Vendor Spotlight |Central PA Based Photographer | Kristen Hartzell Photography

We are almost to the end of our Vendor Spotlight time. I have a couple more interviews but if you are still hanging tight with me then check out this beauty from Central PA. Kirsten Hartzell is on the blog today sharing her little tidbits about what makes her uniquely special.

1.  Tell us a little about yourself

I am originally from Western, NY but moved here last May after my own wedding and since then have been working to branch out my connections throughout this area. Photography is the art I pursue the most in my everyday life but I love to paint, do ceramics, make jewelry and draw. My other hobbies include having a green thumb, being a cat mom and working out. It’s my dream to turn my passion for photography into my life’s work.

2. What was your dream job growing up?

Am I allowed to say I wanted to be a famous singer, or a princess??? I actually did follow my musical pursuits into college and discovered I didn’t really want that for myself and somewhere between a few changes in my major and a major life event Photography just clicked.

3. In 3 words, how would you describe your brand?

            Authentic, Lifestyle, Colorful

4. How did you get into the your industry?

A artistic mentor of sorts saw my potential and actually had me photograph their elopement – this was before I ever had an official booking or took any formal classes but it was enough to make me want more. After that, I  began taking classes, getting more technical and breaking down visual concepts as well as beginning to market myself to any friends, family and friends of friends who would hire me.

5. What sets you part in your industry?

I pose my couples to some extent but then I let them run with it, I try to read their behavior and their emotions to capture who they are and what they are living right then and there. I think  one of the other things that sets me apart in the industry is my experience with event planning and being able to assist in making a wedding or gathering go smoothly.

6. What does a typical session/wedding look like?

A typical session or wedding starts long before the day of because I try to give my time to my clients as much as I can to help them troubleshoot and answer their questions or concerns. I ALWAYS do a phone call or skype session before the big day because I want to open the door to them knowing me and being truly comfortable. On the day of, I lean into their excitement, I prompt them with questions about how they feel and share things that stuck out to me while I have known them. I look for moments throughout the day and grab every detail I see because the little things matter and those moments become lasting memories.

7. What is your favorite part of a session/wedding day?

My favorite part would have to be either when the bride walks down the aisle and the groom sees her for the first time or when I get to provide that moment of solitude and calm before the reception begins.

8. and lastly, if you could go anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?

I would go travel throughout East Africa, Tanzania specifically and revisit the places I got to be just two years ago – there is no place like your first overseas experience and I want to read the words of my journal in the places I wrote about them.

Optional | what has this quarantine/isolation taught you?

Quarantine has taught me that it’s okay to rest, to be still, to not be busy constantly. I thrive off of full days bursting at the seams with commitments, meetings, working out and phone calls but right now I am being coerced into reevaluating, refocusing and reviving my body, my mind and my soul.   -Kirsten Hartzell

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