Today we’d like to introduce you to Trista Parker.
Trista, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
If you told the girl at the 1991 Scholastic Book Fair, the one buying Lamborghini posters to use as backdrops for her kitten’s “glamour shots” that she’d one day own a professional portrait studio, she probably would have believed you. She had the vision; She just didn’t have the gear yet!
I received my first “real” camera in 2017 and being so intimidated by the buttons, I tucked it away in the dark.
After being moved to tears by my own maternity photos and realizing the power of a single image, I dusted off that camera when my twins were born and became obsessed with capturing every tiny detail.
I took advantage of the downtime in 2020 to master the art of editing and learning from incredible mentors like Destiny Ford and Stephanie Smith.
In 2021, I finally took the leap and opened my own Photography business.
Today, my studio isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s an experience. Whether we are going “Sassy or Classy,” I’ve built a space where women can step into a dream wardrobe, get pampered with professional hair and makeup, and finally see themselves through my artistic vision.
There is no better feeling than “hyping up” a woman and watching her self-esteem shift right in front of my lens.
As I celebrate 5 years of this business, I’ve realized I’m a long way from disposable cameras and kitten models. I am so incredibly grateful to my husband, my mentors, and every single one of my clients who has stepped in front of my camera.
All glory goes to God for this beautiful journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve witness countless photographers pick up a camera and open a side gig the next day. I respect the hustle.
However, there’s a big difference when opening a legitimate brick and mortar business. Taxes, permits, overhead, to name a few.
I used to get upset that I had to compete with their rates.
I then decided to stand out and offer my clients an experience that goes beyond capturing images.
My clients choose me for a reason. They trust my experience and artistic process.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a dark and moody photographer who specializes in boudoir, couples and maternity portraits. I also have experience with headshot/branding, events, senior, family, and wedding photography. I’m a hobbiest landscape photographer. I believe variety is the spice of life and I don’t ever want to limit myself to a box. My editing style has a colorful vintage vibe. I play around with light and shadows.
I include a questionnaire at booking that helps me get to know their unique needs when creating their stories.
I want each client to have a personal experience.
We work with amazing professional hair and makeup artist as well as a local barber available for my male clients.
Our client closet includes access to a variety of sizes from xs-6x.
I prefer in person reveal when it comes to showing my clients the finished product for the first time.
We offer high end quality print products from a professional printing company. There are many different ways that a client can choose to display their art.
My favorite are albums and metal prints.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Ai has become a love hate relationship with our industry and will continue to be the biggest factor. On the positive end it’s been a great tool for running business. On the negative spectrum, it’s draining priceless resources.
Some people are fascinated with being able to generate any image they want flawlessly within minutes for little to no cost. However, it leaves society with a fake self image. The amount of water used to generate these trend images is destroying our environment.
When I look at real raw image, there’s always a feeling behind it. I don’t think Ai will ever be able to compete with the experience that a photographer can provide. I believe the bigger Ai becomes, the more people will realize how important genuine memories are.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.tristarosephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tristarosephotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19k8RHFGEi/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tristarosephotography
Image Credits
Trista rose photography
