Meet a local photographer on the rise

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This article was published 17/08/2018 (2920 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Professional and amateur photographers across the globe recognized Sun., Aug. 19 as World Photography Day.

While many take up photography as a hobby, some make it a career. Krista Hawryluk, of Starbuck, is one of the latter. Hawryluk, who has been in the business for over a year, primarily shoots wedding pictures but she also does family pictures, maternity shoots, and brand photography for Winnipeg artisans.

“I love having a creative outlet,” Hawryluk says, explaining her love for photography.

“I did my first engagement shoot in July last year and I just fell in love.”

Anyone can dabble in photography but Hawryluk says the secret to becoming a better photographer is experience, training and practise, practise, practise.

“You have to constantly keep shooting. Keep taking pictures, don’t stop. Spend the day just taking photos and playing around with your camera,” she says.

Hawryluk also suggests that beginners take advantage of the internet.

“Googling blogs and YouTube tutorials helps. And photographers are more than willing to help out. People ask me questions on Instagram, and I have no problem answering them.”

Like many in the field, Hawryluk began taking pictures casually before turning photography into a career.

“I started to really play around with my husband’s camera and, after my daughter was born, I would take thousands of photos of her.”

From there, Hawryluk says she was asked by others to take pictures of their families and those requests laid the foundation for her business.

Hawryluk credits Instagram with giving her a platform and an easy way to reach customers.

“Instagram is huge… Most of my clients come through Instagram or referrals,” she says.

She recommends that others use social media platforms — such as Instagram — to showcase their work.

Hawryluk has many go-to locations around Manitoba that she suggests new photographers visit.

“There’s lots to explore,” she says. “Beaudry Park in Headingley is one of my favourites. I love Assiniboine Forest, and the St. Norbert Monastery. Every time I go to St. Norbert Monastery I discover something new; I see it in a different angle.”

Hawryluk can be contacted through her website, www.kristahawryluk.com

Gabrielle Piché is a community correspondent for Headingley and her. Email her at gabriellepiche15@gmail.com