Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Burdick.
Hi Kristen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Growing up, my dad carried his camera everywhere. He took pictures on vacations, at soccer games, and family gatherings. I loved the idea of freezing moments in time and how pictures brought back feelings and memories in an instant. My dad was a big influence on why I fell in love with taking pictures. Sophomore year in high school I decided to take a Photography class. This is where I realized I had a love for photography. After that, my senior year I decided to take AP Photography. This was one of my favorite classes and really solidified what I wanted to do with my life. AP Photography really helped me push my limits in different areas of photography. This is where I learned that I had an interest in portraiture. After high school, I decided to go to the University of Mary Hardin Baylor to pursue my second love, soccer. This was the deciding reason I chose to go to UMHB. I now am able to play soccer and study graphic design. Since UMHB doesn’t have a big photography program, I chose graphic design because it goes hand and hand with photography. During my time in college, I realized I have an interest for Fashion Photography, and which I have decided that is what I want to pursue.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think my main challenge has been time. Being a student-athlete, it’s hard to balance soccer, school, and photography. It’s been challenging with everything on my plate, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I have loved playing soccer in college, and it’s been one of the greatest experiences. Having a full schedule for most of the year and learning how to handle it all has prepared me for my future. Another important factor, especially in college, is money. Photography is expensive and I have learned to work with what I have. To make up for the lack of new camera gear, all my work goes into editing. I am excited for the day I can put all my time into photography once I graduate!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
For one of my first projects in my beginner photography class, we had to create a watermark for some portraits we took. A friend and I were talking and the idea of KBPhotography was brought up. After that, the name stuck. Little did I know that some random name I made up in high school would stay with me until now. Furthermore, my main focus is fashion photography. Unlike majority of photographers, my photoshoots are not as structured and they are more spur of the moment. They are more like an adventure rather than a job. Instead of having a solidified location for the shoot, I tend to drive or walk around to find whatever catches my eye in the moment. I feel the less structured the shoot, the more interesting my pictures turn out. I am most proud of the variety of different photoshoots and portraits I have done. From senior shoots, engagements, weddings, family pictures, and even photoshoots of puppies. Anything that a client needs, I always want to help and push my limits and creativity as a photographer.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
If you are just starting out with photography, I want you to know that you don’t need to be intimidated by photographers with the most expensive equipment. You don’t need the fanciest equipment to get a great picture. What makes or breaks a picture is editing. My biggest recommendation is spending time learning and practicing editing your pictures. In the process of learning, you will go through many editing techniques and styles till you find your aesthetic. Each photoshoot provides a new learning opportunity and a chance to improve.
Contact Info:
- Email: kristentburdick@verizon.net
- Website: https://kristentburdick.wixsite.com/kbphotography
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbphotographss/
