Conversations with Kristen Norman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Norman. 

Hi Kristen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My love for photography started in high school when I took a film photography class and we got to use the darkroom. I was also on the school newspaper and loved journalism. When applying for college, my newspaper teacher encouraged me to combine my love for photography and journalism and apply to photojournalism programs. I attended the Scripps School of Visual Communication at Ohio University and majored in photojournalism.

After college, I spent three years working at a newspaper and then moved to Chicago to pursue freelancing full-time. I was fortunate enough to work regularly for the Chicago Tribune and national papers and news outlets. I also had opportunities to work for commercial clients and travel internationally with non-profits.

I moved to Grand Rapids in 2021 and have continued freelancing here. Most of my work focuses on journalism but I also get to photograph for a wide variety of clients. I photograph anything from weddings to corporate headshots, commercial work, and events.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I don’t think it’s a secret that the newspaper industry is hurting and has been for some time. Staff positions are few and far between and working full-time for a paper has become somewhat of a thing of the past. Freelancing is not for the faint of heart. It has its ups and downs just like any career. But learning to run your own business was definitely a learning curve. You’re not only a professional photographer but an editor, accountant, doing your own marketing and scheduling. You wear many hats. I’ve been very lucky to have a partner who supports me and encourages me in everything I do. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My background and most of my work is in photojournalism – storytelling through images. Throughout my career, I’ve met so many amazing, kind and decent people who have opened their homes and lives to me. 

As a photographer, I’m there to document what’s happening, which can be funny, uplifting, or often heartbreaking. I think it’s important to share a part of yourself with the people you are photographing. Be open and honest and build a relationship. I’d like to think you can see that trust and respect through my work. 

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking.
What’s life without a little risk? Taking risks is how you grow not only in your career but as a person, too. It’s true that you’ll never know unless you try. Moving to freelance from a staff position was a risk and I’m thankful I made that decision every day. I’ve had the most incredible opportunities that I never would have experienced otherwise.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kristenlnorman.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/kristenlnorman
• Other: www.Instagram.com/Kristenlnormanphoto

Image Credits
Kristen Norman