READING TIME: 2 min 30 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/2025
UPDATED: 03/01/2025
Every love story deserves to be told in a way that feels both authentic and timeless. With 18 years of experience behind the lens, Kristen Joy has dedicated her career to capturing the fleeting, emotional moments that define a wedding day. From her beginnings in Pittsburgh to building a thriving business in Las Vegas, Kristen's journey is one of passion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her craft.
Kristen’s love for photography started nearly two decades ago when she worked alongside a photojournalistic wedding photographer in Pittsburgh. “I was able to take that knowledge and open my own business in Las Vegas 15 years ago,” she shares.
Balancing both photography and education, she pursued a Bachelor's in Speech Pathology and later a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology—all while raising four children. “With the money I was earning from photography, I was able to leave school debt-free and pursue both careers,” Kristen explains. However, after working in hospitals during the pandemic and relying on elopements, she made the decision to return full-time to photography. “The flexibility and the time I get with my family through owning my own business made the decision easy.”
Kristen’s photography is best described as romantic, light and airy, film-inspired, and authentic. She focuses on creating timeless images that will be cherished for generations. Her choice of equipment reflects this artistic vision—she shoots with two Nikon Z6 III cameras paired with 50mm 1.2, 24-70mm 2.8, and 70-200mm 2.8 lenses to ensure crisp, dreamy compositions.
When it comes to post-processing, Kristen believes in enhancing rather than altering. “Lightroom color correcting,” she states simply, emphasizing her commitment to keeping images natural and beautiful.
For Kristen, the most rewarding aspect of wedding photography is the emotional connection she builds with her couples. “I love creating timeless memories for couples and families to enjoy for generations.”
Understanding each couple’s unique vision is central to her approach. “I try to understand the couple’s expectations and desires for their wedding day while connecting with them to create authentic moments.” This deep understanding allows her to tailor custom photography packages to fit each couple’s specific needs. “Yes! And that is usually what we do by creating a custom proposal for each couple.”
Looking back at her journey, Kristen has one piece of advice for those just starting their careers: “Go for it! And lean into the people around you who love seeing your success!” Building a support system and trusting the process are key elements she emphasizes.
For couples preparing for teir wedding day, she highlights the importance of clear communication. “Making sure the couple knows what is going to happen at a shoot and how you go about things helps the couple to relax.” To assist her clients, Kristen provides a detailed guide to set clear expectations.
Kristen’s love for photography extends beyond Las Vegas. She is passionate about capturing love stories in breathtaking locations. “Yes! We love Montana! My husband grew up there, and we travel there every summer.” The picturesque landscapes and intimate settings make it one of her favorite places to document weddings.
With nearly two decades of experience, Kristen Joy Photography continues to create heartfelt and timeless wedding imagery that resonates with couples worldwide. Her journey from balancing multiple careers to pursuing her passion full-time is a testament to her dedication and love for storytelling. Whether she’s photographing a grand wedding in Las Vegas or an intimate ceremony in Montana, Kristen’s artistry ensures that every couple receives a collection of memories to cherish forever.
To learn more about Kristen Joy Photography or to inquire about booking, visit her portfolio today!
