Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Bremer.
Hi Kristina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My photography journey began back in 2013-2014; my mom was always snapping photos and videos, and I was always fascinated with the concept. I snagged an old point-and-shoot camera and just started shooting. Where I now work with mostly people, I started with nature, capturing iguanas, deer, flowers, and everything in between. I BEGGED for an actual camera I could call my own, and in 2015, I got my Canon XSi (ancient, I know haha) and started filling Pinterest boards with ideas, and used my sister and a couple close friends to figure out how to use it, figure out what works, and what doesn’t. I started my hosting job at a nearby restaurant in 2017 and saved almost everything I made for a new camera. When I finally upgraded to my 6D, I was really comfortable working with people. I had a manager who hyped me up, and looking back, helped build the confidence I have today. Fun fact; I was born and raised in key west, Florida, so the tourism is like a revolving door. I began posting on every Facebook group I could find to book my first clients, and although it wasn’t consistent, I was meeting new people and doing what I love. Throughout the pandemic, most people lost their jobs, myself included, and found myself striving for a long-term future that included a job I didn’t need a vacation from. Instead of worrying about the future, I found confidence in improving myself now, while the world was at rest, by setting up my website, making lists for the future goals, looking into the power of social media. In 2021, I moved to Tampa and got my first studio job, where I have learned more about photography in the past year than all the time watching YouTube videos back in the beginning. Not only that, but I get to work with the most talented people and realized that photography is about community over competition. Every day that I pick up a camera, I’m reminded how I fell in love with photography in the first place.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I try to be the person who sees the light in every situation. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and that someway, there is a greater takeaway than the problem as a whole. Imposter Syndrome, however, does get the best of me sometimes. It’s in those times that I remind myself that I always will be learning, and I will always be my own worst critic. It’s in those moments that I shift gears and know I need to focus on something else, such as reading a book, or going to the gym, etc. I think self-doubt stems from a lack of confidence I used to struggle with as a kid and teenager. I’ve done a lot of self-improving and work every day to not fall back into unhealthy habits.
I think something powerful is to find a mentor… someone who you can go to for all things business related. It’s super helpful to get a perspective from someone who has “been there done that” but also to get new ideas and collaborate with.
Something my dad told me that shifted my perspective on everything, “you’ll be ready for what’s next when instead of running from something, you’re running to something” and I think about that a lot. 🙂
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love working with people! What’s funny is I used to be SUPER shy and could never imagine myself working with people. I love hyping people up and making people feel confident. Meeting new people and hearing small parts of their story always inspire me. As a small business, I love working with other small businesses, and the people behind it all fill me with joy, plus, I get to see some super amazing products! Another area of photography I’ve come to love is editorial work and concept work. This style has so much room for creativity, and I’ve been experimenting with some friends on this lately! Recently, I’ve found comfort in music sets. I serve at my church and get to photograph worship, community, and for me, my faith is HUGE, so getting to be behind the scenes but also very much present in the moment, is my favorite thing ever.
I think between my circle of people, I’m definitely the girl who grew up in key west. I get questions everywhere I go, and It’s a great conversation starter too. I didn’t know that many people didn’t think people actually live there, and for me, that was the only lifestyle I ever knew, so it’s always fun sharing with people what life was actually like.
I think I’m most proud of looking back and seeing how far I’ve come not only as a creative but also as an individual. Throughout many aspects of my life, my camera has been right by my side. It’s fun to look through the archives of old images, I’m a sucker for making TikToks of my work over the years, and it’s not a bad thing to not only remember how far you’ve come but also where you started.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
To see some of my work, my Instagram is kristina.bremer; a combination of lifestyle, as well as my work. I try to keep my socials up to date, and share behind-the-scenes, recent photoshoots, new gym PRs, a ton of vegan food, struggles, as well as victories.
My website is kristinabremerphotography.com
for anyone looking to book me or collaborate, slide into my DM’s, let’s be friends!
Contact Info:
- Website: kristinabremerphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristina.bremer/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kristina.bremer
Image Credits
Tyler Nykloe
