Daily Inspiration: Meet Krysta Chester

Today we’d like to introduce you to Krysta Chester.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My grandfather on my mom’s side used to show me all of his film photos throughout the years and I fell in love with every aspect of his photos. I felt like I was in the photos looking at them. Photography, to me, has always felt like capturing a moment I won’t get back. Fast forward to high school and I found myself enrolling in film photography courses and absolutely loving it. In college, my dad gave me his old canon camera and lens and I just took it on all my hikes and adventures. I even brought my camera when I studied abroad in Perth, Australia and that’s really where my passion began. It wasn’t until a few years ago a dear friend of mine asked me to photograph their wedding (still blown away by this) that I realized I can also do portraits, maternity photos, and weddings. Recently, many more people have had me capture their memories and I hope to be able to continue doing so while also always bringing my camera on every adventure.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not smooth. Photography has always been my kind of outlet and hobby. Recently I’ve been drawn to make it a side income and hopefully one day a full time gig. Right now I am also in the pursuit of my BCBA certification so I’ve been in the trenches of studying and haven’t had the most time for my photography. I also am not the best at social media so I feel like that has kind of held my business back.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When I’m not doing photography, I am working as a Registered Behavioral Technician at an Autism clinic in Lakewood. I am currently pursuing my BCBA credentials and studying for that. I work 1:1 providing behavioral support and early intervention with kiddos 2-6 with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I absolutely love being able to give a voice and way to communicate to the children I work with. Seeing them be able to access the world and use their voice whether that be ASL, an AAC device etc. is the most special thing. I would love to somehow be able to merge photography and my day job somehow.

What’s next?
I plan to pass this exam and become a BCBA continuing to serve the population I have been and continue helping others. And I hope to get better at social media and create a website so I can also pursue photography on a wider lens.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @krystawanders @kwatkinsphotog

Image Credits
Krysta Chester