General

How do you pronounce your name?

Ker-stin Kruh-pps

Where are you located?

I am currently located in Austin, Texas.

How did you get started in photography?

I was always the “picture taker” in my group of friends. I always had my point and shoot and love documenting our hangouts. In high school, I took a film photography class senior year and it really sparked my interest. After high school, I was an interactive media major and we learned quite a bit about DSLR’s my freshman year. I was constantly borrowing my dad’s Rebel XSi and for Christmas in 2010, my parents got me my own XS. I quickly outgrew my rebel and moved up to the 60D. I haven’t really stopped since, though I moved up to a professional camera in 2013.

What camera gear do you use?

Currently, I own:

• Canon 5D Mark III
• Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8
• Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8
• Tamron 35mm f/1.8
• Canon 50mm f/1.4
• Canon 85mm f/1.8
• Canon 40mm f/2.8
• Canon 60D
• Canon T5i
• Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
• Canon 600EX Speedlite

I often rent additional equipment when it’s necessary, as well.

Do you use flash?

85% of the time – no. I prefer natural light for portraits and flash is a big no-no for concerts. I’ve got external flashes for when they’re necessary, though, don’t worry!

What photo software do you use?

I use Photoshop for all my photos.

What did you go to school for?

I went to Bradley University in my hometown of Peoria, Illinois. Originally, I majored in Interactive Media, but switched to Communications with a focus in Advertising. I made the switch because the program went from a more broad, well-rounded curriculum of digital communication media to very focused on web development, video game design, and animation. I decided to make Interactive Media my minor and jumped into the Communications department. I’ve learned a lot about the communications world and my background in IM definitely gave me an advantage in producing actual advertisements for classes. I graduated in December of 2013 magna cum laude with a Bachelors degree.

What is your day job?

I’m a marketing professional and work your standard Monday – Friday 8am – 4:30pm gig. Photography is something I do on the side on nights and weekends.

Portraits

Where do the sessions take place?

Sessions can take place anywhere of your choosing. If you don’t have anywhere in mind, don’t worry! I have a few spots up my sleeve that will suite any style you’re going for. 

What does the session fee include?

It includes my time and talent, travel within 20 miles of 78729, photographing of the session itself, retouching of the very best images, an online gallery where you can pick out which 25 photos you’d like to download, and a print release for personal use of the digital files. High quality prints and products are sold separately.

How soon in advance should I book my session?

It can be months in advance or just a couple weeks ahead of time!

What should I wear?

I’ve got some examples here and a Pinterest board here with loads of examples. I’m always here to help you and you are more than welcome to send me pictures of your outfits. I always say bring a little bit more than what you’re planning on actually wearing. And always save your most favorite outfit for the 2nd or 3rd outfit.

How do I book my session?

If you’ve looked at my portfolio and can envision yourself and family in  my style of photography, just send me a message here! We’ll figure out a time to get together and discuss what you’re wanting to get out of your session.

When will I get to see my photos?

I will have all the best photos from your session retouched and ready to go in 2 weeks or less.

What kind of products do you offer?

I offer high quality prints, fine art canvases, metal, cards, mounting, albums, books and other unique ways to display your photos. I’ll send a full product list with prices before your booking.

Do you sell digital files?

I do! Your session fee includes 25 photos. Additional files start off at $50 each.

Who owns the rights to the digital files?

You have printing rights for personal use and I retain the rights for promotional use.

Weddings

How far should we book in advance?

The sooner the better! Usually 6-12 months before the wedding date. If your date is sooner, though, don’t hesitate to contact me and see if the day is open.

How many photos do we get?

Each and every wedding is different and will receive a different amount of photos, depending on the details, the venue, the wedding party size, etc. For example, if you have a bigger wedding party or a bigger family, you’ll have more photos. Typically, though, you should receive about 50-100 edited images per hour of coverage. All in all, I focus on the quality of the photos you are receiving over the quantity. You will not get every image I shoot. I will hand select the best of the best images to deliver to you.

How will I receive my images?

You will have a custom gallery set up for you and your loved ones to view, favorite, and download high resolution files directly. This gallery will remain active for 10 years.

How long does it take to receive our wedding photos?

4 weeks or less is standard, but it could be up to 8 weeks depending on the time of the year and how many weddings I have booked. I appreciate your patience and will post previews for you!

How much time do we need on our wedding day for photos?

We will work together to figure out how much time is ideal to get what you’re looking for on your big day. We’ll put together a timeline and shot list for the whole day to make sure we’ve got time for photos and know where to be and when.

