Hi! My name is Kristina Couturier. I am a photographer and the owner of “Kristina Sobel Photography.” I got married July 1, 2022 and I love my new last name, “Couturier,” however I have decided to keep my maiden name “Sobel,” as my business name since “Couturier” is a tricky name to pronounce and spell. I have a Bachelor’s in Health and Exercise Science, as well as a Bachelor’s in Nursing. However, I’ve always been interested in photography so I thought I’d just go for it. I took online photography education courses and then I officially started my own business in August 2021. I have completely fallen in love with photography. I specialize in photographing weddings and engagements. I also do family sessions and twice a year I do mini sessions (Christmas and the cherry blossoms.) Being able to just be outside in nature, take pictures of beautiful couples or families, and then deliver these wonderful people galleries of this special moment in their lives, is just the best thing. It brings my client’s so much joy, which then brings me so much joy. Wedding days are just the absolute best too. I get to photograph the best day of a couple’s lives and hangout with them all day. It’s so fun! I am so grateful “Kristina Sobel Photography” has taken off like it has these past 2 years and I look forward to serving more clients and continuing to grow my business.
Q: Please tell us about yourself.
I am a wedding photographer based in Traverse City, Michigan.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a photographer, that also is an Emergency Room nurse a few times a month. I love photography because I get to meet and hangout with the cutest couples. I love the art of photography. I love getting to capture their love. Then, I get to deliver them a gallery they will have for a lifetime. It’s just the best job!
Q: What is your favorite book?
I just recently finished Atomic Habits and it was very motivating!
Q: What are some of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Restaurants- Jolly Pumpkin, Bario, Silver Spruce (for beer), Bower’s Harbor Vineyard (for wine)
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
I have lived in Traverse City for 5 years. I am from downstate, but I moved up here in 2018 because I was offered a job at Munson to be an ER nurse.
Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
Traverse City and the surrounding areas are beautiful year round! Also, you have to go to take a drive up Old Mission Peninsula, it is stunning.
Q: If you could choose anyone today with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you all meet?
My husband (Gabe) and my dog (Louie) because they are my absolute favorites. My husband has been deployed for the past 9 months, so if I could get lunch with him today that’d be pretty awesome! We would probably go to Little Fleet since we could sit outside with Louie, get food and drinks, and listen to music.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
There are beaches everywhere! There are so many options for beaches that you can always find one that is not crowded.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Everyone knows I love the beach and the water, but most people don’t know that I can’t swim.
Q: Which yearly event in Grand Traverse County do you enjoy best?
I love that the blue angels come to Traverse City every year! It’s so fun watching them.
Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in that season?
Summer is my favorite season. Gabe, Louie, and I love to go camping in the UP during the summer. We love hiking. We’re also at the beach most of the time in the summer with friends.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, love, and comfort
