Kristy Burrell Unraveled: An Interview
Kristy Burrell is a must-watch lifestyle and portrait photographer based in Bethel, Vermont. While she photographs children, families and weddings, it is her newborn work that makes us weak in the knees. Her minimalistic approach highlights the simple beauty of a newborn by removing the clutter and props and zeroing in on what matters most. Beautiful, brand new babies are lovely as in, are they not? Here at Unraveled Academy, we believe in minimalism and simplicity and the idea that less is more and Kristy's newborn work is the perfect representation of that.
Kristy's lesson, "Minimalistic Newborn" is now LIVE in our Academy!! Join her.
What inspires your art? I am inspired by both classic and timeless images, the portraits that are passed down from generation to generation. I also love scandinavian & minimalistic design, clean lines, and moody light.
What do you shoot with? Camera body and favorite lens? I shot with a Nikon D800 with 50mm and 35 sigma art lens. I guess my love of minimalism crosses over to my camera bag, or at least that is what I tell myself.
What other ways do you express your creativity? We bought a old 1843 farmhouse in central Vermont a little over five years ago. Since then I have found I really love home improvement, even if it will take us forever to finish our project lists.
How do you de-stress at the end of the day? I am pretty simple (for the most part) Netflix and a early bedtime.
What kind of music do you listen to while editing? My Spotify playlist is always changing depending on my mood, and can be all over the place. Currently I have had Mumford & Sons and Dave Matthews on repeat.
What is your favorite book? I love the classics, Steinbeck, Hemingway, Salinger. If I was going to pick just one book it would have to be Little Women, I think I have read it at least ten times since middle school. It's my go to book, while I am trying to stay warm during a Vermont winter.
Name one movie that inspires you. I had to think about this one for a little while. I would say Legends of the Fall, while it isn't my favorite movie I watch it a least one a year. I have always really love the big cinematic wide shots of the landscape and soft back light……and it has 90's Brad Pitt;)
How do you handle self-doubt or creative slumps? During creative slumps ( I am currently going through one) I put my camera down and stay away from social media. I find surrounding myself with other artist and creatives always sparks my next big idea.
What has been the most difficult part of your creative journey? It took a really long time for me to find my style. I use to really beat myself up about not being good enough, I was a photographer for over four years before I found my voice as an artist.
Who is one of your favorite photographers? I have to pick only one? I am always blown away with everything Jacob Loafman does. Obviously we have completely different styles, but I am taken back with the color in his work.