We’re looking forward to introducing you to Cristina Pelino. Check out our conversation below.
Cristina, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day in my life usually begins with a walk to the beach early in the morning, followed up by breakfast and a homemade latte! Once I am fueled by caffeine, I sit down on my computer to check emails, inquiries, follow ups with clients, and begin editing galleries! If it is a day that I have a session or event scheduled, I will make sure all of my camera equipment is ready to go, and batteries charged! I am always in constant, direct communication with my clients leading up to our session or event together. Whether it is planning details leading up to the photoshoot, answering last minute questions, helping to choose outfits, etc!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Cristina, and I have been photographing families, couples, intimate weddings, and social events in South Florida for over 8 years now! My style consists of lightly guided, candid driven poses and prompts to evoke natural and authentic emotions, reactions and feelings. My goal is to capture a family or couple during real, true moments and interactions. I will always be there to direct and guide clients, but I love to encourage them to focus on one another and let moments unfold naturally! My editing is a mix of timelessness with a hint of cozy, nostalgic, dreamy film vibes! Each session can look a little different and is uniquely edited depending on the lighting outside / inside, location, atmosphere, etc.
It is very important to me to make sure clients feel like comfortable, relaxed, and confident during our time together. Most importantly. I want people to walk away feeling like they had fun, and enjoyed genuine moments of love and playfulness. I want the final photos to be something my clients can cherish, and look back on to remember the different seasons and chapters of their lives for years and generations to come!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
I believe my parents, and other professional photographers in the industry have taught me the most about work. As a young teenager, my parents led by example in showing me good and respectable work ethics and customer service. I have also learned a lot about running my own business from other entrepreneurs in the photography world who I could look up to, learn from their mistakes, and hear their advice!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I don’t think there was ever a time that I entertained the idea of “giving up”, even early on in my photography career. This has always been my dream and passion… something I never wanted to abandon or let go of. Even if I was only doing it part time or on the side for certain seasons. Even if I felt discouraged, I always pushed and motivated myself to keep going and putting in the effort and dedication to grow my photography business.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Don’t get hung up on fads or trends…they come and go! Stay true to your style, and what you like and how you like to take your pictures and create your art. Don’t feel pressured to conform to fads or trends, especially when most of the time they are short lived.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I definitely think I am doing what I was born to do! Photographing peoples lives truly brings me so much joy. Because after all, as the years go on and pass by, all we will have to remember our past precious memories are photographs. They truly freeze moments of time. Growing up my parents never forced or try to tell me what type of career or job I should do, but I think they might have expected me to do something more ‘corporate” or office / managerial roll? Nevertheless, my parents have always been supportive of my pursuit of photography since I first began!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cristinapelinophotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cristinapelinophotography/?hl=en
Image Credits
Cristina Pelino Photography
