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Have You Met Christina Klahn?
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Have You Met Christina Klahn?

Excited about our Have You Met series where I showcase YOU, the photographers of our community. We had over 400 photographers apply for the series in less than a week. I can’t wait to showcase the talented photographers. There is a mix of hobbyist and business owners as well as full-frame and crop sensor users. This may be my new favorite part of the site.

This post contains affiliate links. Thanks in advance for supporting Click it Up a Notch. I am not longer accepting applications for this series.

  • No.
    01
    Tell us a little about yourself and your photography journey.

    I am married with two boys, who are almost 6 and 8, and we live in the great state of Texas. I have an identical twin sister, and a special place in my heart for those with special needs, having experienced the joy of growing up with my brother who has Down syndrome. I used to work as an RN with cancer patients before my photography journey began, which was about 5 years ago.

    I got my first DSLR as a gift and I didn’t know the first thing about how to use it. I didn’t like that feeling of not understanding, of not knowing how to control it. So I read everything I could online, I watched MeRa Koh’s DVD “Beyond the Green Box”, and started practicing on anyone who would let me. Pretty quickly, my friends and family started asking me to take their pictures.

    So, while portfolio building, I officially established Twinflower Photography as an LLC, started a website and I was in business. The next 3 years were very busy with lots of wonderful newborn and family portrait clients. Then, we unexpectedly had to move for my husband’s work. I had to stop taking clients to focus on the move and get my family settled in a new city.

    While I had loved my clients, once we moved I realized it was the break I never knew I needed. I decided to remain a happy hobbyist and have done so for the past year and a half. I’m loving the creative freedom and rediscovering what made me love photography in the first place.

  • No.
    02
    What is the best advice you received so far on your photography journey?

    To be open to feedback from people who aren’t your friends or family. Asking for critique or having a portfolio review can be a very humbling experience, but it shouldn’t be thought of as a negative one. A lot of growth can come from viewing your work through the eyes of an objective peer.

    ChristinaKlahn3
    35mm | ss 1/200 | f/3.2 | ISO 3200

  • No.
    03
    What is your favorite thing to photograph?

    My boys are my favorite subjects. They are getting “older” but I am enjoying the challenge it brings, not having little chubby baby cheeks to photograph or a toddler who laughs at everything. They are in such an awesome season of life right now. The magic of childhood is very much alive for them. It’s a time of telling jokes, playing games, cracking each other up, being best friends and sharing a room. I say this at every stage, but this stage is my favorite!

    ChristinaKlahn4
    35mm | ss 1/800 | f/2.8 | ISO 320

  • No.
    04
    Where do you find your inspiration?

    I find inspiration everywhere! I keep a journal at my desk where I jot down things that inspire me, so that it in turn might inspire my photography. It could be a funny commercial I saw, or something I just read in a book, something I heard someone say that day, song lyrics, a new project idea, etc.

  • No.
    05
    What type of background do you have? Self taught? Formal training? Mentor?

    I am self-taught.

  • No.
    06
    Are you currently doing any photography projects? If so, what?

    Yes! I started my Project 365 in October and I just passed the 100th day mark. I am in a 365 Flickr group and a blog circle, which really helps keep me motivated and inspired. I highly recommend connecting with other people when doing a project like this!

    ChristinaKlahn5
    35mm | ss 1/160 | f/3.5 | ISO 250

  • No.
    07
    If you could only use one lens for a year, which would you choose?

    It would have to be my 35mm 1.4L. It’s my go-to lens, sharp and fast, and I love it so much on a full frame.

  • No.
    08
    Share links to 3 of your favorite photography tutorials and tell us why.

    – This is an awesome tutorial about how to shoot around the clutter in your home to create a clean image – Working around the clutter
    – I am a big fan of using editing to complete an image. And I love negative space, so I use this method very often in Photoshop! Photoshop Editing: Creating negative space
    – I wrestled with my desire to shoot wide open while maintaining sharpness, and this tutorial was very helpful – 5 tips to get sharp photos with extremely shallow depth of field

    ChristinaKlahn6
    35mm | ss 1/320 | f/3.2 | ISO 160

  • No.
    09
    What is your favorite image right now?

    The black and white image of my boys in the back seat of our car wearing their baseball uniforms. They’re cracking each other up, as usual and I can see that my oldest is missing his front teeth. It’s so “them” and perfectly illustrates their “best friend” relationship…one I hope will never change.
    ChristinaKlahn1
    35mm | SS 1/200 | f/2.2 | ISO 1000

  • No.
    10
    What type of camera and lenses do you shoot with?

