Today we’d like to introduce you to Krista Pagan.
Hi Krista, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Throughout my youth, I was always drawn to many art mediums(resin, painting, and even ceramics). When I was 13, one of my aunts gifted me an old 35mm film camera that I soon after carried with me wherever I went! I took pictures of everything-frogs after a large rainstorm, a stranger smoking a cigarette, and even my friends at the skatepark late at night. With only so many photos possible in a film roll, I learned so much about taking my time to compose a photo and looking for the shots that were really worth capturing/remembering.
Then one day at youth group, our church’s Creative Director invited me to join the photography team so I could use their professional digital equipment. I initially declined out of insecurity but eventually agreed, and my love for photography blossomed in a new and beautiful way. I learned everything I could about Manual shooting and editing through other volunteers(and YouTube). At the age of 17 I finally bought my own equipment and started to do shoots for friends and family. Now, after many years of treating it as a side hustle while also working full time, I feel privileged that I get to pursue Photography as my sole career focus! The journey has been far from linear- but in my experience, the best aspects of life never are.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think the largest struggle for any entrepreneur (aside from doing our taxes, am I right??) is believing in yourself enough to pursue your business consistently. We are all prone to seasons of doubt, being afraid to charge a fair wage for our art and services, battling imposter syndrome, or getting caught up comparing ourselves to others in the field. Not to mention also finding the balance between building the business and the other many roles an entrepreneur may hold!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the proud owner of Sonder Stills Photography! I get the privilege of capturing the best of life’s moments. Whether it be a wedding, updated family photos, maternity and fresh 48, or even branding photography for local businesses- I welcome the diversity and value of every photo captured and every client served. I also specialize in providing edits that are more traditional, classic color, and very bright, but also offering edits that are more cinematic, with a warmth that will make you think you’re looking at an early 90s roll of film! I believe this has the potential to set me apart as I am able to accommodate a broader range of clients and meet their individual tailored desires and needs for their photos.
I would say that I am most proud of how my work and relationship to my clients fully embodies my business’s namesake. Sonder is defined as “the sudden realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.”. Although my work has a consistent “look”, I simultaneously believe that the photos I capture are a completely authentic reflection of who my clients are, and not what my work is trying to influence them to be. To make individuals feel seen through my work is such a privilege and a gift.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
It’s hard to pick just one- but I think a favorite that comes to mind is getting to go fishing with my dad. We would frequent The Skyway fishing bridge and would even do overnight trips when the tide was best! We would see so much incredible wildlife- a fever of stingrays, Goliath grouper, and even the occasional dolphin! The quiet moments in between catches with my dad is something I cherish a lot, especially being brought up in such a loud, fast-paced world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sonder-stills.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonderstills.jpeg?utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/sonderancephotog
