Life and Work with Christina Nicole Purcell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Nicole Purcell.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Hi there! I am a woman behind the lens. I love to eat, drink wine, and of course take pictures. I have an extensive background in Health and Physical Education with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree incorporating both but have always been drawn to my inner artistic side, that is where photography sort of happened as a hobby, then a passion, and now my business. I relate to pictures in a way some people relate to songs, I can look at an image and instantly be taken back to that time, that moment, the smells, the emotions, and all of the memories.

I am happily married to my dream guy a strong-bearded-tattoed-long-haired Samoan football player and we have one son together Kaimana age four and one daughter together Ke’ala age one. I am an Idaho native-born and raised and he is actually a Colorado native born and raised. We both love the mountains, the seasons, nature, and being able to live in a small town but still be close to a big city.

I am most inspired by photographing people. The raw, the chaos, and the playfulness of people in their everyday lives.

Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t always been smooth no. I think the hardest part is seeing where you want to be (watching other photographers or creatives) with a big clientele or getting to travel and having those goals and just not being there yet BUT you will get there. If you put in the time and the effort and are truly passionate about it, you will start to see the results you want from the goals you set.

I think my biggest set of advice for those just starting out is to just get people behind your lens even if you have to do it at first for not a lot of money or for free. The experience will work in your favor.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
So, my work at Captured by Christina is a little of everything families, weddings, lifestyle, births, seniors but I would say I specialize in three and they are families, weddings, and births/newborn photography.

I think what I am most proud of as my brand is that I really book out based on word of mouth. I have a website and social media and all of those things for people to check out but I’d say 80% of my clientele each year is people who keep coming back and new people that have been referred by those who keep coming back. It is a huge honor.

I think what sets me apart from others is my style and the way I shoot. If you have ever shot with me you know I am quick (comes from having two kids I have to try to photograph) and I really don’t try to pose you in an inorganic way. I want your session to be the way that you and your loved one or your family really are. If it’s wild and it’s crazy and it’s laughing and it’s tickles and all of that I want to photograph all of that. Not just look at the camera and smile, and I think that reflects in my galleries.

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I think social media is a great tool for mentor work. I personally love looking for workshops or styled shoots where you can get some of that background knowledge but also are able to jump in and do the work, take the photographs.

Find creatives or photographers in your area and ask if you can do a mentor session or reach out and see if they are looking for a second shooter for things. It never hurts to ask.

Contact Info:

• Website: capturedbychristina.com
• Phone: 2082405088
• Email: images@capturedbychristina.com
• Instagram: @capturedbychristina_
• Facebook: @capturedbychristina13

Image Credit:
Captured by Christina

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