Today we’d like to introduce you to Krista Turner.
Krista, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Since I was a kid, I’ve loved combing through old photographs. My grandparents had photo albums lining shelves in every room of their house- just hundreds of pages my grandma had filled, and I spent a lot of time looking at them. I just couldn’t get enough. They felt like such an intimate glimpse into their lives, and I think those glimpses taught me something that most children and young people take for granted: our parents and grandparents had lives before us. There were photos of vacations and holidays and lots of big Italian Sunday dinners, but my favorites were always the old wedding photos, because they’re a rite of passage for so many people. Friends pressed together with smiles and glasses of champagne, a twirling dress on the dance floor, a couple dashing off to their honeymoon under rose petals. It’s such a relatable experience- getting married or even just attending a wedding- and I think those days of sitting in my grandparents’ den with a box of photos in my lap really started the wheels turning for me.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’m a photographer and focus primarily on weddings and elopements- really because of the little microcosm that weddings are for people. I love every aspect of them. Weddings have a rhythm to them, but they’re also full of spontaneity. A lot of couples put a lot of love and intention into the details that make up their day, which I love, but my favorite parts are the connections going on all day. There are so many layers to all of our relationships, and to have this incredible honor of getting to document peoples’ relationships on such an important day- between a couple, between child and parent, between friends or siblings or people from our past- that’s just everything to me. It keeps me excited about my work, and I hope that people come away with that same feeling.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
The wedding industry has been growing at such a rapid pace for the last few years, especially in Atlanta. And compared to a lot of really amazing photographers and artists, I’m still a relative newcomer. (Until I meet a new photographer friend who is insanely talented and 18 years old, and then I feel over the hill.) The saturation of the “market” is something that a lot of artists in this industry face, myself included, and at least personally, this has made it harder for me. The key for me has been to stay excited about my work. Inspiration is not going to be found by following every other artist in your niche on Instagram. You have to push yourself and look elsewhere for a catalyst that’s going to keep you moving forward. Film, music, writing. It’s different for everyone, and as a native Atlantan, I can proudly say that our city is bursting with inspiration.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
On my website or on social media! (Instagram is my favorite.)
www.kristaturnerphotography.com
www.instagram.com/_kristaturner_
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kristaturnerphotography.com
- Email: krista@kristaturnerphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/_kristaturner_
Image Credit:
Krista Turner
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