Photographer - Kristin
Coffee Shop - Cafe Sous Terre
City - Detroit, MI
Date - August 13, 2023
Q - What camera did you use for Cameras and Coffee?
A. - My iPhone 14
Q. How long have you been taking photos?
A. I started taking photos for fun when I moved to San Francisco in 2008. I was so inspired by the architecture, the bay, and the beauty of the eclectic city. I had a point-and-shoot Nikon camera at that time, long before I learned to use a DSLR. After moving back to Traverse City (my hometown) in 2011, I started a fashion blog where I captured photos of my outfits on my way to work, scouting out cool spots as a backdrop. This led me to New York City, where I continued to use a self-timer for all my photos. People always asked who took my photos, and I would just laugh- I’d set my phone up against my coffee mug and run into the shot. I loved the process of editing, choosing the photos, and then sharing them with others. I moved to Detroit in August 2022 and began sharing photos of the city from the perspective of a car-free resident. Everyone told me it would be impossible to live in Detroit without a car, so I set out on a mission to prove them wrong. One year later, I still have yet to drive a car- next year I will celebrate 10 years car-free!
Q. Why did you start photography?
A . Photography has always been a way to express myself while connecting with others. Mindfulness is a big part of my life, so I hope to inspire others to stop and slow down to notice the small things all around them. It’s really gratifying and makes life a lot of fun.
Q. What motivates you when it comes to photography?
A. Connection is the biggest motivator for me. As an introvert at heart, sharing my photography, writing, and artwork has always been a way to find my people. Whether it’s sharing a photo of a new business or the streets of Detroit, sharing my vision and passions with others is very fulfilling.
Q. Describe your photography style.
A. Intuitive and scrappy! Although I haven’t been using an actual camera for a few years now, I’ve been focusing on angles and learning more about editing my iPhone photos. It’s important for me to capture images as they make me feel; bright, bold, and happy. I hope others feel the same when they see my pictures.
Q. Explain your Instagram name.
A. walkingdetroit - My collection of photos while walking Detroit. kristin1lautner - It’s my name, and the “1” represents the street I live on- Woodward Ave, the heart of Detroit. :)
Q. What are your photo goals for the next year?
A. I would like to buy a Fuji camera and start learning more about photography. I’m also hoping to put together a book of my year of Walking Detroit- a calendar is in the works, too!
