spotlight :: k. holly photography
I love my job. Not simply because I love weddings, but also because I work with awesome people on a daily basis. Vendors, clients, and former clients-turned-friends are a huge part of my day and that makes me smile. I would not be where I am without the support of the local wedding vendors, the amazing contacts I've made through this blog, my rockin' clients and of course, friends + family.
With many talented people in West Michigan, I get excited each time someone new contacts me. I am excited to hear about their passion, about what moves them. Before Christmas, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the ever-sweet and adorable Kristen Carlson of K. Holly Photography. She is relatively new to the wedding industry, having spent the past seven years of her life as a graphic designer, however she is on the scene full time now and you can tell by all the glorious images on her website + blog.
I hope you enjoy our little Q+A session as much as I enjoy hanging out with Kristin.
Pearls Events :: What inspires you?
Kristen :: Life! I find so much beauty and spark in life’s moments & details, and all around us in nature. I know that seems like a cheesy response, but it’s true! From sweet little nuances to defining milestones, these things shape our lives and relationships. From as simple as the way light dances on wet morning grass, to sweet secret smiles shared between a couple in love, the first time a newborn opens his eyes, to the tears in a fathers eyes on his daughter’s wedding day. These are the moments I’m inspired to capture.
Pearls Events :: What is your favorite subject?
Kristen :: That’s funny you ask – every time I’m leaving a session, I’m like, “No, THAT’s my favorite!” I have a blast no matter what the subject, and every session and wedding is completely unique. I love that I have a blank slate each time. That said, if I had to choose... I’d have to say couples in love – the way they can be romantic, playful and goofy with each other and the camera. And there’s something about a bride on her wedding day; she’s just beautiful! She’s radiant, glowing, bursting with love and joy, surrounded by her family, friends, and a man who loves her more than anything else in the world. How amazing is that?!
Pearls Events :: What would you be doing if you weren't a photographer?
Kristen :: I was a graphic designer for seven years, so I suppose I would still be designing. So much of that comes through in my photography work, from image composition to editing photos to designing fine art albums. I’m lucky that I’m able to be creative and have fun in my profession – I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Pearls Events :: If you could photograph any wedding what would you pick?
Kristen :: I would love to go back in time and shoot an old, vintage, glamorous wedding. Think exquisite lace, silk, pearls, a handmade veil, fur, feathers, jewels, luxurious fabrics, and sepia tones! Mmmm!
Pearls Events :: What is your favorite location to shoot?
Kristen :: I love the challenge and freshness of a new location, and I love to travel. Mostly, I like dirty bricks and old doorways, tall grassy fields with buttery light, amazing panoramic views and anywhere that I can get a different perspective and beautiful light!
Pearls Events :: What is a little known fact about yourself?
Kristen :: I’m a small-town, Northern Minnesota girl. We just moved to Michigan a few years ago, and I love it here – it’s WARM! :) No, seriously, it IS. And the people are just wonderful. We felt welcome from the day we moved here. One more little random tidbit, Holly is my middle name. I get asked that one a lot.
Pearls Events :: Describe a perfect, non-working day in you life.
Kristen :: Two of my favorite things are coffee with my adorable, wonderful hubby Jamie, and a long hike though the woods with our mini-doxie Lexi - camera in hand of course! Other than that, I’m happy doing anything or nothing at all. Maybe some snowboarding, walking along the beaches of Lake Michigan, lunch with friends, a phone conversation with my mom or best friend, making dinner, baking cookies, snuggling on the couch to watch a movie, or dressing up and going out for cocktails!
Pearls Events :: Tell us a little more...
Kristen :: I’m almost never without my camera... The first time I met Aletha she totally busted me for taking a picture of my latte at the coffee shop! More than just taking pictures, I truly love getting to know clients and fellow vendors. I am always up for going out for coffee and chatting, and I love hearing the details of wedding plans, or getting cute pictures in my inbox of your little one as he grows up. I feel so very blessed to meet such amazing people, learn about life from another perspective, tell their stories with artistic imagery, and to show just how much love and beauty there really is in this world. :)
With many talented people in West Michigan, I get excited each time someone new contacts me. I am excited to hear about their passion, about what moves them. Before Christmas, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the ever-sweet and adorable Kristen Carlson of K. Holly Photography. She is relatively new to the wedding industry, having spent the past seven years of her life as a graphic designer, however she is on the scene full time now and you can tell by all the glorious images on her website + blog.
