Inspired, A Very Special Project | Krista Campbell Photography

I just love Krista AND her beautiful work. She has such an eye for light and it is such a treat to go through her work and get a glimpse of her world. That is one thing I truly love about photography and following other photographers. We are all gifted with our own perspective and our own outlook on life and that shines through in every image we capture.  This couldn’t be more true in Krista’s case.  The expression in her imagery is amazing. She captures the true essence of her subjects!!

You can find Krista’s Website HERE and her Facebook Page HERE.

Let’s get started!!

Hi Sweet Krista!

Let’s get to know you! How would you describe yourself in three sentences?

Hi! I’m Krista- lover of vintage props, golden fields, buttery backlight and mamarrazi-extraordinaire to a 5-year-old who dons pink cowboy boots and a sassy smile. I am a wife, mother, teacher and photographer who lives a very blessed and very full life. I am a portrait photographer located in Northwest Arkansas and own my own photography business- Krista Campbell Photography and also love teaching online editing workshops called Digital Darkroom Secrets.

What sparked your passion for Photography?

I have always been an artist since I was very young. I love creating art and digital photography is a way that I can be creative and share my love of art with others.

What’s in your camera bag?

Canon 5D Mark ii, 50mm 1.2, 85mm 1.2, 135mm 2.0, 35mm 1.4

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?

Trusty Rebel and a 50mm 1.4 that I absolutely loved!

If you could only use one lens an entire session which one would you choose and why?

50mm 1.2 is my work-horse. I use it for all types of sessions. It’s super sharp and I love the clarity, color and bokeh that I capture with it.

What advice would go give to someone just beginning in photography and hoping to have a business of their own?

Spend your money on education and join photography groups and forums to connect with other photographers.

What was your first official Photographer crush if you had one?

Definitely Marta Locklear…

What kind of photos do you like to take for just yourself when not working with clients?

I love to capture the essence of my daughter, stepson, family or friends. I love to document authentic relationships and true emotion, while my subjects are bathed in beautiful light.

Describe your style in 3 words.

magical. dreamy. luminous.

Most embarrassing moment on a session would be?

LOL! I probably can’t pick just one… I’m sure I have embarrassing moments on every one of my shoots. 🙂

Any challenges you have had to overcome to be where you are today?

I am an artist and not a businesswoman. I have learned the importance of contracts and managing clients’ expectations.

Favorite time of day to shoot is?

Golden hour.

If you had to stop taking photos right now, what would you do instead?

I have 2 passions in life- photography and teaching and I am so lucky that I am able to pursue both of those passions with my careers. Besides being a photographer, I am a full-time reading teacher.

Have you attended college or had any formal education in Photography?

I have a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, but have had no formal education in Photography. Over the years I have taken various workshops and have learned so much from photography forums such as Clickin Moms.

What do you do to get your clients to relax with you?

I am friendly and genuine. I try to laugh and get them to lighten up. I let the dads know that they won’t be needed for very long and I bring bubbles, puppets and books for the little ones. I try to connect with my clients and share stories- pretty much do anything to put them at ease.

What are your photography related goals for 2012?

Since relocating to Northwest Arkansas from Phoenix last year, I’m starting to shoot more weddings. I’d like to continue documenting weddings and grow more as a wedding photographer in 2012. I also love post-processing and would like to continue teaching others how to make magical images with online workshops.

How do you push yourself to keep growing and learning? Any Big Aha! Moments?

I shoot for myself… I shoot what fills my heart and makes me feel fulfilled. I find models where I can choose the time of day, clothing and create stylized sessions to document a story in my own creative way.

Digital or Prints?

I sell both.

How do you set yourself apart from other local photographers?

I set myself apart from other local photographers by capturing my subjects in gorgeous light and by providing a stress-free photography experience that results in beautiful images that my clients treasure. The past 17 years of teaching has taught me how to connect with others and how to deal with unpredictability in a calm and patient way.

What do you think your next photography related investment will be?

I’d love, love, love to be the proud mama of a Canon 5D Mark iii someday. 🙂

What would you say your biggest muse is?

Absolutely- my 5 year old daughter Ava Faith.

Fun stuff:
Favorite Color: blue
Favorite Season: spring
Biggest Guilty Pleasure: Waffle Cone ice cream
Pet Peeve: mean people
Studio or On location: on location
What did you want to be when you grew up? a teacher
One thing no one knows about you is: I’m too sensitive sometimes
Pc or Mac: PC
Lightroom Or Photoshop: Photoshop
Film or Digital: Digital, but I’d love to try film
Props or No Props: Both
If you could travel anywhere it would be: Bali
Glass Half Empty or Half Full: That would depend on what I’m drinking 🙂
Favorite photo ever taken: My daughter on September 11th with the American Flag. The image represents a hope for the future.

Raw or Jpeg: Definitely RAW
Favorite Quote: “Live in such a way that if someone were to speak bad about you… no one would believe it.” -Unknown
Most valued material possession: My wedding ring- it has my grandmother’s diamond and is so special to me. I love that I carry a piece of her with my every day- I miss her so much.
Processing Style: Dreamy, Bold, Magical
Coffee or Tea: Green Coffee
What kind of Camera bag do you rock? A Jo Totes Betsy in Mustard