Today we’d like to introduce you to Karissa Collins.
Karissa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I used to work in corporate America in the finance industry, after all my degree is in finance. When I had my fourth child, I decided to stay home with my children. My children started to get a pretty big following on Instagram with my camera phone photos. So my husband bought me a camera. My children started modeling for small Instagram companies and I started to learn the ins and outs of a DSLR camera. People started asking me to take their photos after noticing the pictures of my children, and so I started photographing friends and family. Now two years later, I have the honor of running an on the side business called Karissa Beth Photography and I love it.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. As a photographer, you go through a lot of comparing with other photographers. The world of photography can be very harsh. No one wants to share their tips of the trade. Not many photographers are willing to take newbies under their wing and help them. Mostly because nowadays, everyone thinks they are a photographer and wants to be one.
When I quickly learned that I wasn’t going to get any help, I started researching YouTube tutorials and spent hours everyday teaching myself with my camera. And I still do. Photography takes ALOT of practice. Practice in the different settings and the different styles of editing. There are also struggles finding good locations that are not overcrowded and learning different lighting situations. It is very easy to get overwhelmed and just quit in this business. There is a lot to learn and a lot of extra expenses involved that people do not realize.
There are monthly website fees, editing software fees, equipment fees, education fees, digital client software fees and legal concerns associated. Not to mention the constant competition all around with newbie photographers. In photography, it is hard to get people to pay for quality when there are other lesser options all around you.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Karissa Beth Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in families. Being a mom of soon to be seven children, I have children down. I spend hours each day practicing on my own children so that I can be the best for your children. I love families. I love children. I love new life. I am known for my family photography. I also do weddings, seniors, events, newborns, maternity, anniversaries and pets.
What sets my business apart is my dedication to providing my clients with all of their photos. I pride myself on the fact that when you book a session with me, everything is included. You get all of the photos and I edit them all. You don’t have to wonder if there was a better photo taken that you didn’t receive. We all have different tastes and styles… a photo that I love you might not love and a photo I am not fond of, you might adore.
I am most proud of how far I have come and how much I have learned. I still have so much to learn and I am excited about my growth to come.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the diversity. I love that we have so many different looks in such close proximity. We can do a downtown shoot just minutes from a country shoot. I love the different mix of people. I love the multiple options we have all around us for entertainment, photography, food, and fun.
I least like the crowded parks, but that is only when it comes to photography. It can be hard to do a photo session in a crowded place.
Other than that, I love people and I love being in large crowds.
Pricing:
- One hour family, engagement and maternity sessions are $300 and include all edited photos
- Newborn, seniors and smash cake sessions are $350 and include all edited photos.
- Weddings are $2000 and include all edited photos.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.karissabethphotos.com
- Phone: 6825615323
- Email: karissabethphotos@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/karissabethphotos
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
