Meet Krista Kearse | Elopement Photographer

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

Hi Krista, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I adopted my twin brothers at 19 and they were 11. They have really inspired me from day one! After raising them I knew I could do anything I set my mind to. I have always loved photography and just always done it since high school. I would do senior pictures for classmates and was involved in a photography class for the yearbook. For the past 7 years, I’ve always done jobs here and there for friends and family. I was going to college for education and then had to stop my senior year to work multiple jobs to raise my brothers, now that they just graduated high school in May. I knew it was finally my time to go after my dreams!

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 style of photography is documentary style. I absolutely love those very candid photos. The one that shows your love, your real laugh, and those raw emotions. I also love couples who are up for an adventure to get those one-of-a-kind shots in the mountains or on the beach at sunset!

I have been doing photography for well over 7 years and have finally made it my full-time job. I will say it was not easy and it took me willing to risk it and believe in myself. I have to overcome challenges every day as a small business owner, but that’s the beauty of it. I get to wake up and work hard and make incredible memories for couples and families that they get to look back on for the rest of their life. That thought right there makes figuring out how to overcome all the challenges worth it. One day at a time is always my advice to new business owners!

A lesson I have learned along the way that I would pass on to other artists is to always have a contract signed! Even if it’s a friend or family! This is a business you are running and you gotta play by your book even if they are a friend or family.

I want the world to know that no matter where you come from or whatever your story is, you can do what you set your mind to. You can do the scary things and start the business you’ve always imagined starting.

I was born to two deaf parents. My dad left at an early age and my mother became an abusive acholic. I was kicked out at 16 and had to figure out life all on my own. I adopted my twin brothers at 19 to make sure they had a safe and loving environment for the rest of their childhood. I had to put aside my dreams and goals until they graduated high school! But here I am in my mid-twenties going after it! There’s so much more to my story that I would love to share with you but the point is no matter who you are or what your story is, you can overcome this and go after your dream! I believe in you!

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.
Hey, bestie !! Here’s an itinerary for your stay in Colorado Springs!

Monday
Check into Kindship Hotel (the cutest hotel in Springs)
Lunch- At the street car near the hotel! Best food ever!
Dinner -the cafe in the hotel has some incredible food!

Tuesday
Would go to the Olympic Museum
Lunch- COATI ( cute little loco place with a ton of different places to eat inside)
Dinner- Dos Santos ( best drinks ever)

Wednesday
Go shopping in Old Colorado City ( best local shops)
To eat – Old colorado city Paravicini’s Italian Bistro ( seriously so amazing!)

Thursday
Garden of the gods
Coffee at a local place called Switchbacks
Rock climb downtown at city rock

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my husband. He has always supported me from day one. He is always encouraged me to take the risk in myself and do photography full time. I am so thankful to have him by my side as my biggest cheerleader. I wouldn’t have had the courage to do this full-time and take the chance on myself if it wasn’t for him. His love and support have been awesome from day one! I’m thankful for him!

Website: https://www.kristakearse.com

Instagram: Kristakearse_photography