We had the good fortune of connecting with Chrissandra Jallah and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Chrissandra, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Outsiders are unaware of the amount of work involved in photography, specifically wedding photography. Many people think we’re charging entirely too much money, that we just show up to press a button & slap a filter on their images. However, that’s not the case. They forget this is a business. There’s a lot of love & preparation that goes into what we do, with the majority of work being on the backend. We are tasked with documenting love stories that can blossom into legacies. It is a privilege that many of us do not take lightly.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I specialize in lifestyle & wedding photography, with a focus on creating a memorable client experience. My clients have told me that I make them feel comfortable & confident. It’s important that we have fun while also getting those important images, which is why I capture a mixture of poses & candids. I guide them from the inquiry all the way to the gallery delivery. Efficient communication & assistance is essential to making sure my client is served well & that their vision is executed. I’m proud that I can help people feel amazing in front of the camera.
Getting to this place professionally has not been easy. While the actual business portion is tricky to navigate, you also have to navigate how you feel managing your business. I’ve dealt with a lot of imposter syndrome. I’ve been extremely critical of myself & my work. The first step to overcoming the mental challenge was changing my mindset. I know it sounds cliche but what you think dictates many things. I’ve learned to give myself grace & continue to believe that the worst anyone can say is no. Life is short & I’d rather push to accomplish my goals instead of psyching myself out.
My brand revolves around capturing candid, vibrant & emotional images. I am there to tell a story, whether it’s about your life or your love. I emphasize that every story is unique; my job is to capture it in a way that is specific to you.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s so much to do! We would definitely hang out at Ponce City Market & Colony Square, visit the High Museum of Atlanta & Atlanta Botanical Gardens. We’d be eating at Two Urban Licks, 5Church, Cafe Intermezzo, Twisted Kitchen, Yebo Beach Haus, Five Daughters Bakery & Jeni’s Ice Cream. I enjoy soccer so an Atlanta United game would be fun. We can squeeze in a visit to Piedmont Park for good measure.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m so grateful to have so many amazing people in my life. I want to dedicate my shoutout to my mom, Andrea. My mother bought me my first real camera in college. She is my biggest cheerleader & supports me in so many ways. My best friend, Krista, definitely deserves recognition in my story. At a time when I was lost & confused, she encouraged me to pivot & take a real look into pursuing photography. She plays an active role in my business & her support is unmatched.
Website: capturedbychris.com
Instagram: instagram.com/capturedby_chris
Facebook: facebook.com/capturedbychris
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwYoA-0R4xg
Image Credits
Erin Reid Photography