We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kristen Purcell. Check out our conversation below.
Kristen, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’d say I’ve wandered quite a lot through my life, but that has changed dramatically for me over the last 10 years. I started to realize my true purpose in life and now that I’m in my mid forties I’ve never been more focused on moving forward with the intention than I am now. I am incredibly proud of being a mother, a photographer who helps women see themselves as worthy, and plan to continue walking this path with clarity and certainty to reach as many women as possible. I’m truly excited for where I’m headed in the future.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve spent more than 16 years capturing Houston women through every season of life. La Vie was born out of my passion for classic maternity photography — but it has evolved into a space where every woman gets to be the star of her own story. As the years move on and I see my clients come back time and time again, ready to capture the next new season of life, I am struck by the beauty of each new beginning. There are so many moments in a woman’s journey through womanhood that deserve to be captured. I will always love maternity sessions; they are where I fell in love with capturing women on the cusp of becoming, but I see now that women are always on the cusp of becoming….becoming mothers, becoming your company’s next CEO, becoming graduates, becoming empty nesters…there is no end to the season of becoming & reinvention. From boudoir to milestone portraits, I blend magazine-worthy technique with real, radiant emotion.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The first person who truly saw me clearly before I was able to see myself was my husband. He saw so much creativity and potential in me very early on in our relationship when I struggled to figure out who I was. He invested in creative hobby after hobby for me because he knew I’d never do it for myself. He bought me my first camera and believed I could create magic with it. And here we are, many years later doing just that! The second person who was really able to see me clearly was my best friend. She helped me see my worth as a budding portrait photographer, she pushed me to offer more and accept more in return. I owe so much of my self discovery and confidence to both of them for seeing me, pushing me, and showing me that I was worthy.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I miss my Dad. He passed away at a very young age 15 years ago when my oldest daughter was just one. I miss being able to talk with him, wish he was here for guidance, I wish my children knew him, and often wonder if he’d be proud of the who I’ve become.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I’d say yes, but it’s only part of the real me. I think we each have so many different sides to ourselves. No matter which side of me you encounter though, it’s always the “real” me because I’m always open and honest above all else.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop doing anything that doesn’t bring me joy and move all of that additional time to spending with my family. My family is the most important thing in my life, and I would want to make as many memories with my remaining time as possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laviephotography.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laviephotograph/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-purcell-la-vie-photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laviephotograph
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCN5LvZeVxufRJZu5qKTVKQ
Image Credits
La Vie Photography
