It’s lovely to welcome Kristen Cook, a multi-award winning fine art newborn, baby and wedding photographer as our Guest Photographer Judge this week! She works out of Melbourne, Australia and specializes in natural, lifestyle photography that is inspiring to see. She describes herself as… I’m a dreamer. I love pretty things. I love love. And how can you not love that?! :)
Kristen’s Photography Journey:
In my former professional career, I was a lawyer. It was probably one of the most stressful and soul destroying times of my life. I thought I knew what I wanted from my life and it’s only now that I can truly say that I love what I do that I appreciate just how miserable I was back then. After the birth of my first child, photography captured me, nurtured me and made me want to be a better person. Now I say that when I grow up, I want to be a photographer (still). I absolutely adore what I do.
Several of Kristen’s Favorite Photos:
As my favourites always change with each new session and the wonderful souls I’m fortunate to connect with, I have included favourite images from just some of my recent work.
Fun Q&A with Kristen:
- What do you love most about capturing faces? The ability to capture a thought, an emotion, a feeling – faces provide so much depth without ever having to say a word.
- What do you find most difficult about capturing faces? I can’t really say anything – as long as I’m connected and in the moment with what I’m photographing, the expressions come.
- What was one of your most exciting or favorite photo sessions? Being present for the birth of my friend Kerianne’s baby, Will. I flew all the way to Canada from Australia to be there for that moment. Although birth photography is not something that I have ever done or offer, being present in that moment, and being asked to be a storyteller for such an extraordinary and amazing time in someone’s life was far more humbling than even I was prepared for. It was life changing.
Kristen’s Helpful Hints:
- Learn your light. This is by far a photographers best asset. It can make the difference between an image that is ‘nice’ to an image that is ‘wow’.
- Learn your subjects. Connection is by far your greatest asset when it comes to emotive photography.
Kristen’s Photography Equipment:
I currently shoot with a 5D MK II and I own the 50L, 85L, 70-200L, 24-70L and 100 macro. I use each of these for either weddings and portraits in one form or another, but I probably use my 50L the most. I use both Lightroom and Photoshop to edit and sort my images.
Find Kristen Here:
Thank you so much for visiting with us this week Kristen…it’s awesome to learn more about you and to view your gorgeous images. Please feel free to welcome Kristen to I Heart Faces in the comments section below and to ask her a photography-related question or two as well!
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Kristen, I’m only reading this interview now. I’ve followed your journey right from the beginning. From those first photos of your beautiful baby daughter on flickr years ago. I can’t believe how far you’ve come. It’s been incredible and I’m delighted for you. And your still one of my all-time favourites.x
I die for baby pictures these days. Must be the pregnancy hormones raging! These are really fantastic though- my favorite is the very first one- I’m a sucker for cheeks!
Jaimie recently posted..emily
Ok, I thought when I clicked reply under Rachel D.’s post it would reply under that LOL
HAHA Me Too!!!
Not only one of the most amazing photographers I know but also one of the most incredible women whom I have the honour to call friend. She will be an incredible judge and asset to “i heart faces”.
Aw, thank you so much for the lovely comments everyone!! x
Kristen Cook recently posted..Featured I Heart Faces
Oh my….Kristen’s work is always perfection and candy for the eye and soup for the soul.
raye law recently posted..Seattle family session pt2
Kristen is so inspiring. Love love the pictures.. one of a kind. One of the best newborn photographers out there for sure.
Fotograf Tanja Myrbråten recently posted..En liten pause Nyfødt fotografering Tønsberg 4 Dager
Wow. She’s an absolutely amazing photographer. I’ll be following her work for sure now.
just one word…
WOW!
viviene recently posted..Pause- Appreciate Life
Ahhhh! Kristen is, I have to say, my absolute favorite baby photographer. I swoon regularly from her photos. So glad to see her here!
LOVE her work so much
Kristen is a beautiful soul and each one of her photos reflects this. She is able to connect with even the tiniest little beings in a way that is so moving. I adore her, both professionally and personally. So lovely to see you featured here, K!
beautiful photos!!! Love them! I believe she will be a great judge for this challenge.
Jessica recently posted..Wordless Wednesday…a tad early
Meet Kristen Cook | Our Guest Photographer Judge http://bit.ly/9VKDJg Photography.alltop
RT @livinglocurto: Meet Kristen Cook | Our Guest Photographer Judge @iheartfaces http://t.co/NjHsohA
Kristen, I pretty much drool when I see your work LOL always inspiring x
OMGoodness! She’s completely amazing. Wow.
Dina @ 4 Lettre Words recently posted..Tuesday Treasures
Yay, Kristen! I love her. And I’m still holding my breath for that FAQ she mentioned months ago. Yes, I’m a stalker.
Meet Kristen Cook | Our Guest Photographer Judge http://bit.ly/cuTcMW
Maybe it’s my own pregnancy hormones running rampant, but those three images of her friend right after she gave birth are breath-taking and emotional!
Helen recently posted..Trying to Improve
Meet Kristen Cook | Our Guest Photographer Judge @iheartfaces http://t.co/NjHsohA
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