    I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark III, and usually my 35mm 1.4L. I also use a Lensbaby Edge 80 and occasionally a 100mm f/2.8L macro.

  • No.
    11
    Let’s light someone's candle, who is a photographer you think we should check out?

    Heather Chang is also a Texan and a mom of boys. She shoots both film and digital and is one of the talented ladies in my 365 blog circle. Check her out at: Heather Chang Photographyhttp://www.heatherchangphotography.com/

  • No.
    12
    What is your biggest challenge when it comes to photography?

    Not getting the consistent positive feedback I used to get when I was taking paying clients. I went from hearing “I love the photos! You’re awesome!” to having to pat myself on the back, and having that be enough. But it’s really helping me focus on my own personal journey and be more true to myself. Now I don’t have to worry about what anyone else thinks, and that is very freeing.

    ChristinaKlahn9
    35mm | ss 1/800 | f/3.2 | ISO 250

  • No.
    13
    What's the strangest thing you carry in your camera bag, and why is it in there?

    I carry my iPhone 4 Olloclip in my bag, even though I don’t have an iPhone 4 anymore. I LOVED that Olloclip, and I desperately want the iPhone 6 Olloclip. I just haven’t gotten around to getting it yet. I guess I’m a fan of delayed gratification!

    ChristinaKlahn7
    Lensbaby Edge 80 | ss 1/125 | f/4 | ISO 10,000

  • No.
    14
    What is next on your list of things to learn this year in photography?

    I’m really interested in learning more about color theory, and how to use color intentionally to strengthen photo composition and add depth to an image. I’ve casually read about color theory, but I think I need someone to hit me over the head with the color wheel so it will stick!

    ChristinaKlahn8
    35mm | ss 1/100 | f/3.2 | ISO 4000

  • No.
    15
    If people want to follow more of your work where should they go?

    My work can be found on my website at Twin Flower Photography, as well as on my Facebook page.

    ChristinaKlahn10
    35mm | ss 1/160 | f/3.2 | ISO 10,000

46 Comments
  • January 19, 2015 at 9:34 AM

    Loved reading this! I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
    I really like the photograph of the dog, all the colours just look great.
    Rubi | The Den | http://www.the-den.blogspot.com

    • January 19, 2015 at 11:04 AM

      Thanks Rubi! That’s our mini schnauzer, we love him!

  • rebecca
    January 19, 2015 at 10:08 AM

    #7 Love that!

    • January 19, 2015 at 11:04 AM

      Thanks Rebecca! So excited to be featured!

  • January 19, 2015 at 10:15 AM

    Absolutely gorgeous images. I’m currently saving up for the 35 mm 1.4 …birthday soon so fingers crossed!

    • January 19, 2015 at 11:06 AM

      Thanks Nell! It’s worth every penny!

  • Carissa donarummo
    January 19, 2015 at 10:22 AM

    This is the best series ever! Thanks!

  • Kat
    January 19, 2015 at 10:41 AM

    absolutely spectacular post. These photos are amazing and I love this new series.

    • January 19, 2015 at 11:08 AM

      Thanks Kat! So fun! Can’t wait to follow along with this series!

  • January 19, 2015 at 10:43 AM

    I was so glad to come across your work Christina before Click Away and always enjoy it when it pops up on my feed! You are amazingly talented and an inspiration!! Hugs from Conroe, TX

    • January 19, 2015 at 11:09 AM

      Hey Nancy! Thank you! xoxo

  • January 19, 2015 at 10:52 AM

    I really enjoyed reading this and I’m looking forward to reading about other people’s learning experience too. These images just show you how good you can become, being self taught with lots of practice and reading articles. Inspiration for the rest of us! :-)

  • Tricia
    January 19, 2015 at 12:18 PM

    Love it! Great advice and inspiration.

  • January 19, 2015 at 1:33 PM

    So fantastic to read about other photographer’s journeys. I love that you keep a journal for inspiration…what a great idea!! Thanks for sharing and can’t wait to read the rest!!

    • January 19, 2015 at 3:52 PM

      Thanks Chelsea! I got the idea from the book “Steal Like an Artist”…it’s a great little read!

  • January 19, 2015 at 1:55 PM

    Great article and great photos. Very interesting to read about it :)

    You suggest to be open to feedback from people that aren’t your friends or family, how was that for you when you did that the first time? Did you ask a professional yoursel, or someone just found your site and started commenting?

