Rising Stars: Meet Kristin Bendigo of Tucson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Bendigo.

Hi Kristin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I’m one of those typical “always had a camera in my hands” stories, but it wasn’t until we moved to Texas that I decided to turn my hobby into a career. I worked in the behavioral health field, and it was draining, emotionally and mentally; I’d bring my work home with me every day in a negative way. I began doing family and maternity sessions, but I started to thrive once I found my real passion for working with couples and engagements. It wasn’t until we moved back to Arizona and a very persistent couple convinced me to do their wedding that I found my true calling: wedding photography. Since then, I have built an associate team of 6 photographers, co-owner of a Tucson wedding venue, and co-host of a photography podcast!

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As with building any business, the road can sometimes be smooth, but I can’t complain exactly. My biggest hurdle is that we are a military family; my husband is a pilot in the Air Force so we don’t have a “permanent residence” that other photographers get the luxury of. We move. We have an upcoming move to Oklahoma this summer! However, I am fortunate to have a fantastic team working alongside me and amazing clients who believe in what we do and offer, so I will keep my business in Arizona and commute! It’s only a quick flight away!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a wedding photographer, you need to offer something that others don’t. We are a dime a dozen, and I know there are more affordable options! But what we offer is something unique. We are fun! You have to have that specific personality to do what you do. Nurses have to be compassionate. Teachers have to be patient. Wedding photographers have to be fun! We are there alongside the most important, beautiful day of your life; the last thing you want is an uptight person with a camera in your face for 8 hours. We don’t do our job if we don’t leave your wedding feeling like a part of your family. We offer all our couples a stress-free, comfortable, exciting experience while providing a beautiful gallery when all is said and done! Apart from being fun (and supposedly funny), I’m known for a few specialty shots. If we can throw our grooms in the air, we absolutely will! And I love to gather the groomsmen up and have them “frolic” for some photos; let them believe they’re skipping through a field of daisies together in linked arms, and they just love it!

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My team is the best; about two years ago, I created an associate team of seasoned wedding photographers and friends. We shoot for each other, with each other, and refer clients to one another we can’t take on! We have a great working relationship with one another, and we’re all good friends. Our personal and working relationships reflect through our couples’ experiences as well; we know what each other needs without saying, we balance one another, and we all make sure our couples are taken care of and having the beautiful day they deserve! We’re all each other’s biggest cheerleaders and mentors; we share tips, business, and creative advice and push each other to our fullest potential. I can’t imagine not having this fantastic group of creatives and friends in my life!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kristinbendigophotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinbendigophotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristinBendigoPhotography
• Other: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2117688/

Image Credits
@KristinBendigoPhotography