Kristen Renee 

Photography has been part of Kristen Renee’s life for as long as she can remember. “I’ve always had a camera in my hands. It started as something I loved, but it didn’t become a career right away,” the Upstate New York-based photographer tells GO. Then, while working as a middle school teacher in 2011, she realized she wanted to build a life that aligned with that passion, and Kristen Renee Photography was born. “Over time, photography became something much deeper than just a creative outlet. I’ve always been drawn to noticing the things that often go overlooked—small moments, subtle emotions, quiet interactions, the way people look at each other, or reach for each other without thinking. I’m interested in bringing those details forward, pulling them into the light so they’re seen and remembered,” Renee shares. Working with couples and families, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, she saw how meaningful it was for people to feel truly seen in their photos. “For many LGBTQ+ people, being photographed—especially during major life moments like weddings or family sessions—can come with a level of vulnerability that isn’t always understood,” says Renee, whose wife works alongside her. The most rewarding moments happen after the wedding is over, when she receives emails, texts, handwritten cards, or reviews from clients. “That’s when I really see the impact of the work, not just as a business, but as a human connection.” –MH