Today we’d like to introduce you to Karissa Soto.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It all started in 2019 when I bought my first camera from a friend. I had no idea how to use it or what I was doing, but I thought it was a necessary purchase in order for me to post better pictures on Instagram, lol. I then would text my photographer friends questions, and I watched countless youtube videos on everything photography. I practiced with my family members and my friends until I felt fully comfortable with my camera. I never ended up using my camera for posting on Instagram and I fell in love with photographing love. I started documenting couples, intimate weddings & elopements and that is where I immediately felt at home. I love being able to be a part of a couples story for a moment and getting to freeze those sweet, intimate moments into a photo that they can cherish forever. I never thought that I would become a photographer but I am so happy that I am here. I love getting to meet so many incredible people and the opportunity that I have to catch a glimpse of their love for one another.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It definitely has not been perfect, but I don’t know anyone whose journey has been. As a creative, or as a human in general, it is so easy to fall into the trap of comparison. They weren’t lying when they said that comparison is the thief of all joy. I have to remind myself daily that I am enough, that I am more than good enough and that my work is valuable. I have struggled a lot with feeling inadequate or feeling like I won’t ever “make it.” But what does that even mean anyway?
In January of 2021, I moved to Texas from Florida to be with my girlfriend and we both came out together. That has been one of the most challenging things that I have ever done in my life. For a while, I didn’t feel comfortable sharing pieces of my personal life on my business page because I never knew who would accept me or who wouldn’t. The fear that the second I say I have a girlfriend, a potential client will ghost, or their body language will shift. I have been slowly letting go of the need to be accepted by everyone because the reality is, I won’t be. And that is okay. Building a business in a completely new state where I didn’t know anyone, coming out to the world about who I am, and letting go of comparison and the feeling of inadequacy has been incredibly difficult, but I am here. I am healing and growing and learning and failing and moving forward. Moment by moment. Second by second.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am the creator behind Kari Creative Photography and I specialize in intimate weddings, elopements & couples. I am known for making couples feel comfortable behind my lens and for making their experience with me effortless and worthwhile. I really value relationships and getting to know my clients beyond signing the contract and getting a few shots taken. My heart for each session or wedding is to develop a genuine connection with my clients and to serve them in the best way that I can. I am really proud to be an inclusive photographer. I truly want every couple to know that they are welcome and safe with me. I won’t be the vendor that turns you away because of your sexuality, body type, religion, etc… Every person is welcome here. Every couple is welcome here. Everyone is loved here. All love is accepted and celebrated here. 🙂
How do you think about happiness?
It may sound cheesy but this question made me smile! Here are a few of my favorite things or moments that make me happy…
– Waking up next to my person every morning.
– A really good iced matcha latte.
– Not having to set an alarm for the next day.
– Anything dessert related.
– The feeling of pride when I deliver photo galleries that I am proud of.
– Receiving texts from clients about how much they love their photos.
– Texas sunsets.
– Making others feel loved and seen.
The first and the last ones are huge for me. All in all, I am here to love and that truly brings me joy.
Pricing:
- Weddings – starting at $1,597
- Elopements – starting at $997
- Couples & Engagements – starting at $225
Contact Info:
- Email: Karicreativephotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: @karicreativephotography
Image Credits
Kari Creative Photography
