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

Hi Kristen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It came in a very natural and organic way. I was originally already taking photos of landscapes. I would travel on weekends to National Parks and Forests and really got to learn the ins and outs of lighting, different weather conditions, and how to use a professional camera. Over a little bit of time I started to get great feedback and support of my work. After about a year of landscape work I took the dive into booking sessions with couples and families. It took off from there and I never looked back! It was definitely learn-as-you-go process in terms of building my business. But I knew that the intention behind my business was to capture beautiful memories that clients will cherish for a lifetime.

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.
My photography is how I see the world. The colors, the lighting, the emotions. I love that I have the ability to capture that and bring a clients vision to life, plus a little extra. For me, choosing a location is equally as important as respecting it. The photography industry has definitely exploded over the past five years, it’s a very popular industry. So I think it is important to note the uptick in people using public lands for their photoshoots. A big part of my own business is taking clients to places that I have cherished and loved for many years. Leave no trace principles are a big part of my business ethics. Proper permitting, donating to outdoor advocacies, and making sure my clients have all the proper instructions on the rules of the land we’ll be on is a big part of my business. It would feel wrong if it wasn’t. I’d like the world to know that my work is my passion. It took awhile to get here and I am still reaching for newer and higher goals. 2020 was a big year for me, the most clients I’ve ever had, which was difficult to work around with the ever-changing rules during the pandemic. I think a lot of people felt like they needed to capture some sort of positive in 2020. So I did a lot of sessions with families, couples, children, pets, you name it. Rather than celebrating events people were celebrating life and love. I was honored to capture that for them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh wow! This is such a fun question for me because I LOVE to travel and am a “professional weekender”, I would definitely take them to Joshua Tree. I am an avid camper and so we would definitely be bringing a tent and some camping gear. I’d show them the Chollas Cactus Garden, hike Ryan Mountain, and I’d show them the night sky (along with pointing out the planets and constellations because I am an astronomy nerd). On the way out of town I’d definitely stop at the Cactus Mart where you can make your own little cactus garden to bring home. There are so many good places to go in California. But if we have a week I would definitely also take them up to Big Sur. A drive up Highway 1 is a must. I love Limekiln State Park. And the Whale Watchers Cafe is a cute little spot. I would definitely continue the drive up to Monterey. Such a cute little town! The aquarium is the best. Loulou’s Griddle in the Middle has some of the best food I’ve ever had on a road trip. It’s a popular spot on the water and the staff is super friendly!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The San Diego photography community is amazing. I have learned so much from them…when I was first starting out with booking clients and even today still. The support is incredible and we definitely all cheer each other on!

Website: www.kristenpritchardphoto.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/kristenpritchardphotography

Image Credits
Kristen Pritchard Photography

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