Meet Christora Osters

We recently connected with Christora Osters and have shared our conversation below.

Christora, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

When I was younger, I was never one of those kids who knew exactly what they wanted to be. Instead, I let others guide me toward my career path, which, by the end of college, seemed to be leading me to law school—a place I wasn’t even sure I wanted to go. Rather than invest the time and money in a law degree, I chose to join the Peace Corps. During my time there, I began teaching English to the children who lived on my street, and when I returned home, continuing to teach felt like a natural progression. This eventually took me to China, where I taught abroad.

It was there that I met a gentleman who had two cameras. He lent me one while he used the other, and my competitive nature kicked in when I saw that his photos were better than mine. Determined to improve, I returned to the U.S. and immersed myself in YouTube tutorials, learning everything I could about using a DSLR camera. Meanwhile, I continued teaching high school, and over time, my photography business began to grow organically alongside my career in education.

It was evident I had found my purpose the first time a wedding client cried upon seeing their images. Since then I have taken wedding photography as serious as possible, especially when it comes to the relationships that make up the couple and their day.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

The best part of wedding photography is capturing the genuine emotional connections that unfold throughout the day. From the stolen glances between the couple to the tears shared with family and friends, these moments are filled with love, joy, and raw emotion. Being there to witness and preserve these fleeting instances is what makes wedding photography so special to me. It’s not just about documenting the day; it’s about telling a story, one that reflects the depth of the bonds shared and the beauty of being fully present in these intimate moments.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Mastering lighting has been one of the most transformative skills in my photography journey. Whether it’s working with the soft glow of natural light, manipulating shadows, or creating drama with artificial lighting, understanding how light interacts with my subjects is key to capturing the mood and emotion of a moment and making sure its definitive to the memory. Learning to see light as a tool to tell a story has helped me bring out the depth and beauty in every image, making each photograph feel alive and authentic.

Equally important is the ability to communicate effectively during a portrait session. Guiding couples through the process with gentle direction and reassurance allows me to capture emotion and for them to relax into their sessions. By creating a space where they feel comfortable, I can capture those authentic moments of connection that resonate deeply. It’s more than just positioning people in the right light; it’s about making them feel seen and understood, which brings out their genuine emotions.

Editing consistently has been the final layer of growth for me. Developing a cohesive editing style not only elevates the final images but also creates a signature look that feels unique to my work. I’ve found that staying true to a consistent color palette and tone helps tell a more complete and emotive story. This consistency reinforces the sense of intimacy and timelessness that I aim to capture in each photo.

For anyone looking to improve in these areas, my advice is to embrace the learning process. Practice working with different light sources in various conditions and study how light changes the mood of your images. When it comes to communication, be patient and approachable, allowing your subjects to relax and be themselves. Finally, commit to refining your editing style—find what resonates with you and stick with it but also be willing to refine. Over time, these skills will not only improve your technical abilities but will also help you create images that feel deeply personal and meaningful.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

One book that has made a massive impact on me is the Four Agreements.

In particular the part about Be Impeccable with Your Word. It speaks about how integrity and honesty is essential to language and follow through. Our words have power, and using them wisely can help create a positive reality. In photography, being impeccable with your word means setting clear and honest expectations with clients, delivering on promises, and maintaining integrity in all communications. Whether you’re discussing timelines, pricing, or creative ideas, speaking truthfully and with intention builds trust and ensures that your relationships with clients are based on mutual respect and understanding.

I also love that the books asks us not to take things personally or make assumptions. In a creative field like photography, feedback and criticism are inevitable. Whether it’s a client’s reaction to photos or interactions with difficult people, not taking things personally helps you maintain professionalism and emotional balance. It allows you to focus on improving your craft and business without internalizing negativity or letting other people’s opinions affect your confidence.

In photography, doing your best means putting forth your best effort in every project, regardless of the challenges. This could mean going the extra mile in capturing the perfect shot, refining your editing skills, or providing exceptional customer service. By consistently striving for excellence, even when conditions aren’t ideal, you ensure that you deliver work you can be proud of while building a reputation for quality and dedication. The book defines all of these but applying them are the best.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.greenappleweddings.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenapplephotoky
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenapplephotographyky