These gorgeous shots are by Kristen Walther, a photographer that is a favorite of ours, here at NK Bride. Her talented background in fine art and music allows her to see rhythm in photography, and capture dynamic shots. We worked with Kristen on this editorial shoot, providing her with these elegant white pants from the NK Bride collection. This vintage inspired editorial is sure to set your spirit free! Keep scrolling to see our interview with Kristen about her work, and about tips for bridal photos.
This editorial was featured in Florum Magazine...
photographer Kristen Walther | feat Youssera Belhachmi of Surface Model Mgmt | stylist Kallie Anne Blersach | hair stylist Michael Glorioso |makeup Habiba Elshazly
What was your inspiration for this editorial?
There was this fantastic editorial that came out in vogue Paris December issue one year, and I really liked the look and mood. It took me back to the carefree days of being young, and alone at home with nothing to do but entertaining yourself with outfit ideas, reading, playing music, etc. As a big advocate for sustainable fashion and slow fashion, I wanted to incorporate the use of vintage clothing in conjunction with local designers.
How do you gather inspiration?
Fashion and art, along with music.
Who/what inspired you to pursue a creative career?
I've always been a creative person, playing musical instruments throughout childhood and as a young adult, from violin to guitar. When I was 12 years old I became enthralled with music from the 60s and 70s. My older brother came home one day with a new VHS, Oliver Stone's The Doors. He talked me into watching it and that was it, traded my violin for a guitar and I found I had this need to pick up a pencil and draw the likeness of of Jim Morrison. When I finished I realized it looks exactly like him and that I could draw very well. That begun my career in visual arts which lead to majoring in fine arts as an oil painter and then transferred to photography mid college as I became obsessed with cameras, film and the darkroom. Back then, before digital, film was so immediate to me verses a month of painting a large oil painting. And I definitely didn't have much patience then, and felt photography suited me more than painting.
What’s your creative process?
It all starts with inspiration, whether its from traveling the world or a song that really moves me or a designer and/or piece of art that wows me. It also depends on the shoot, the process can change depending on the subject matter.
Do you feel that your background in painting benefits/influences your photography?
Yes definitely. I see light, color and lines/angles in ways I can't really put in words. When I capture a model or the subject in a certain way in a particular scene there is always a purpose behind it but it comes as a feeling of everything coming into sync and comes very natural to me. Almost like when you are tuning a guitar and when the strings waver when you are plucking them at the same time and the notes don't match and then all of the sudden with a tweak of the tuner the strings are in harmony and it's a beautiful sound. It's hard to explain, but I guess if you see an image or a painting and there is a movement and flow to the scene it is because of direct placement of color and lines. With a background in traditional oil painting I'm trained to naturally see these things. I always have a vision in my head, a composition ready to come alive. Also, being a painter helps me in post production with editing the images afterwards, in terms of color grading, ect.
What is it about travel that inspires your work?
Traveling to other countries is always new and exciting. It's a feast for our eyes. It's the culture and experience. The way it makes you feel.
Are there specific cultures, or locations, from your travels that have left a large impact on you?
Morocco I think has had the biggest impact on me in terms of inspiration. It's a place that hits all of your senses, almost overwhelmingly so. Textures, colors, culture, smells, sounds and food. All incredible...I couldn't get enough of it. It continues to reflect in my work, in my paintings and photography.
What do you love most about fashion photography?
I love the clothing. It's another expression of art and of ourselves that you can wear. It's wearable art and I love documenting it. The way material looks in different light, the color, the shape, the texture, the way it moves. It's beautiful, and having it on the right model and in an amazing location that compliments the look is magic to me.
Is your own fashion aesthetic a result of your work, or would you say your personal preferences guide your work?
I love and appreciate all fashion, even if it's something that I wouldn't personally wear. I have a specific look and style that works for me and makes me feel great but there are so many amazing styles and fashion out there that needs to be documented and it's not and doesn't have to be something I would necessarily wear myself.
How do you, as a photographer who works with fashion brands, see fashion influence bridal trends?
I feel that the traditions are morphing and the good old white wedding dress is getting modernized. People are thinking outside the box and traditions because they have the ability now to see so many different styles and ideas with social media outputs like Instagram and pinterest. People's eyes and minds are opening up to other possibilities, it's fantastic and fun for designers and photographers!
Most women you shoot with are professional models, but most brides are not. What are your tips and tricks for brides who are worried about posing for wedding photos?
Just be yourself, be natural. Don't think about it. Have fun, enjoy the moment and smile! Your joy and happiness will shine thru and will be beautiful on camera, I promise.
Many brides debate over this topic, so in your professional opinion, for wedding photography, do you feel it is necessary for the bride and groom to have a “test run” with the photographer?
No, that is not typical. Usually you do your research, you look at the photographers work, ask your peers, get referred to someone, shop around and meet with a few of your favorites that you found. In the meeting/consultation you should know if the photographer is the right fit for you. Also, a lot of people are doing engagement shoots, which I guess could be a good test run.
