Today we’d like to introduce you to Krista Miller.
Hi Krista, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been fascinated with photography since I was really young. In middle school, I was always saving up money to buy disposable cameras and get the film developed. But after earning a BFA with a concentration in black-and-white darkroom photography, I started working in web development. The BFA program I was in taught us all the Fine Art aspects of the medium, but not really how to get out there and make a living from it. So even though I had a degree, I didn’t feel like it was really an option, career-wise. I didn’t pick a serious camera up again for almost six years. When I finally did, something just sparked inside me again; I remembered how much I loved it, so I started exploring ways to bring in an income.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One big challenge was that when I did finally pick a camera back up, I was jumping into the deep end of digital photography. I had only ever shot on film and had spent my undergraduate work in a darkroom. (Not to mention mostly in black-and-white!) The transition from film to digital was kind of tricky, but I’ve done a really deep dive into all sorts of online resources. I’m embarrassed to share some of my first photos that I thought were so amazing! I still try to learn at least one new thing every day, whether it’s having a video tutorial on in the background while I edit, a podcast playing while I shoot, or reading a chapter or two of a business book before starting work every day. As with any field, it’s an ongoing process of refinement. Hopefully in five more years, I’ll look back at today’s photos and be shocked at how just-ok they were!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specifically work with brands and businesses to photograph their products. Lookbooks are my favorite projects, but I shoot for all types of usage, including e-commerce and social media. Sometimes this is still life in a studio, and other times I’m working with models on location – I love it all! I’m known for my “happy” style and adventurous color palettes. (I absolutely love color theory, and I think that comes across in my work.) My fine arts background is usually pretty apparent in my photos, as well, but in a fresh way that’s influenced by the latest trends (and, let’s face it, sometimes just my latest interests and tastes)! When I’m planning a shoot, I’m usually thinking of ways to make people smile or feel happy when they see the final photos.
I’m also really proud of my work ethic and ability to work well both on a team or solo. I’ve honed in on some pretty decent leadership skills and have been told by clients that I just “get” them. I often end up feeling as much like a cheerleader for my clients as I do their photographer; I genuinely want to see people accomplish their goals and dreams, and I love when my photography gets to help them with that. In particular, I love working with brands that are doing their best to treat their employees well, preserve the environment, and/or give back to their communities. Austin is a really great place to find companies like that, and it’s been incredibly fun getting to know some of the local businesses who are doing amazing things right in our own backyard.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
You’re the only one who is going to get you to where you want to be. That’s not to discount ALL the amazing people who will help you (and teach you and cheer you on etc.), but at the end of the day it’s just a lot of hard work that YOU and you alone have to put in. But it’s totally, completely worth it if you’re in love with what you do.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kristamillerphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krista.miller.photography/
Image Credits
Portrait of Krista Miller is by Amy Corley. All other photographs are by Krista Miller. Models are Vickey Lee and Alyssa Scalise.
