not just for the bride and groom but everyone involved.
Advice: To budding photographers, I’d say immerse yourself not just in the technicalities of photography but in understanding human emotions and connections. Engage in people-centric hobbies, this may not be easy for some but the more you connect with people, the better your lens will capture their essence.
Technical Proficiency: While the art of photography is essential, the technical aspects cannot be ignored. Understanding the intricacies of my equipment, lighting, and post-production tools has been a game-changer.
Advice: Invest time in mastering your equipment. Attend workshops, take online courses, and practice, practice, practice. The more comfortable you are with your tools, the more you can focus on the art and emotion during a shoot. To this day, I’m still learning new things or new ways to use my tools/equipment.
Continuous Learning: The world of photography is ever-evolving, with new techniques, styles, and technologies emerging regularly. Staying updated and continuously honing my craft has been pivotal.
Advice: Never get complacent. Join photography clubs, attend seminars, collaborate with peers, and always be open to feedback. Embrace change and always strive to be a student, no matter how seasoned you become.
To those early in their journey, be patient with yourself, cherish every experience, and most importantly, never lose your passion for capturing life’s beautiful moments.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Photography, especially in the realm of weddings, comes with its own set of pressures. The anticipation of capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments and the responsibility of portraying a couple’s love story can indeed be overwhelming. Over the years, I’ve developed a few strategies to manage these feelings:
Often, the root of feeling overwhelmed stems from the uncertainty of the unknown. To mitigate this, I always prioritize preparation. This means scouting locations beforehand (when possible), having backup equipment, understanding the wedding day’s timeline, and having pre-wedding consultations with the couple. By being thoroughly prepared, I can approach the day with confidence and focus on the art of capturing the moments.
When things get hectic, I’ve found that taking a minute to just breathe deeply and ground myself can make a world of difference. It’s a moment of stillness that allows me to reset and refocus. Keeping a smile on my face and always maintaining a positive ready-to-help attitude helps me get through this moment.
Over time, I’ve learned the importance of surrounding myself with a reliable team. Trusting my second shooter, to handle specific tasks reduces the weight on my shoulders.
Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself why I chose this profession. It’s the love for capturing moments, the joy of seeing a couple’s happiness, and the passion for creating memories that last a lifetime. This ‘why’ acts as my compass, steering me back on course.
Feeling overwhelmed is natural, especially in a job as emotionally charged as wedding photography. But remember, perfection is not the goal; capturing genuine, heartfelt moments is. Trust in your preparation, take moments to center yourself, lean on your team, and always remember your passion. With time and experience, you’ll find your rhythm and develop resilience against the overwhelming waves.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.christinaschmidtphotos.com
- Instagram: @christinaschmidtphotos, @christinaschmidtheadshots
- Facebook: Christina Schmidt Photography
Image Credits
Christina Schmidt Photography
