Today’s guest is Kristine Richer, a classically trained photographer based in Nova Scotia, Canada, who has built an impressive business under Kristine Richer Photography. I first met Kristine through a mastermind group last September, and I’ve been captivated by her journey into the enchanting world of nightscape and Milky Way photography.

Discovering a Passion for Night Photography
Kristine’s path into this niche began organically. While balancing motherhood and a full-time job, Kristine found solace in hiking with her dog and capturing the beauty around her. She vividly recalls moments like sitting in a rocking chair with her son, watching the sunset and yearning for more creative expression.

“I missed taking photos, but I didn’t want to shoot during the day because landscapes seemed boring to me,” Kristine shared. One night, she decided to venture out after putting her son to bed. “I told my husband, ‘I’m going to take Jazz (our dog) and go out to take some pictures.’ That was how it all started.”

Overcoming Early Challenges

Despite her confidence as a professional photographer, Kristine faced initial setbacks in her new venture. “When I first started, my photos weren’t great. I assumed I’d be good because I’m a professional, but nightscape photography involves a lot of science I knew nothing about,” she admitted. Through determination and hyper-focus, Kristine learned the technical aspects and astronomy required for stunning Milky Way shots.

Building a Business Amidst a Pandemic

As Kristine honed her skills, she began sharing her work locally and teaching in-person Milky Way classes. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to pivot. With a six-month-old daughter and a three-and-a-half-year-old son at home, Kristine moved her classes online. “I decided to see if I could teach Milky Way photography online. People did sign up, and I had 26 students in my first class,” she said.

Working late into the night while caring for her young children, Kristine poured her energy into creating a comprehensive course. The success of her online classes encouraged her to continue, eventually leading to the formation of her membership program, the Shoot to Sell Society.

Achieving Artistic and Commercial Success

Kristine’s dedication paid off as she transitioned from selling a handful of $50 prints to having her work featured in galleries with prices ranging from $1,500 to $2,000. This shift didn’t happen overnight. It involved understanding her unique niche, consistently communicating her creative vision, and increasing her visibility.

Keys to Success: Passion, Visibility, and Connection

Kristine attributes her success to a few key factors: knowing her niche, effectively communicating her passion, and being visible to her audience. “Understanding why I create and sharing that with others was crucial,” she explained. “Being visible and connecting with people allowed my work to resonate on a deeper level.”

Embracing the Future

Today, Kristine continues to inspire and teach others through her online courses and membership program. Her journey is a testament to the power of following one’s passion, adapting to challenges, and staying true to one’s creative vision.

Kristine’s story is a reminder that our art matters, and there’s a community waiting to appreciate and support it. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or a seasoned professional, there’s always room to grow, learn, and share your unique perspective with the world.

For more information on Kristine Richer Photography and to explore her stunning nightscape images, visit her website or follow her on social media.

 

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Have a great week & take care,

Michelle xo