White Dress Events

Vendor Spotlight: K. Holly Photography

Back in November 2008, I had the pleasure of meeting Kristen Carlson, owner of K. Holly Photography in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Kristen has the ability to capture real emotions and magical moments, and I am always inspired by her photos. In addition to her incredible abilities behind the camera, Kristen has a charming, light-hearted personality. Her upbeat and friendly demeanor makes you relaxed and comfortable, a very important factor when you are the subject in front of a lens. And with a background in graphic design, it was Kristen who came up with my brilliant logo. (Thanks Kristen!) She is an incredible find in the world of photography and graphic design.

Here are a few photos from one of Kristen's 2009 weddings:

Want to know more? Read on for a little Q&A with the fab photographer:

How long have you been in business?

Officially, since 2007, but I’ve been a photographer my whole life. I started with film and switched to digital a few years ago. I’ve always had an eye for capturing beauty and life, and enjoyed it on my own time. Combining that passion with my love for weddings and working with people has been the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m so excited about this season’s weddings, I absolutely adore my clients!

What is the best part about your job?

Meeting amazing people, hearing stories about their love and their lives, and having the unique honor of documenting the most important and beautiful days of their lives. I get to show them how beautiful they are and tell their love story from a unique perspective. I’m not sure it gets much better than that :)

What is your least favorite part about your job?

There are a lot of little details that come along with running a business – if I could just photograph and not worry about those little things, it would be pretty wonderful. But it's all worth it in the end.

What was the best or most exciting shoot you've ever done?
This is going to sound so cheesy, but to me, every shoot feels like the best and most exciting. I go into each and every session with the mindset that THIS is going to be the best work I’ve ever produced, and that these clients are the best ever. I challenge myself to always improve, try new things, and look for new and interesting places and light. I enjoy working with my clients, and we have fun and we MAKE it exciting!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Spare time is so precious and rare, so I try to just relax, soak it up and recharge. I treasure my time with my husband and our little dog, and we really enjoy being outdoors – on our deck, on the beach, biking, or just walking through the woods in our backyard.

What is something fun or quirky about you?

Fun or quirky... Oh gosh, lots of little things – I’m not sure if that’s good or bad! :) I’m a total goof, I love to laugh and have fun. I’m not afraid to embarrass myself or be a total cheeseball! I love when my clients can open up and be candid, letting their guard down – it makes for a great session, and amazing images!

Tell me anything else potential brides should know.

I’m really inspired by my couples. They way they look at each other, their shared history, stories, and little inside jokes. Those are the moments and emotions I love to capture - the feeling my images evoke. I think it’s important for brides and grooms to be true to themselves. When you’re planning your wedding, don’t do what everyone else does. Think about what is truly YOU, and just let it flow. My favorite weddings have been the ones that were completely different and unique to the couple with personal touches and details. It really opens up the feel of your day and encourages your families and guests to open up and have a great time too!