5 Questions with Kristen Vincent LiVigni of Kristen Vincent Photography
1. What brought you to Coronado?
I came to Coronado in the summer of 2009. I was living in Paso Robles but longed for change. Coronado had such charm and felt like home right away. I fell head over heels in love with this town but never imagined how great life would be here.
Right after moving here, I started a photography business while still working as an Emergency Room Nurse. I am now following my passion working as a full time photographer. My days are spent swaddling newborns for their very first photography session, chasing toddlers and teens on the beach with their family, and traveling all over the U.S. to photograph dreamy weddings. This town has embraced me with open arms from the beginning. I can’t picture life anywhere else.
2. Where does your love of photography stem from?
When I was 5 years old, I was given a 120-film toy camera in my stocking for Christmas. It was a cheap plastic toy, yet the fact that I could make time stand still was mind blowing to me at that age and still is. Ever since, I have enjoyed photography and the ability to have memories in a tangible form.
3. What do you attribute to being voted “Best Photographer” through Coronado Lifestyle’s “Best of Coronado” readers survey for three years in a row?
Many clients have trusted me to procure their family’s legacy for the generations to come. I want my clients’ grandchildren to be able to sit on the floor with a box of my photos and coo about how fabulous their grandparents were when they were younger.
My goal is to give my clients an experience, and an opportunity to tell their family story. Inviting people in front of my lens is a personal experience to be cherished. Daily life can be chaotic, so I try to bring the family into a carefree environment where their kids can run and play and just have fun. I feel so humbled that people love my work and recommend me to their friends. Getting a referral where someone raved about my work…what’s better than that?
4. Have a favorite location to snap photos on the island?
The location most requested by my clients is on the beach in front of the Hotel del Coronado. From the sand dunes to the rock jetty, there are various reasons why clients like to be photographed there. I love taking my clients to places that aren’t so busy, though. The beachfront dinghy landing near the Coronado Bridge lends an edgy, youthful vibe to engagement photos and family sessions. I also like a few of the bayside parks so that the San Diego downtown skyline can be the backdrop for some of the images.
The hour before sunset is prime time for lighting and lends a warm California glow to my images.
5. When you meet prospective clients to discuss details, where do you typically go?
While I work with so many families and couples on the island, I love inviting San Diegans to meet me at Tartine. I love the quiet ambiance there. I typically get the mint green tea (hot) and pair it with one of their great salads.
