Meet Julie Pistone Krampitz | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julie Pistone Krampitz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Growing up immersed in the real estate industry, with my mother owning her own company, I developed a deep understanding and passion for the field. I began my career in on-site sales and eventually obtained my Broker’s License, gaining extensive experience in various aspects of real estate.

When TK Images was founded in 2002 by my late husband, it was built on his passion for photography and his keen eye for capturing the beauty of real estate. In 2004, our lives took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Research showed that only 2% of patients survived this type of cancer, so I immediately quit my job, believing I would need to care of him. But instead of stepping away from his work, he continued doing what he loved, and I began tagging along, learning the ins and outs of the business.

Just before he passed away in 2005, he asked me to take over the company. At that time, TK Images was a small but dedicated team—just him, his cousin, his aunt, and me. His passing left us as a team of three, navigating both grief and the challenge of keeping his vision alive. I was determined to honor his legacy and build upon what he had started.

Over the years, through resilience, dedication, and an incredible team, TK Images has grown into Houston’s leading architectural and real estate photography company. We have since expanded to Austin and San Antonio, and today, we proudly celebrate 23 years in business with a team of 33 talented professionals. Our journey has been one of perseverance, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in real estate photography. What started as my husband’s dream has now become a thriving company that continues to set the standard in our industry.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets TK Images apart is our deep-rooted expertise in both real estate and photography, allowing us to capture properties with an unparalleled level of precision and artistry. With over 23 years in business, we have built a reputation as the leading architectural real estate photography company in Houston, expanding our services to Austin and San Antonio. Our team of 33 dedicated professionals is committed to delivering exceptional quality, fast turnaround times, and superior customer service. We understand the real estate industry inside and out, ensuring that every image we produce is not just a photo but a strategic marketing tool that helps our clients sell properties faster and at higher values. Our passion for innovation, commitment to excellence, and personalized approach make TK Images the trusted choice for top real estate professionals.

TK Images has grown into the leading architectural real estate photography company in Houston—and now Austin and San Antonio—through dedication, perseverance, and a strong commitment to our core values: exceptional customer service, quality, commitment, integrity, and teamwork. These values guide everything we do because, at the heart of it all, we truly care.

Getting to where we are today was not easy. After my late husband founded the company in 2002, his passing in 2005 left us with just three team members. It was a challenging time, but I was determined to honor his legacy and build something even greater. By staying focused, continually learning, and surrounding myself with an incredible team, we navigated obstacles and embraced opportunities for growth.

One of our greatest strengths today is our larger team, which has made us even better. With a full staff available to assist clients while our photographers are on shoots, we provide seamless service and quick turnaround times, ensuring our clients always have the support they need. Every challenge we’ve faced has reinforced our commitment to excellence, and through teamwork, adaptability, and passion, TK Images continues to thrive.

Real estate agents and photographers aren’t just service providers—they are strategic partners in marketing homes. By leveraging our professional real estate photography, videos, Matterport Tours, ShowingTime+ 3D Tours, virtual tours, and floor plans, you can set yourself apart and attract more potential clients. TK Images isn’t just here to take pictures; we’re here to help you present homes in a way that commands attention and drives interest.
But quality isn’t just about the images themselves—it’s about the service behind them. From seamless booking to fast delivery, we ensure that working with TK Images is effortless and efficient. Exceptional service, combined with stunning visuals, creates demand, bringing clients back time and time again. Whether you’re targeting buyers in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, or beyond, our photography ensures your listings get noticed.
it’s essential to recognize that quality and service go hand in hand. The most successful agents position their listings as premium products, and that starts with exceptional visuals. By creating demand around your brand and showcasing your properties with high-quality photography, videos, 3D Tours, virtual staging, and aerial imagery, you elevate your entire business and attract serious buyers.

I am incredibly proud that we formed The Todd Krampitz Foundation in memory of Todd to help save lives by increasing organ donor awareness. His story inspired so many, and through this foundation, we continue his legacy by advocating for the importance of organ donation. Every year, we have dedicated runners who fundraise and participate in the half marathon, proudly wearing TK Foundation shirts to spread awareness. I have been running the Houston half marathon every year since we started running for a reason in 2005. One of our photographers, Andres Ariza, goes the extra mile—literally—by carrying an Organ Donor flag for the entire 13.1 miles, making a powerful statement about the gift of life. It’s truly inspiring to see so many come together for this cause, and we remain committed to honoring Todd’s memory by making a difference in the lives of others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Houston, I would take them to Memorial Park, which is an incredible urban oasis—twice the size of Central Park! We’d start the day with a bike ride along Buffalo Bayou, soaking in the scenic views of the city skyline and lush green spaces. Along the way, we’d stop at Flora Kitchen to enjoy a delicious meal on the patio, surrounded by nature along the bayou. After finishing our ride, we’d unwind at Brenner’s Blue Bar, sipping cocktails on the patio while taking in the relaxed ambiance.

For dinner, we’d indulge in an incredible meal at Steak 48, one of Houston’s premier steakhouses. Beyond dining, I’d make sure to show my friend the city’s vibrant cultural scene by exploring the Museum District, catching a performance at Miller Outdoor Theatre, and experiencing the excitement of a Houston Astros baseball game at Minute Maid Park.

To make the visit even more special, I’d have them come during Rodeo season so they could experience the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo—one of the biggest and most iconic events in the city. It’s amazing to see how so many Houstonians come together as volunteers to make it happen.

Of course, no trip to Houston would be complete without checking out some of the city’s other highlights, like the Space Center Houston, shopping and dining in The Heights and River Oaks District, and taking a stroll through Discovery Green. Whether it’s exploring the culinary scene, enjoying the outdoors, or taking in world-class entertainment, Houston has something for everyone!

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?
Success is never achieved alone. The growth and achievements of TK Images are the result of the unwavering support, mentorship, and dedication of so many incredible people who have played a role in our journey.

Our team is at the heart of our success—every accomplishment is a team effort, and I am beyond grateful for each member who makes what we do possible. Our leadership team at TK Images is dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation, ensuring that every team member is empowered to deliver the highest quality service while driving the company’s continued growth and success.

I am also incredibly fortunate to have the guidance and friendship of my best friend, Kairy-Tate Barkley, a fellow business owner who has been an invaluable mentor to me. The wisdom and encouragement from numerous business coaches, including Duncan McKeever and Staci Atchinson, have helped us navigate challenges and continue growing.

My mother, who passed away in 2023, she was a driving force in our team-building efforts and always instilled in me the importance of continuous learning and growth. Her influence remains deeply woven into the fabric of TK Images.

Website: https://www.tkimages.com

Instagram: @ tk_images

Linkedin: /tkimages

Twitter: @TKImages

Facebook: /tkimagesllc

Youtube: /tkimagesllc

Image Credits
TK Images