Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristine Maglunob
Hi Kristine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Sure, I’d love to share my story!
I had always enjoyed capturing moments—whether it was during family gatherings, trips, and just moments of beauty in my everyday life. However, I wanted to turn that passion into something more tangible. I taught myself the technical aspects, and began experimenting with different styles. I spent a lot of time learning what was available online and I enrolled in classes, photographed friends, family, and second shot a lot of weddings.
I officially started my photography business in 2011, focusing primarily on engagement and wedding photography. San Diego’s stunning landscapes and wedding venues, from the beaches to the mountains, were the perfect backdrop for my work. My business grew through word of mouth, referrals from awesome wedding vendors, other wedding photographers, and by building strong relationships with my clients. I’ve been lucky to work with incredible couples and families who have trusted me to document some of the most important moments of their lives.
As my business expanded, I began offering lifestyle photography as well—proposals, maternity, family sessions, and other special occasions. Recently, I opened up a studio in Poway, and I’m having a great time creating in my own space. Whether I’m shooting on a San Diego beach or in my studio, I’m always aiming to make the experience feel personal and fun.
I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work in such a creative and rewarding field, especially in a place like San Diego, which offers so much inspiration. I’m constantly learning and refining my craft. I’m excited for where my photography journey will take me next!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My photography journey definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but the struggles shaped who I am today.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was juggling a traditional career while also working as a photographer part time. Then, I was laid off from my 9-5 corporate job. It was a turning point in my life—suddenly, I was faced with the decision of whether to go back to a corporate job or take a leap of faith and pursue photography full-time. It was a risk, but I knew deep down that photography was my passion, and I didn’t want to look back and wonder “what if.” I dove in headfirst, and while the transition wasn’t easy, I found my stride over time.
There were definitely tough moments, like dealing with inconsistent income and figuring out how to market myself in a competitive industry, but I kept pushing forward, learning, and connecting with clients.
Then, just as my business gained momentum and I had my highest bookings, another huge challenge came my way. My husband’s job took us to Japan, and I had to leave behind everything I had built in San Diego. I had to essentially rebuild my business from scratch in a foreign country, which felt overwhelming at times. Not only was I adjusting to a new culture, but I also had to navigate the challenge of offering my services in Yolohama, where we were living, while still staying relevant and visible to clients in San Diego.
I got to work and started building new partnerships, and marketing myself to clients in two different countries at once. I worked hard to stay connected with my San Diego clients and keep my social media presence strong, so I didn’t lose touch with the community I had built back home. It was a lot of juggling, but over time, I managed to create a presence in both places. Japan was where the lifestyle services of my business took off. Then not long after I moved back to San Diego, the COVID pandemic happened. That was the same year I became a mom.
Something that I also struggled with was balancing motherhood and work. My husband’s job required him to be away from home for months at a time. It was tough solo parenting a little one while running my own business.
Ultimately, those challenges taught me so much about resilience and adaptability. They helped me refine my skills not just as a photographer, but as a business owner. And while it hasn’t been easy, every struggle has been an opportunity for growth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in wedding and lifestyle photography, capturing moments of love, joy, and connection. My work follows a couple’s journey. I primarily focus on proposals, engagements, weddings, maternity, and family photography.
I’m known for capturing natural, joyful, romantic images and my ability to put clients at ease and direct to evoke genuine emotion. I’m also known for my personalized and tailored approach to each client’s unique needs. Whether it’s understanding the vision for their wedding day or capturing the special dynamics of a family, I take time to consider all of that to make their photography experience memorable.
What sets me apart, I think, is my ability to create an experience that goes beyond just taking photos. My clients often mention that they appreciate how I provide a lot of guidance before and during the photo session. I try to make the whole process feel more like a collaboration than just a service.
When it comes to what I’m most proud of, it’s definitely the relationships that I’ve built with clients. I feel proud of the positive feedback I receive. Knowing that my clients feel seen, heard, and valued during one of the most important days or moments in their lives is incredibly rewarding. Many clients mention how easy it is to trust me with their most important moments because of my professionalism. Clients mention how easy I am to work with, how I make them feel comfortable, and how they love the stunning and emotionally resonant photos that I take.
I truly believe that it’s not just about creating beautiful photos, but about creating an experience that is meaningful for everyone involved.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe risk-taking is an essential part of growth, especially when you’re pursuing something as personal and unpredictable as a creative career in photography. I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a natural risk-taker, but I’ve definitely taken some major risks throughout my journey—and each of those risks has played a key role in shaping where I am today.
One of the biggest risks I took was when I decided to leave my 9-5 corporate job after being laid off and pursue photography full-time. It felt like a huge leap because I was walking away from a steady paycheck and the security of a traditional career. But I knew deep down that photography was my passion, and I couldn’t ignore the pull to make it my career. There were a lot of unknowns, especially in the early days—building a business from scratch, navigating inconsistent income, and trying to carve out a space in a competitive market. But I felt that the reward of doing something I loved far outweighed the risks.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kristinemariephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinemariephotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristineMariePhotography
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kristine-marie-photography-san-diego-4
- Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=google+reviews+kristine+marie+photography&oq=google+review&gs_lcrp=
