Meet Krista Prak

We were lucky to catch up with Krista Prak recently and have shared our conversation below.

Krista, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

During high school and college, I aspired to become a nurse, driven by a desire to help others and the assurance of job security no matter where I went. At first, it seemed like the perfect, practical path, aligning with my passion. However, as I progressed through nursing school, I realized that this wasn’t the right fit for me.

Drawing from the skills I had developed, I was able to shift my focus and identify my strengths in communication and building interpersonal relationships. I ultimately changed my major and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Louisville. Even then, I faced the challenge of finding my purpose in such a broad field, unsure of the direction I wanted to take in life until I found myself behind the lens of my first DSLR camera.

There’s something truly special about capturing those moments in between—the ones that aren’t planned or posed, but just happen. It’s in the way someone’s face softens when they think no one’s looking, or the shared laugh between a couple when the world stands still for a split second. Those fleeting moments hold a kind of raw beauty that I love. When I capture them, it feels like I’m preserving a little piece of life as it really is—unfiltered and real. It’s like I’ve caught something that would have otherwise slipped by unnoticed, giving me a deep sense of connection and purpose.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

First and foremost, I take pride in being a multi-dimensional creative, constantly exploring new ways to push personal boundaries. As a photographer, I’ve immersed myself in various disciplines, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to experiment. Every new project feels like an opportunity to collaborate, grow, and see the world from a fresh perspective. While lifestyle and portrait photography are at the heart of my passion, what excites me most is the endless potential to evolve. I love blending different techniques, capturing moments that feel both authentic and artful, and finding inspiration in the most unlikely places.

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?

Three qualities that have shaped my journey are adaptability, empathy, and an endless curiosity.

As a photographer, clients often look to you for guidance—whether it’s helping them pose, adjusting the lighting, or finding the perfect location. You need to be able to adapt quickly to their needs, while also handling unexpected challenges, like tricky weather, with ease. Flexibility in any situation not only keeps things professional but also reassures your clients that they’re in good hands. While this level of adaptability comes with experience, I’ve found that putting myself in diverse situations has helped me sharpen those skills. By staying open to different environments, you build the confidence to handle anything that comes your way.

Empathy is one of the qualities I lean on most, both in my personal life and as a photographer. Leading with empathy helps build genuine connections—whether it’s creating lasting friendships or earning clients who return simply because they enjoyed the experience of working with me. When you truly understand and care about the people around you, it shows, and that kind of connection goes a long way. I believe empathy isn’t just a feeling but something we can practice daily. By showing compassion to others and giving ourselves grace, we not only grow personally but also open ourselves to new perspectives, growing both our lives and our creative work.

Having a boundless curiosity is what keeps my passion alive and ever-evolving. It pushes me to constantly explore new ideas and challenge myself, never staying stagnant. With the rise of social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your work to others or feeling like you’re not measuring up. I’ve definitely had those moments of wondering why I can’t create portraits the way someone else does. But shifting your mindset to one of curiosity can change everything. It turns comparison into excitement, making every challenge an opportunity to learn and push your boundaries. With that approach, you’re always growing, and your craft becomes a true reflection of your best, most authentic self.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Over the past year, the biggest area of growth for me has been shifting my mindset around my own photography. I used to struggle a lot with comparing my work to others, which took a serious toll on my self-worth and drained my motivation. It’s so easy to fall into that trap, especially with the pressures of social media and moments of self-doubt. For a while, I felt stuck under that weight. But with the support of friends and family, and a growing realization that no one else can do what I do in exactly the same way, I’ve been able to slowly break free from that negative cycle. Embracing the idea that my journey is my own and that my passion for photography can evolve with me has been a game-changer. It’s still a work in progress, but each step I take toward self-confidence helps me focus less on comparison and more on becoming the best version of myself, both personally and creatively.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Krista Prak, The Silver Edit Photography

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