    • January 19, 2015 at 4:00 PM

      Hi Danny! I remember the first time I had photos critiqued was in a FB group (I don’t remember which one, but I’m no longer part of it and it was a long time ago…sorry!). And later I got critique on the photography forum Clickin Moms. I also won a one hour online Skype portfolio review with a professional in my area. Each time I asked for critique, I had to be ready to receive criticism, b/c it’s not helpful for someone to just say “beautiful! perfect!” I think the key to a positive critique is asking for it (unsolicited critiques really aren’t fun lol) and being open to it. And then you decide whether to take the advice or leave it. There’s nothing that says you have to change anything about the images after you’ve been critiqued!

  • January 19, 2015 at 2:17 PM

    Loved reading this interview with you Christina! And some of my favorite images of yours from your 365. Thanks so much for the mention too! heather

    • January 19, 2015 at 4:03 PM

      Thanks Heather! You’re welcome! :)

  • Tausha
    January 19, 2015 at 3:21 PM

    Very nice. I love this new series, thank ou for sharing.

  • January 19, 2015 at 6:13 PM

    What an excellent first article to the new series! I would recommend a fine art course for learning colour theory. :) Looking forward to future articles.

    • January 19, 2015 at 6:52 PM

      Awesome! I’d love that. Thanks Amanda!

  • January 19, 2015 at 9:54 PM

    Congrats Christina.
    I love the capture of smoke from the sparkler. I also am a HUGE fan of B&W so love those too! :)
    Enjoyed reading this article.

    • January 19, 2015 at 11:28 PM

      Thanks Stefanie! My love for b&w is pretty evenly split with my love for color! I really love both!

  • January 19, 2015 at 10:41 PM

    Great! I really enjoyed reading this and seeing your images you do such amazing work!!

  • January 20, 2015 at 10:37 AM

    Such an inspiring series and Christina’s work is absolutely beautiful! I love Q&A number 11!

    • January 20, 2015 at 11:28 AM

      Thank you Whitney! It really is a challenge for me, but I’m trying to see the positive side you know? <3

  • Hannah Grace
    January 20, 2015 at 11:46 AM

    Christina, your pictures are amazing, and you are such an inspiration to me. As a teen photographer, I look up to photographers like you and aspire to be like them someday. Amazing work.

  • January 20, 2015 at 1:43 PM

    Thank you Hannah! You have such an awesome head start being a teen photographer. I wish I had found my photography passion that young! Best of luck to you!

  • January 21, 2015 at 2:24 AM

    Love that i have already found a new photographer who’s work i enjoy to follow through this series. I enjoyed reading all your answers and your work is beautiful!

  • January 21, 2015 at 3:26 PM

    Wonderful beginning to the new series. Christina, your photos are incredible and such an inspiration. Every photo is filled with life and passion. Something I am working towards capturing in my photography. I look forward to following you on your blog and following your 365 progress!

    • January 21, 2015 at 7:52 PM

      Thanks for the kind words, Erika!!

  • January 21, 2015 at 6:11 PM

    The feedback point is very important, I’m glad she mentioned it. Nice interview!

  • Chanel
    January 22, 2015 at 8:46 PM

    I’m liking the first post of this series! I enjoyed reading about Christina’s photography journey and looking at her photos. Looking forward to more of these!

  • January 28, 2015 at 3:41 PM

    This is lovely! ANd I am now visiting your favorite tutorials and forcing myself to learn new things. I’m enjoying this segment!

  • joanne
    January 29, 2015 at 12:30 AM

    Love these articles they are so inspiring, I just received my 1st DSLR for Christmas. I am learning on my own with a little help from friends. I so love “Click it up a Notch” and I really enjoy this Have you met stories, they ares so encouraging and interesting. Love your story Christina

    • January 29, 2015 at 2:46 PM

      Thanks Joanne! Congrats on your first DSLR…such an exciting time! Good luck to you!

  • Sue Kuhr
    January 29, 2015 at 5:32 AM

    Love your photos – esp the one with the green alien! Your pics are so crisp and your boys seem like great models! I am a retired nurse and have taken photography up the past few years trying to learn on my own. I hope to one day get published in something and always find ways to improve and learn!

  • January 29, 2015 at 2:47 PM

    Thank you Sue! I’m very fortunate that my boys genuinely like each other and are usually very patient models. Good luck to you!

  • February 9, 2015 at 7:44 PM

    Ooh, Christina!! Congratulations on being featured! It has been great getting to know your work through CM and I’m happy that even more people get to come to know how awesome you are through Click It Up A Notch, too! :)

    • February 19, 2015 at 2:32 PM

      Hi Lacey! I just saw this comment. Thank you so much! :)

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