Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristina Corbett. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kristina, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive by intentionally seeking out inspiration both within and outside of weddings. I love participating in creative styled shoots with other talented vendors—these collaborations give me the freedom to experiment, try new techniques, and push my storytelling in fresh directions. Shooting film alongside digital also helps me slow down and see things differently, which keeps my work aligned with my true-to-color, candid, and timeless style. Most of all, I stay inspired by the couples I work with; every wedding is its own unique story, and approaching it with curiosity and genuine connection ensures the work never feels routine.
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 the owner and lead photographer of Arch and Elm Photography, serving couples across Spokane, Seattle, and the Pacific Northwest. My work blends a clean, true-to-color, film-inspired style with a people-first approach—making sure my couples feel comfortable, seen, and celebrated exactly as they are. I balance gentle direction with space for authentic, candid moments to naturally unfold, so the images reflect how the day truly felt.
What excites me most is that no two wedding days are ever the same. Each couple brings their own personalities, history, and energy, and I get to translate that into images they’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Recently, I’ve been going back to my roots by reintroducing more film photography into my wedding days and offering day-of Polaroid deliverables. These tangible, in-the-moment keepsakes feel personal, nostalgic, and bring a little extra magic to the experience. It’s all part of a shift toward a more people-forward approach—slowing down, being present, and making the photography process just as meaningful as the final gallery.
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?
Connection & Communication – Photography is as much about people as it is about pictures. Learning how to make couples feel comfortable, understood, and truly seen has been key. My advice: practice active listening and genuine curiosity. The more you care about your clients as people, the more natural and effortless your work will feel.
Adaptability – Weddings are full of moving parts and unexpected moments. Being able to pivot quickly—whether that’s adjusting for weather, timelines, or lighting—comes with experience. If you’re just starting out, seek variety in your shoots. Challenge yourself with different locations, lighting conditions, and personalities so you can think on your feet.
A Clear Creative Vision – Early on, it’s easy to try to be everything to everyone. Defining my style—clean, true-to-color, film-inspired—and leaning into it fully allowed me to attract the couples who value what I do most. For beginners: experiment widely at first, but pay attention to what excites you most. Build your brand around that and don’t be afraid to let go of the rest.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal clients are couples who value photography as more than just a checklist item—they see it as an important part of how they’ll remember their day. They’re often drawn to my true-to-color, film-inspired style and want a mix of gentle direction and candid, in-the-moment images.
They tend to prioritize experiences over perfection, spending most of their wedding day with their favorite people instead of feeling like they’re in an all-day photoshoot. Many of my couples love the nostalgic touch of film and the day-of Polaroids I offer, and they appreciate that I focus on creating a comfortable, welcoming space where they can truly be themselves.
At the heart of it, my ideal clients trust me to tell their story honestly and beautifully, and they value genuine connection as much as gorgeous images.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.archandelm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archandelmphotography/
Image Credits
Arch and Elm Photography
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