We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christina Lathrop a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Christina, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
My confidence has been built over time, but it didn’t come easily. I grew up in an abusive household where I was constantly made to feel like I wasn’t good enough—never smart enough, never pretty enough. After leaving home at 18, I married into another abusive situation because, at that point, that kind of treatment felt comfortable. But after a few years, I realized there had to be more to life than just surviving. I put myself through technical school so I could build a career and support myself and my daughters. Then one day, I found the strength to tell him to get the F out of our lives because he didn’t deserve to be there.
That strength didn’t come from nowhere—I had incredible friends who supported me. Looking back, I think my confidence truly started growing when I surrounded myself with women who were living the kind of life I wanted for myself. They were strong, successful, and unapologetically themselves. They lifted each other up instead of tearing each other down, and the more I was around that energy, the easier it became to do the same.
I made a habit of complimenting one woman every day—something as simple as “I love your hair” or “That color looks amazing on you.” Seeing how those small words could light someone up made me realize how powerful kindness and encouragement are. Over time, it became second nature, and with it, my own self-worth grew.
When I started dating again, I made it a point never to compromise my own happiness—because I knew that my happiness was deeply connected to my kids’ happiness. And with that, my confidence grew even more. I started feeling so good in my own skin, empowered to speak my mind even when it wasn’t the most comfortable thing to do. I realized that I am damn gorgeous, and when I met my now-husband, that confidence skyrocketed through the roof. He has supported and lifted me up in every situation, helping me walk a little taller and showing me that I am so deserving of the good things in life.
So, to answer the question in a nutshell—my confidence came from wanting to be confident and making the choice every single day to work on myself to get there.
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’m a professional photographer based in the greater Seattle area, specializing in portrait photography for women, pets, and high school seniors. Before stepping behind the camera full-time, I spent nearly a decade as a licensed veterinary technician, which gave me a deep understanding of animal behavior. Because of that, photographing animals—especially dogs and horses—feels second nature to me. But more than anything, my true specialty is capturing connections: the unspoken bond between people and their pets, the quiet confidence of a woman rediscovering her beauty, and the raw, authentic energy of a high school senior stepping into their future.
I’m especially passionate about working with women, whether through contemporary beauty portraits or boudoir sessions. There’s something incredibly powerful about helping a woman see herself in a new light—strong, beautiful, and worthy.
Right now, I’m running two special projects. The first is Inkthentic, a celebration of women’s tattoos and the stories behind them. When the project is complete, we’ll be hosting a live gallery featuring a curated selection of images, showcasing the personal significance of body art.
The second is Come As You Are, a charity project in support of Snoqualmie Valley Pride. This campaign is all about capturing people as their most authentic selves. 10% of all sales from the project will be donated to Snoqualmie Valley Pride, and we’ll wrap it up with a live gallery event to celebrate individuality and self-expression.
My goal with every session is to create a space where my clients feel comfortable, seen, and valued. Whether I’m photographing a woman stepping into her power, a senior celebrating a milestone, or the special bond between a person and their pet, my work is all about preserving the moments that matter most.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say three key things have been most impactful in my journey: continuous learning, community, and mentorship.
First and foremost, never stop learning. No matter how much experience you have, there’s always more to explore and improve upon. I’m constantly enrolled in some kind of photography course to refine my skills, whether it’s mastering lighting techniques, perfecting posing, or deepening my editing process. The industry is always evolving, and staying curious keeps my work fresh and exciting.
Second, community is everything. I actively engage in photography groups within each of my favorite niches, from pet and equine photography to boudoir and portraits. Being part of these communities helps me grow, not just in skill but in perspective. Seeing how others approach their work, sharing insights, and even just having a network of like-minded people to bounce ideas off of is invaluable.
Lastly, mentorship has been a game-changer. Having experienced photographers in my corner—people who have been where I am and are willing to share their wisdom—has made all the difference. My mentors have provided advice, helped me troubleshoot challenges, and offered encouragement when I needed it most.
For those just starting out, my biggest advice is to seek out these three things early on. Invest in your education, surround yourself with people who inspire you, and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance. Growth comes from putting yourself in spaces where you can learn, experiment, and push beyond your comfort zone. Keep showing up, keep refining your craft, and trust that the journey will lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! I love partnering with other businesses and organizations that support causes I care deeply about. Collaborating on projects that give back to the community is something I’m truly passionate about—whether it’s fundraising for animal rescues, working with Pride organizations, or supporting women’s resources.
I’m also looking to collaborate with fashion designers in the Seattle area for stylized shoots, as well as unique venues that provide a beautiful backdrop for my work. Additionally, I’d love to connect with other business owners who serve my clients, such as women’s spas, coaches, or anyone in the self-care and empowerment space.
And it’s my absolute dream to photograph for pet brands—whether for feed bags, commercial products, or advertising campaigns. My background as a veterinary technician, combined with my expertise in animal photography, makes this a perfect fit, and I’d love to bring a brand’s vision to life through powerful, eye-catching imagery.
If you’re interested in collaborating, I’d love to hear your ideas! You can reach out to me via [insert preferred contact method: email, website, or social media]. Let’s create something meaningful together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beyondthestablesphotography.com
- Instagram: beyondthestablesphotography & pnw.beyond.boudoir
- Facebook: beyondthestablesphotography
Image Credits
Beyond the Stables Photography
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