We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christina Kennedy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Christina, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience is a quality that has played a significant role in my life, and it stems from a combination of internal and external sources. First and foremost, my resilience comes from within myself. I believe that resilience is a mindset that can be cultivated through self-awareness, perseverance, and a positive outlook. I have learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and development, which has allowed me to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward. Additionally, my resilience is fueled by the support system around me. My family, friends, and fellow creative professionals have been pillars of strength during difficult times, providing me with encouragement, guidance, and a safe space to share my thoughts and feelings. Their belief in me and unwavering support have been instrumental in building my resilience and instilling the confidence to overcome any obstacles that come my way.”
” I also find inspiration in the stories of others who have faced adversity. Reading about the journeys of great leaders, entrepeneurs , and visionaries who have persevered through challenging circumstances motivates me. Their stories remind me that resilience is not only about bouncing back but also about using adversity as a catalyst for personal growth . Overall, my resilience stems from a combination of my inner strength, the support of my loved ones, and the stories of other resilient individuals.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Being a wedding photographer has been an incredible journey filled with immense joy and fulfillment. It’s not just a job to me; it’s a passion that allows me to capture timeless moments of love and create cherished memories for couples. Witnessing the unfolding of love stories and being entrusted with documenting the most intimate and emotional moments is an honor I hold dear. From the nervous excitement before the ceremony to the tears of joy during the vows and the exuberant celebration that follows, I am there to capture it all. It’s a responsibility that I take to heart, as I strive to tell each couple’s unique story through my lens, capturing the authentic emotions that make their bond so special.
Each wedding is like a blank canvas for me, where I can showcase my creativity and vision. I’m always seeking innovative ways to capture the beauty of the day, whether it’s through breathtaking landscapes or focusing on the intricate details that make each wedding unique. The challenge of capturing candid shots amidst the fast-paced environment of a wedding pushes me to think on my feet and create images that evoke emotions. It’s immensely fulfilling to be able to create images that transport couples back to their wedding day every time they look at their photographs.
Another aspect that I truly treasure about being a wedding photographer is the connections I build with couples and their families. I believe in creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, allowing them to be themselves in front of the camera. By taking the time to understand their story, personalities, and their vision for their wedding day, I can create an environment that encourages natural and authentic moments. These connections often extend beyond their wedding day, as I am often entrusted with capturing their future milestones and growing families. The ability to make a lasting impact on people’s lives through my work is something that I find incredibly rewarding.
In the world of wedding photography, there is always room for growth and adaptation. Each wedding presents its unique challenges, whether it’s varying lighting conditions or unexpected weather changes. That’s why I prioritize staying up-to-date with the latest techniques, equipment, and trends. I actively seek opportunities for learning and growth, attending workshops and experimenting with new approaches. It’s important for me to continuously refine my skills, both creatively and technically, to provide my clients with the best possible experience and deliver images that exceed their expectations.
Being a wedding photographer is not just a profession for me; it’s a passion-driven journey that allows me to combine my love for visual storytelling, creativity, and the celebration of love. It’s an honor to be able to capture these beautiful moments that couples will cherish for a lifetime.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Creatives often struggle with the non-creative side of running a business. We all prefer to be behind our cameras and not behind a desk. I had previous experience running a business , and that was tremendously helpful for me. When I talk to a new or aspiring photographer, I often suggest they focus a significant portion of their education or skill building on learning the business aspects of being a photographer. Client management, bookkeeping , marketing, SEO, and social media management, just to name a few.
We are so incredibly blessed to live in the digital era, there is an abundance of information and education available online from other professionals in the industry. Invest in your passion. Invest in your success.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Redefine Your Wedding Business by Andrea Eppolito was life changing for me. Prior to reading her book, I had wholeheartedly subscribed to hustle culture. I was on the verge of burnout and my personal life was nonexistent. Andrea’s book reminded me to be more intentional in the way that I ran my business, and to not lose sight of what was most important to me. Success is defined by Merriam-Webster as: a favorable or desired outcome. That’s the tricky part for most of us. We forget that success is not achieving what others desire, but achieving what we desire. That might be living in a high rise in Manhattan, or it might be working 2 days a week and spending 5 days a week homeschooling your children. Either one is ok. Either one is success, if it is what fulfills you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blacktieweddingsandevents.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacktieweddingsandevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blacktiewedding
