We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kriztelle Halili. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kriztelle below.
Kriztelle, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being the only one in the room who looks like me has definitely been a journey, especially in the wedding photography space here in Chicago. Honestly, it’s not been too hard to notice the scarcity of Filipino or AAPI photographers around. In those moments, I used to feel a mix of anxiety and fear. It’s tough when you don’t see anyone who resembles you, especially when you’re chasing your dreams. I often wished for a community of Filipino or AAPI creatives to connect with outside of my current circles, which mostly consist of individuals from different backgrounds.
Growing up in a Filipino household, pursuing a career in photography wasn’t exactly the traditional path. Most Filipinos opt for careers in medicine, law, or other established fields. Convincing my family that photography could be a successful path took time and effort. It’s discouraging at times not to see more people like me thriving in this industry, at least in my local area.
What’s helped me navigate these situations is my passion and determination to succeed. Success means different things to different people, but for me, it’s about proving to myself and my family that I can make a living doing what I love, rather than following the conventional route. Staying hungry, motivated, and putting in persistent hard work has been key.
I’ve been fortunate to find mentors and role models along the way. Discovering wedding photographer Victoria Saint Martin on Instagram was a turning point. She introduced me to a supportive community through her Facebook group, Cultivate, where I connected with fellow photographers and gained invaluable knowledge. Investing in education through online courses, workshops, and retreats has been crucial. People like Taylor Jackson have been particularly inspiring to me, showing that even introverts can build successful businesses on their own terms.
Despite occasional bouts of imposter syndrome, the feedback from clients, friends, and even strangers who appreciate my work boosts my confidence. While I haven’t faced significant setbacks in my photography journey so far, the lack of AAPI representation in the industry remains a challenge. I’m not sure if it’s a cultural trend or a matter of being in the right place, but I hope to see more diversity and inclusion in the future.
In the end, as long as I’m proud of my work and surrounded by supportive people, I’ll keep pushing forward, knowing that my unique perspective adds value to the room, even if I’m the only one who looks like me.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a wedding photographer based in Chicago, but I’m broadening my scope beyond just weddings. I’m delving into portraits, creative shoots, boudoir sessions, branding visuals—you name it. Why limit myself, right? I’ve come to realize that as a creative, being boxed in stifles imagination, and that’s just not my style.
The best part of my job? Witnessing my clients’ reactions to their photos. It’s like revealing a side of themselves they never knew existed, and that’s pretty special. What sets me apart? I take things personal, in a positive way. I really get to know the folks I work with. I aim to capture their essence, their story, their quirks—the good stuff that makes them unique. That personal touch? It’s what makes every shoot distinct and memorable.
On another note, we’re approaching a milestone—four years in the biz this April! As part of the celebration, I’m revamping my website to showcase the new portrait services I’ll be offering. Exciting, right?
But beyond the business aspect, what drives me is the impact I hope to make. I want my work to go beyond just aesthetics. I want it to celebrate real beauty—the kind that doesn’t conform to society’s standards. Whether you’re young or old, any gender, any race, any walk of life, I want you to see yourself in my photos and know that you are stunning, just as you are. Because beauty isn’t about fitting in—it’s about embracing your uniqueness and owning it.
So, that’s a glimpse into my world and what I stand for. Thanks for letting me share—I’m eager to see where this journey leads next.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Passion, hunger to learn, and building genuine connections.
Passion and Persistence: Without a doubt, passion has been the driving force behind my journey. It’s what kept me going during the tough times and motivated me to keep pushing forward, even when faced with challenges. Pairing passion with persistence has been key. No matter how many setbacks or obstacles I encountered, I remained committed to my goals and kept moving forward. My advice to those early in their journey is to take the time to find what truly ignites their passion and to hold onto it fiercely. Stay resilient and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.
Staying hungry to learn and allowing yourself to grow: In a field as dynamic as photography, continuous learning and growth are essential. I’ve always strived to stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and technologies in the industry. Whether it’s through workshops, online courses, or simply experimenting with new ideas, I’ve made it a priority to keep honing my skills and expanding my knowledge base. My advice to beginners is to never stop learning. Ask questions and find the answers! Embrace every opportunity to broaden your skill set and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
Building Genuine Connections: Building genuine connections with clients and peers has been instrumental in my journey. Taking the time to truly understand my clients’ needs and preferences has allowed me to deliver personalized experiences and build lasting relationships. Additionally, networking with fellow photographers and creatives has provided invaluable support, inspiration, and opportunities for collaboration. My advice to those starting out is to prioritize building authentic relationships. Be genuine, approachable, stay true to yourself and be willing to connect with others in your industry. You never know where these connections may lead or how they can enrich your journey.
In summary, passion and persistence, continuous learning and growth, and building genuine connections have been crucial aspects of my journey as a photographer. My advice to beginners is to embrace these qualities and actively work on developing them. Stay true to your passion, never stop learning, and cultivate meaningful relationships within your community. With dedication and perseverance, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Collaboration is something I’m always open to. I believe that working together with like-minded individuals can lead to some truly amazing results. So, if you’re a small business looking to up-level your online presence with captivating photos, an artist seeking to create stunning portraits or boudoir sessions, or adventurous couples dreaming of eloping or getting married in breathtaking mountainous landscapes or abroad, I’d love to hear from you.
When it comes to collaborators, I value someone who has clear ideas of what they want to accomplish, excellent communication skills, and a fun, team-oriented approach. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas or bringing concepts to life, being a team player is key.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Hey, I’d love to collaborate with this person,” then don’t hesitate to reach out! You can connect with me via email at [email protected]. Let’s chat, exchange ideas, and create something amazing together!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kriztellehalili.com
- Instagram: kriztellehalili
- Facebook: Kriztelle Halili Photography
Image Credits
Headshot/lifestyle photo of me by Seth Sanker
