Reminiscing on 2017 — Krysti Gundrum Photography

2017. My first full calendar year in business. Crazy!

If you would have asked me ten years ago where I would be today, I'm not sure what my answer would have been. But I do know that owning a small photography business would not have crossed my mind; not at that point in my life. I was simply worried about graduating with a marketing degree and landing my first job. After a brief internship to round out my schooling, I'd go on to spend a few years at an interactive agency and then continue my journey as a marketing professional here in the Lehigh Valley at a large local manufacturer. While I loved both experiences, something was missing. I didn't quite feel satisfied. After a little motivation and a lot of love, I started on this journey. An adventure that would provide plentiful opportunities to meet sweet families, couples, kiddos, and even a few furry friends as well.

Over the year, I was fortunate to capture a variety of session types. I captured THIRTY-EIGHT sessions or events in 2017! Thirty-eight sessions as a part-time photographer in the span of what was really more like 8 months, given I shoot primarily outdoors and well, we live in the Northeast - 'nuf said. :)

Sessions captured included:

2 EVENTS
16 FAMILY SESSIONS
1 GENDER REVEAL (so fun!!)
2 MATERNITY SESSIONS
6 MINI SESSIONS
2 FRESH 48 NEWBORN SESSIONS
4 IN-HOME LIFESTYLE NEWBORN SESSIONS
2 MILESTONE SESSIONS
3 SENIOR SESSIONS

While the majority of my sessions are showcased in the photos shared here, a few others were captured and have been kept off of social media per the request of my clients. Client requests are always acknowledged and respected. <3

Looking back over my short time (to-date) as a "professional" photographer, there are a few things that I have learned...

I found 'my' style. If you've spent time searching for a photographer or you follow photographers on social media, chances are you've seen the ba-zillion styles out there. Light and airy, dark and moody, bright and bold - the options are endless, thanks to various post-processing tools. There's no wrong style, but finding one that suits you is what helps define you as a photographer. I'm finally happy with what I feel is my style... we'll see how long it takes until I'm ready for some tweaks! ;-)
I am drawn more to certain lenses. Depending on the session type, there are certain lenses that I am drawn to use. If I'm shooting inside your home, I'm most likely to have my Tamron 24-70mm lens on, which allows me to be within distance to help position you and your loved ones with the flexibility of zooming in and out for different perspectives. If I'm shooting adults or seniors, I love, love, LOVE my Sigma 85 mm. The beautiful backgrounds this lens creates are just lovely. My Canon 135 mm is also a favorite, but works best for candids or adults/seniors as well. I do not currently own a macro lens, but if and when I shoot weddings or newborns, this is a must-have as well, allowing me to capture beautiful details.
I've learned how to balance being a wife, a mother, a full-time professional and a part-time photographer. A typical day for me includes waking up, getting ready for work and enjoying coffee as I edit until my little man awakes. From that point on, it's school prep and drop-off, 'day' job, school pick-up, family time and sleep until it's time to do it all over again.
I have a desire to do more. While I absolutely love capturing families, I would love to shoot more maternity, newborn and engagement sessions. If you know anyone that may be interested, I'd be ever-so-gracious for your referral! I'd love the opportunity do shoot more weddings as well, but I don't want to be too needy... just kidding!

One thing is for sure - I couldn't have embarked on this journey without the help of others. Thank you to each and every person that has allowed me to pursue this small dream of mine. Thank you to my husband, who has been supportive and patient as I've embarked on this journey; family and friends who have spent quality time with our boys, allowing me to capture my sweet clients; my parents for their love and support and the extra push to make this a reality; and least, but certainly not last, each and every individual that has spent time in front of my camera. With the opportunity to capture you, you've allowed me to continue to stretch and grow as a photographer. I leave your session feeling fulfilled and I can only hope that you are as fulfilled, if not more, upon receiving your beautiful galleries.

Cheers to a new year, new opportunities, new faces and new memories made! (And hopefully some 'old' faces as well - I love catching up with previous clients!)

Yours truly,
Krysti