What do we need to do to book our date?

If I have your date open, we can get together and discuss what you’re looking for from your photos of your wedding. I will bring a contract to this consultation, but you are in no way expected to book at the time. I bring it so you can take it home and look at it. You are more than welcome to book at the consultation, though, if you decide that I’m the photographer for you! Just bring $500 cash or check to the meeting and we’ll sign the paperwork there.

Can we have additional photographers?

Yes! And I encourage it. For weddings 6 hours or more, I highly recommend having a second photographer. I have several trusted and talented photographers I work with when my couples want an extra eye at their wedding. An additional photographer is $500 for the day.

What all does the engagement session include and if we don’t is the package less expensive?

The engagement session is my gift to you and is encouraged so we work together before the big day and are more comfortable with one another. The engagement session is an hour long shoot in the location of your choice (if 20 or more miles outside of 78729, a travel fee will be added). These images are great for reception decor, announcements, save the dates, and more! You pick out your favorite 10 photos to download at high resolution with a print release. Not doing the engagement session does not affect the cost of your wedding package.

Concerts

What bands have you photographed?

3 Years Hollow, 10 Years, Aaron Tippin, Adelitas Way, All That Remains, Alter Bridge, Asking Alexandria, Avenged Sevenfold, Beware of Darkness, Big and Rich, The Blushing Gun, Brad Paisley, Cavo, Charlie Worsham, Coheed and Cambria, Craig Morgan, Deftones, Devour the Day, Dory Drive, Emphatic, Five Finger Death Punch, Foxy Shazam, Gemini Syndrome, Halestorm, Hank Williams Jr., Highly Suspect, H.I.M., Hollywood Undead, I Prevail, In This Moment, Jennifer Nettles, Joe Diffie, Kodaline, KONGOS, Kreayshawn, Leah Turner, Marilyn Manson, Mindset Evolution, Molly Hatchet, Montgomery Gentry, Motion City Soundtrack, My Darkest Days, New Medicine, Otherwise, Papa Roach, Parmalee, P.O.D., Pop Evil, The Pretty Reckless, Rob Zombie, Sammy Kershaw, Saving Abel, Seether, Sevendust, Shinedown, Sick Puppies, Skillet, Slash with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, The Spill Canvas, Starset, Stone Sour, Stone Temple Pilots, Taking Back Sunday, Tech N9ne, Todd Rundgren, The Venetia Fair, Three Days Grace, Trace Adkins, Trapt, Victorian Halls, Volbeat, White Denim, The Weeks, The Yardbirds, and more…

How’d you get into photographing concerts?

I’ve always been an avid concert-goer, starting out in grade school when I saw Green Day when American Idiot just came out. I’d say I was easily seeing 15+ per year (way more now that I’m photographing shows). When I started getting serious about photography, I was naturally drawn to photographing concerts through my love of music. I started out in bars to support local artists. I started interning for Radio Peoria in the spring of 2012 and was hired on part-time a year later. I quickly volunteered my services for the concerts 105.7 the X would put on. I’m ever grateful for the experience I got from working there, as well as understanding the radio business at a deeper level.

Who do you shoot concerts for?

I was freelancing and sometimes shooting for Radio Peoria / Cumulus Media or Inked Entertainment in Peoria, Illinois. I have not shot any concerts in Austin, Texas yet.

Can I purchase a print of artist/musician/band?

Contact me and include the link or description of the photo in question. Not all photos are available for purchase, but some are as fine art prints.

I want to shoot concerts! Do you have any advice on how to get started?

Yes, the most important being: shoot as much as possible! Go to local bar shows where you don’t need a photo pass and practice. And practice. And then go practice some more. For real. If you can get good shots in crappy bar lighting, you’re golden. After you can take good photos, you’ll have to be working for somebody to get photo passes to big shows. Most photographers are there for a publication – newspaper or magazine. Rarely will they let people in the photo pit without some sort of credentials. And make sure you have a low aperture lens. I can’t stress that enough. f/2.8 should be the highest f/stop you consider getting when purchasing lenses for concerts. You need as much aperture as you can get with the dark, unpredictable light! The majority of venues don’t allow flash photography either, so you really need that fast lens and low apertures are how you do it.

What’s the best/worst part about shooting concerts?

Best: It’s exciting and a challenge each and every time I shoot. And I get to see and meet a lot of awesome bands.

Worst: Sometimes I’m so focused when I’m shooting, I have to remind myself to actually listen and enjoy the concert. Not the worst problem to have, if you ask me.