Meet Krystina Brown | Sr. Graphic Designer & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Krystina Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Krystina, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“Comfort and growth do no coexist”

I never want to get too comfortable in photography. There’s always room for growth and learning from others. The last few years, I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone with photo work and it’s been really significant into shaping how I shoot and do freelance work. Even if trying something new didn’t work out the way I had hoped, I still learned from the experience.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work in photography started years ago when I was unhappy at my former job. I felt stuck and frustrated and decided to try some creative work to help. I had always loved looking at concert photography and decided to give it a try. I got a lot of my knowledge from Youtube and tips from other local photographers. I started out shooting small music gigs in DC and grew to shooting stadium shows for publications.

Years later, I got into watching women’s professional soccer and started shooting games. It was a big adjustment from shooting concerts but I loved trying something new. Soon after that, I began shooting women’s professional basketball and also started working full time with Athletes Unlimited where I now work as a Sr. Graphic Designer. I was also hired by a number of leagues/teams (NWSL, MLS, Washington Spirt & the Mystics) to freelance shoot games and events.

I’m most proud of my growth as a photographer, I never thought something that I originally started as a hobby to take my mind off of things would grow into what it is now. I’ve been able to make some great connections in the industry and meet and work with so many people I admire. I’m really grateful for all of the opportunities and it motivates me to keep going. It isn’t always easy, I still get imposter syndrome and sometimes feel like I’m not doing enough as a photographer. But I also try to ground myself and be present. I want others to know that if there’s something out there you’ve always wanted to do or was curious about, do it! You never know where it could take you and even if it doesn’t work out, it was a life experience you can look back on.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would definitely get a ton of food haha. There’s a lot of spots in DC I love, Chicken + Whiskey, El Bebe, Colada Shop & Lot 48 (great local spot for breakfast sandwiches!). There’s also museums, parks and a fun mini golf spot called Swingers.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shoutout my dad! Since I was a kid, he was always running around with a camera taking family pictures. He always wanted to capture special moments and when I got older and wanted to try photography, he was so supportive, buying me my first camera for Christmas. He’s my biggest cheerleader and is always excited to tell others about my photo work and he’s still the first person I run to tell any big news I have with my photography.

Website: https://www.kgabriellephoto.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystinagabrielle/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystina-brown

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kb_202_

Image Credits
All photos by Krystina Brown Headshot photo by Breanna Biorato