Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Lee.
Hi Kristin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
At the lowest point of my life, I “escaped” to Charleston, and nearly 14 years later, I’ve never looked back. I wasn’t one of those who moved here because I loved Charleston. I moved here and fell in love with it. The landscapes, culture, and people sparked something in me and inspired me to create, live bigger, and spend more time exploring. You could say I’m “CharlestoNspired.” As I restarted my life here in Charleston, I found walking the city with my camera almost therapeutic. There is truly nothing that lifts my spirit more than watching the sunrise peek up over Charleston Harbor from Waterfront Park, smelling the warm salty breeze and feeling cobblestones under my feet as I roam the Historic District or feeling the history surround me as I step off the beaten path and duck down a quiet, cool alleyway. I spend much of my free time walking and shooting, looking for new ways to capture this pretty place. I think God had handpicked it for me long before I knew where Charleston was on a map. I never say “no” to an adventure and live with the attitude that experiences will always be more fulfilling than things.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it was smooth road but I really believe it’s the bumps that help build us into the best versions of ourselves. Starting over brought me lots of challenges – financially, professionally and personally- but I think Charleston ended up being the perfect place for a fresh start. It might sound trite, but I discovered who I was meant to be while facing those challenges. I’m stronger, more independent, more comfortable in my own skin and just feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. The work I’m doing now is exciting and allows me to be creative and adventurous while capturing memories for people or helping other photographers capture their time in Charleston. I feel really lucky to be living this life, and so I’m grateful I had to face those challenges.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to be more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I have over two decades of experience in marketing, photography, videography, and creative services. I even have a couple of Emmy Awards I was honored to win during 12 years working at a local TV station. I run a blog and photography business called CharlestoNspired Photography, where I do family photos, senior portraits, headshots, couples, engagements, and small weddings and elopements. I also work with local real estate agents to help them create Instagram and website content to show off our pretty city to prospective clients. I am an FAA-licensed drone pilot and love capturing the Lowcountry from an aerial perspective. I also just recently became a partner at Charleston Photography Tours. We aim to help photographers spend more time shooting and less time searching for Charleston’s fantastic locations. We offer half and full-day excursions to capture some of the best landscapes in the Lowcountry during the best light of the day. The goal is that your time exploring with us will be the highlight of your trip to Charleston.
Contact Info:
- Website: Charlestonspired.com and Charlestonphotographytours.com
- Instagram: @charlestonspired and @charlestonphotographytours
- Facebook: Facebook.com/charlestonspired and Facebook.com/charlestonphotographytours
