Meet Kristina Riehle of Winston-Salem

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Riehle .

Hi Kristina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been very creative and in touch with the outdoors as it was a vital part of my childhood. I was always out wandering and exploring. I got a camera when I was a kid in high school and fell in love with taking photos wherever I went, mainly of the outdoors since that’s my happy place. I went to college in Amherst, NY, at Daemen University and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Art. The goal was Graphic Design, but that’s not what happened.

I moved to North Carolina in 2016 and had a couple of kids. My family and I moved to Winston during the pandemic, which was closer to the mountains than I had been. It was 2020, the kids were getting older, and I was tired of being home. I missed exploring and getting outside.

That’s how it started!
One morning I drove to the Blue Ridge Parkway in October of 2020 and caught my first sunrise. I was in love. Being there and experiencing starting the day with the mountains was so magical. The following weekend I ended up at South Mountains State Park, taking my first solo hike in North Carolina. It was the true beginning of my hiking and landscape photography hobbies.

I began honing my photography skills, adventuring in this beautiful state I call home and finding like-minded connections to share my adventures. I started documenting my adventures on Instagram under the handle @k.riehleadventures. It’s been an incredible experience. The outdoors community in North Carolina is so amazing and supportive. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for my photography and videography!

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s not a real smooth road. I have kids, so I have to work around their schedules when I do things, so I’m not always available to adventure when my friends are. I usually get one day a week to adventure. Sometimes that consists of waking up at 3 am, driving 3 hours one way to a specific location for sunrise, hiking miles with my camera equipment, and then driving all the way home. I only have beginner equipment as well. Camera lenses are so expensive I’m still shooting with my kit lens! But every single moment has been worth it.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I primarily specialize in Landscape Photography. I love capturing the mountains in Western North Carolina. I love the beach too. But mainly, you’ll find me out in the Blue Ridge. I might be most known for the reels I make on Instagram. I love to put them all together and make really neat video clips! I fell in love with videography along the journey and started taking a lot of videos along with my photographs. I’m proud of how far I’ve come personally. I used to be the person that wouldn’t go out exploring alone. I always needed someone to come with me, but I couldn’t wait for that to happen anymore. Now I hike solo all the time. I’m also proud of my photography and videography. Every day I keep learning!

What matters most to you? Why?
My family. Family first before anything else. No questions asked.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @k.riehleadventures