We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristin Amaro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristin, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Making a decision to keep going or give up seems black and white. While I do love the decisiveness of a black and white question, I don’t see this question as being so straightforward. My business involves a life passion, so I can’t imagine just “giving up” (not to mention I’m quite stubborn and find it a struggle to throw in the towel). However, I do find that my business has seasons. Some seasons require me to press in and hustle, while other seasons demand that I pull back and rest. I think there can be life circumstances which will make those kinds of decisions for you, but if you’re passionate about doing something, I think giving up is not really on the table.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a Branding and Portrait photographer residing in Murfreesboro, TN. My origin story involves career transition (from corporate techie to the entrepreneurial creative), uncovering my passion for photography, and taking many years (and 2 states) to realize the plan that was set in place for me.

Although I’ve loved photography since high school (which was many, many years ago!), it wasn’t until 2009 that I started shooting professionally. There’s not enough room to share the “hyphen” between high school and 2009, but I’m thankful for those years as they have refined me and made me who I am today. I feel grateful to be able to look back over my career and see how I have evolved as an artist. I spent many years allowing comparison to steal my joy and motivate me to pursue a style not my own. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is: not everyone is going to like what I do and how I do it. If I stay true to myself and my style, the people who need me will find me – and having those clients in my life will bring the joy.

My passion is story telling. I feel it’s that passion that sets me apart from most others who might just be capturing an image. I believe everything has a story to tell. The beautiful challenge is finding the story in my subject and capturing it. Occasionally I have the opportunity to shoot Real Estate listings and I approach those properties in much the same way I approach a Branding or Portrait session. Those houses have a story to tell, and I get to tell it!

I’m thankful to have a supportive family and friend group that roots for and encourages me. It’s one of the things that really spurs me on in my business and is a big part of my success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m probably the worst person to pitch this question to! Although in my days of youthful exuberance I could paint the town with the best of them. Now I’m an old bird who would much prefer to have game nights, share a good meal, and hang out talking with friends and family in a lawn chair under the tree with a cappuccino. If I’m going out, it’s probably to Lemongrass Sushi & Thai, Just Love, or Flashback arcade. Maybe a game of cornhole at the Fountains after a scoop from the Soda Bar. I’m also not above a trip to Waffle House.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My friend Heather Thompson has always been an amazing sounding board when I have business challenges to work through. She gives sound counsel and is not afraid to step on my toes (which is the BEST kind of friend to have). She is a constant source of encouragement and support to me (not to mention she is one of the best hairdressers in all the land). I’m also very grateful for Donald Miller and pretty much any book he’s ever written.

Website: https://www.afhbrandingphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afhcaptureanddesign/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinamaro/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afHCaptureDesign

Other: Portrait Photography Website: http://www.afHonline.com
Real Estate Photography Website: http://www.afhrealestatephotography.com/

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