Today we’d like to introduce you to Christin Coats.
Hi Christin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always loved taking pictures. As a child, I had the opportunity to travel across the United States with a choir during the summers, and I loved documenting our adventures. At the time, though, I definitely wasn’t a great photographer. I had plenty of pictures with fingers in the frame and people’s heads accidentally cut off!
Later, my sister became interested in photography, and I often helped her with posing, which was something that came naturally to me. After she had her baby and stepped away from photographing clients, some of her clients began asking me to take their pictures.
I was honestly terrified at first because I remembered how bad I had been with a camera, but they continued to encourage me. I started by taking photos for free and began taking online photography classes to learn more about camera settings, lighting, and posing.
Over time, I became more confident and continued working to improve my craft. Eventually, I began charging for sessions and officially started Christin Coats Photography. I didn’t charge much in the beginning, but as my skills, experience, and confidence grew, my business grew with me.
I am incredibly grateful for every client who has supported me along the way, especially those who have been with me since the very beginning; from the days when I photographed sessions for free to where Christin Coats Photography is today. Their trust and encouragement have played such a big part in helping me get here.
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?
No, it definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. In the beginning, I struggled a lot with understanding my camera settings, lighting, editing, and creating consistency in my work. There were times when I would get so frustrated while editing that I would have to close my computer, walk away, and come back to it later.
Instead of giving up, I decided I needed to learn more. I took online courses focused on lighting, editing, and photography techniques. Those courses helped me understand what I was doing wrong and, more importantly, how to fix it.
It didn’t happen overnight. It took a lot of practice, patience, and trial and error to get where I am today. As I learned more, I became more confident behind the camera and in my editing. I still believe photography is something you never completely stop learning, and continuing to grow and improve is part of what I love about it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a portrait photographer, and I love capturing people in all different seasons of life. I photograph children, teens, high school and college seniors, families, couples, pets, engagements, birthdays, and other special events. I also photograph some weddings.
While portrait photography is my main focus, I also love to dabble in landscape and city photography. There is something special about capturing the places and details that make a community unique.
Through my full-time job, I have even had the opportunity to photograph local landmarks, scenery, and other areas around our county for use in publications. Being trusted to help showcase the community where I live and work has been such an honor.
Overall, I would say I specialize in capturing people, relationships, and meaningful moments in a natural and genuine way. Whether I am photographing a graduating senior, a growing family, a couple in love, or a beautiful place in my community, I want my photographs to preserve something worth remembering.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My sister definitely deserves a lot of the credit for helping me get started. She was the one who first picked up photography, and I became involved by helping her with posing and working with clients. If she had never gotten into photography, I honestly don’t know that I would have ever been asked to start taking pictures for other people.
I also have a few clients who have been with me since the very beginning, and their support has meant so much to me. They trusted me when I was still learning, when I wasn’t charging anything, and when I didn’t have much confidence in my work. To have those same clients continue to come back and now be willing to pay for their sessions is incredibly special.
Their encouragement, trust, and loyalty have helped me grow not only as a photographer, but also as a business owner. I’m very grateful for the people who believed in me before I fully believed in myself.
Pricing:
- Hour portrait session: $200+sales tax
- 30 min portrait session :$150+tax
- Senior portrait package 1: $375+tax
- Senior portrait package 2: $275+tax
- Grow with me package- maternity-1 year : $800+tax
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.christincoatsphotography.com
- Instagram: @christincoatsphotography
- Facebook: @christincoatsphotography
