Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Corbett.
Hi Kristina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story really begins in Los Angeles, where I was working as a Studio Manager for a locally owned wedding photography studio. My role was mostly on the client side — helping couples understand the experience and what to expect — but early on I went along to a wedding simply so I could better explain how my bosses worked and how a wedding day actually unfolded.
That single wedding changed everything. Seeing the way photography could tell a story in real time, hold emotion, and create something lasting completely pulled me in. I bought a camera, then another, and started joining weddings as a second photographer. A few turned into many, and over time I found myself photographing weddings regularly rather than just managing them. By the time I left Los Angeles, I had photographed over 200 weddings, and what started as curiosity had become something I couldn’t imagine stepping away from.
Art has always been a constant in my life — I have a degree in Art History, and creativity has been part of who I am for as long as I can remember. Photography became the place where my love for people and my creative background met. It allowed me to slow down, observe, and document moments honestly, without forcing them into something they weren’t.
When I moved to Spokane, starting my own business felt like the natural next step. I wanted to build something that reflected both my experience and my values — a photography business rooted in connection, inclusivity, and care. Today, my work is about creating space for people to be fully themselves and documenting their stories in a way that feels genuine, timeless, and true.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, and I don’t think it ever really is when you’re building something that matters to you. One of the biggest challenges early on was learning how to balance the creative side of my work with the realities of running a business. Photography is about people, emotion, and intuition, but a sustainable business also requires structure, boundaries, and a lot of behind-the-scenes work that no one sees.
Starting over in a new city was another hurdle. Even with years of experience, moving from Los Angeles to Spokane meant rebuilding community, relationships, and trust from the ground up. It pushed me to be patient with myself and to grow in ways that went beyond just my craft.
There were also moments of doubt — learning to trust my own voice, pricing my work appropriately, and letting go of the idea that I needed to please everyone. Over time, those challenges helped me clarify what I value most and the kind of experience I want to offer. Looking back, the struggles weren’t detours; they were what shaped the business into something that feels aligned, intentional, and truly mine.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At the heart of my work is documenting people honestly and thoughtfully. I specialize in weddings and couples, with a focus on creating images that feel natural, timeless, and grounded in real connection rather than posed perfection. My approach is very people-first — I pay close attention to how a day unfolds and photograph it in a way that feels true to the experience, not overly directed or manufactured.
What I’m known for is creating a calm, steady presence on wedding days. Couples often tell me they felt comfortable and at ease, which allows them to be fully present with each other and their loved ones. That sense of trust shows up in the images — they feel lived-in and real, not performative. My background in art history heavily influences how I see light, composition, and storytelling, and I’m always thinking about the long-term life of these photos, not just how they look in the moment.
What I’m most proud of is the experience I’ve built around the work. From the first conversation to gallery delivery, my goal is for couples to feel supported, respected, and genuinely cared for. I’m especially proud of creating a space that is inclusive and welcoming, where all couples know they’re safe and celebrated without needing to explain themselves.
What sets me apart isn’t a trend or a specific look — it’s the combination of experience, intention, and care. Having photographed hundreds of weddings, I bring a sense of confidence and steadiness to every day, while still approaching each couple’s story with curiosity and respect. I’m not interested in forcing moments; I’m there to notice them, protect them, and preserve them.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is care — care for people, their stories, and the trust they place in me. Photography invites me into some of the most meaningful moments in someone’s life, and I don’t take that lightly. Showing up with respect, attentiveness, and integrity matters far more to me than any single image.
I care deeply about creating an experience where people feel safe being themselves. When couples feel comfortable and understood, the photographs naturally become more honest and lasting. That sense of ease and trust is what allows real moments to unfold, and it’s what makes the work meaningful for me.
At the end of the day, I want my work to hold up not just visually, but emotionally. Trends change, styles evolve, but photographs rooted in care and authenticity have a way of staying relevant. That’s why I do what I do — to create something thoughtful, true, and lasting for the people who invite me into their lives.
Pricing:
- Mt. Spokane – $3,500
- Mt. Baker – $4,500
- Mt. Rainier – $5,500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.archandelm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archandelmphotography
