Meet Cristy Ordner | Photographer

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

Hi Cristy, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work life balance is especially difficult when you’re a mom. It’s the hardest juggling act. Trying to balance life, a family and a photography business is no easy task. It’s a constant state of reprioritizing that I’ve learned over time works best. I am living my dream with my own photography business, however being a mom and a wife and having a family of my own was my very first dream. I’m essentially balancing two dreams at once and on most days, it feels like they are competing against one another. My family is my whole world and photography feels like a calling. I will continue to strive for them to coexist.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My ultimate goal in each session is to capture images that make you feel something when you look at them. Secondly, composition and light are very important to me. In my opinion, what sets me apart is the courage I have to make art for me while also creating artful memories for my clients. I am always waiting for the magic moments to unfold, to be ready for the “decisive moment” a term coined by master street photographer, Henri Carier-Bresson. The term “…implies that the photographer must be able to anticipate an important moment within the constant flow of life and capture it in a fraction of a second.” I am most proud of how far I have come and how much I have pushed myself beyond my own comfort zones to get to where I am today. I would say I am where I am today professionally because I didn’t give up. I just kept plugging away at a dream that slowly turned into reality. It has not been easy, and most days it’s still not easy – but as they say Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.
A few lessons I’ve learned along the way: take chances, push your creativity, set up personal project/creative shoots to keep your creativity flowing, don’t compare your work to others and own your style – you will slowly but surely start to attract your ideal clients.
I want the world to know that this is my calling. I truly believe my passion for this medium is a gift from God.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you come to Bellville, TX – you should definitely make your way to the historic Bellville Square for shopping at Buck Ferguson Originals, Michelle Jewelry, Farmacy Revolution and Coco and Duckie to name a few. Grab a bite to eat at 22 North Holland or enjoy a drink and hang out at the wine bar Ruffus Pleasant. Don’t forget to stop in at Sartain’s Awesome Shoppe for custom wood furniture, signs and decor and satisfy your sweet tooth at the Sweet Shoppe inside. A 20-minute drive to Brenham would be well worth it to indulge in two of our faves – Country Sunshine’s exceptional ambience and food and Truth BBQ – for the best brisket I’ve ever had.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This shout out is dedicated to the following individuals: My husband, Eric – For being my biggest supporter and always steering me in the right direction. I love you.
My daughters, Layal and Scarlett – for keeping the passion I have for photography going by their mere existence and love they fill me up with on a daily basis.
Joseph West Photography – Joseph was our wedding photographer. I scoured the internet to find him and knew immediately his work was something very special. His work reignited my passion for photography and the idea that one day I could pursue it again.
Melissa Fitzgerald West Photography – Melissa became our family photographer when our first daughter was born. I quickly became a huge fan of her work. It’s beautiful, charming, & classic, with so much style – just like her!!!
Katie Denton Photography – Katie is an incredible photographer and so good at capturing those magic moments. I attended her Rooted & Revived Workshop in Austin, TX in 2019. Shooting alongside other creatives plus all of the knowledge I gained there, gave me so much more confidence that I had been lacking. It was a milestone for growth.
Shannon Dornon – Our realtor and friend who booked a session with me early on that turned into countless referrals – I am forever grateful.
Also, to SVA (The School of Visual Arts) in NYC for accepting me into their photography program in the early 2000’s although I was unable to attend. More times than I can count, I have validated my worthiness to call myself a photographer based on the fact alone that I was accepted into your program. This event stays in my mind as a high and a low but always reminds me of the phrase – All roads lead to Rome.
and last but not least
My Mom – for always being my biggest cheerleader
My Dad – for giving me my very first camera in grade school -it’s where it all began.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/cristyordnerphotography

Facebook: Cristy Ordner Photography

Image Credits
All images taken by me – Cristy Ordner