I hope you enjoy our little Q+A session as much as I enjoy hanging out with Kristin.
Pearls Events :: What inspires you?
Kristen :: Life! I find so much beauty and spark in life’s moments & details, and all around us in nature. I know that seems like a cheesy response, but it’s true! From sweet little nuances to defining milestones, these things shape our lives and relationships. From as simple as the way light dances on wet morning grass, to sweet secret smiles shared between a couple in love, the first time a newborn opens his eyes, to the tears in a fathers eyes on his daughter’s wedding day. These are the moments I’m inspired to capture.
Pearls Events :: What is your favorite subject?
Kristen :: That’s funny you ask – every time I’m leaving a session, I’m like, “No, THAT’s my favorite!” I have a blast no matter what the subject, and every session and wedding is completely unique. I love that I have a blank slate each time. That said, if I had to choose... I’d have to say couples in love – the way they can be romantic, playful and goofy with each other and the camera. And there’s something about a bride on her wedding day; she’s just beautiful! She’s radiant, glowing, bursting with love and joy, surrounded by her family, friends, and a man who loves her more than anything else in the world. How amazing is that?!
Pearls Events :: What would you be doing if you weren't a photographer?
Kristen :: I was a graphic designer for seven years, so I suppose I would still be designing. So much of that comes through in my photography work, from image composition to editing photos to designing fine art albums. I’m lucky that I’m able to be creative and have fun in my profession – I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Pearls Events :: If you could photograph any wedding what would you pick?
Kristen :: I would love to go back in time and shoot an old, vintage, glamorous wedding. Think exquisite lace, silk, pearls, a handmade veil, fur, feathers, jewels, luxurious fabrics, and sepia tones! Mmmm!
Pearls Events :: What is your favorite location to shoot?
Kristen :: I love the challenge and freshness of a new location, and I love to travel. Mostly, I like dirty bricks and old doorways, tall grassy fields with buttery light, amazing panoramic views and anywhere that I can get a different perspective and beautiful light!
Pearls Events :: What is a little known fact about yourself?
Kristen :: I’m a small-town, Northern Minnesota girl. We just moved to Michigan a few years ago, and I love it here – it’s WARM! :) No, seriously, it IS. And the people are just wonderful. We felt welcome from the day we moved here. One more little random tidbit, Holly is my middle name. I get asked that one a lot.
Pearls Events :: Describe a perfect, non-working day in you life.
Kristen :: Two of my favorite things are coffee with my adorable, wonderful hubby Jamie, and a long hike though the woods with our mini-doxie Lexi - camera in hand of course! Other than that, I’m happy doing anything or nothing at all. Maybe some snowboarding, walking along the beaches of Lake Michigan, lunch with friends, a phone conversation with my mom or best friend, making dinner, baking cookies, snuggling on the couch to watch a movie, or dressing up and going out for cocktails!
Pearls Events :: Tell us a little more...
Kristen :: I’m almost never without my camera... The first time I met Aletha she totally busted me for taking a picture of my latte at the coffee shop! More than just taking pictures, I truly love getting to know clients and fellow vendors. I am always up for going out for coffee and chatting, and I love hearing the details of wedding plans, or getting cute pictures in my inbox of your little one as he grows up. I feel so very blessed to meet such amazing people, learn about life from another perspective, tell their stories with artistic imagery, and to show just how much love and beauty there really is in this world. :)
3 lovely comment(s):
Awww, thank you Aletha! You are too sweet. I had such a great time visiting with you, and of course LOVE reading your blog! Looking forward to our breakfast date next week! :) And see you tomorrow too!
I loved reading an interview of Kristen in her own words. Even though I know her well, there is always something new with her going on. I am her mother, and she is a great girl.
i love the interview!!!
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