Meet Kristi Miller | Natural Light Adventure Wedding & Elopement Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristi Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristi, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Oh, there have been several times when I have thought about closing my business. When I first started, I took every inquiry that came my way: families, babies, seniors – whatever it was, I didn’t turn it down. And I got burnt out. That’s when I first thought about closing. But then it occurred to me that it was time for a shift; so I decided to start filtering what sessions I would accept. I chose to stay with families, portraits and weddings. And that shift saved me. I got to focus on what I enjoyed most, raised my prices accordingly to keep business profitable and continue to serve my clients.

After that experience, I have learned how to deal with those thoughts of whether or not to keep going. I still have them – and I know that eventually, I will have to make that decision. But not yet. There are so many more stories out there just waiting for me to capture them and I can’t wait.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love natural light! And as I’ve gone through my photography journey, I knew that keeping my photos as natural as possible was extremely important to me. And I just go out and shoot and learn. Every day is different and every location has it’s challenges and I love it! I love the challenge! So through practice and education – it helps build the confidence I have to have in order to better serve my clients.

This hasn’t been an easy process. I’ve learned a lot but there is so much more that I don’t know – so much more to discover! And while we are often our worst critic (which isn’t always a bad thing), I feel like the photography world is extremely negative to their own. And that has been a challenge to navigate through as I grow as a business owner and a photographer.

I’ve been in the photography business for seven years now and I am still learning, changing and growing with each new day, and each new session that I have. I have met amazing people with incredible stories that have changed my life – I have laughed and cried and celebrated clients’ biggest day to the small intimate moments and everything in-between. How lucky am I??

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh that’s easy – we are heading for the mountains!! Whether we climb up to 11,000′ to see bristlecone pines that are over 4,000 years old, take the boat out and swim in crystal blue lakes or head south to the towering red rock monoliths and petrified sand dunes of the southwest desert, it doesn’t matter to me. I’ve never been a city girl – so being surrounded by mountains and nature has been my happy place.

After exploring the area, we would head to my favorite restaurant in town for hibachi of the freshest seafood in southern Utah (!!) and follow that up with some competitive ax throwing. We would finish up the night sitting around a campfire with a favorite beverage and s’mores and conversation about anything.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Anthony has been my biggest supporter from the beginning. No matter what crazy idea I have in my head to try next or another piece of gear to buy, he has been there every step of the way. Through his honest feedback (both good and bad) and joining me on several adventure sessions, I couldn’t ask for a better partner to build a business with.

I was browsing the Internet one day and came across Amy and Jordan Demos and fell in love with their photography style. It literally stopped me in my tracks. I invested in all of their courses and have enjoyed learning and growing with them, especially the desire they have to serve their clients with love and compassion. Both of those qualities are a blessing to have and to share with others and this has helped me develop special relationships with all of my clients.

Website: http://kristilynphotography.com

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kristilynphotography

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kristilynphotography

Image Credits
Kristi Lyn Photography My Haven Images (personal photo)