JOHNSTON CITY -- Kristin Moore, like many whose talents and interests are diverse, wasn't sure exactly what she wanted to do with her life, but the 31-year-old is now a successful business owner, philanthropist and photojournalist.
Graduating from Johnston City High School in 2007, the multi-talented Moore took classes at John A. Logan College while working various jobs in the hospitality industry.
Even though those jobs satisfied the "people person" part of her, Moore knew there was something more she needed to fulfill her destiny.
Already an accomplished artist and musician, Moore finally decided to enroll in the Art Institute of Tennessee in Nashville, a branch of the Atlanta Art Institute to pursue a degree in photography.
That proved to be a life-changing decision.
"I had a teacher in college, Tom Griscom, that wouldn't let me just do the glamour shots and portraits," she said. "He pushed and pushed until I started doing what I do now."
Moore is now a master behind the lens, a talent that keeps her in demand as the owner of Kristin Moore Photography.
"My camera is my universal language," said the 31-year-old who also uses her talent as a photojournalist stringer for the Marion Republican when she's not running her business or helping those in need of clothing or a place to stay through her "WeLoveSI" project.
"My teacher pushed me past my boundaries. He encouraged me to never meet a stranger."
Her senior final exam project is the one defining moment, though, that changed not only her life, but also the lives of many she has looked at through her lens.
Moore was photographing the homeless in Nashville when one of those she met told her about the bridge ministry.
"He said I should go check out the bridge on Tuesday night."
Moore did just that and found that something she had been looking for. "It definitely changed my life," she said.
"When I first started I would tape up a white background and take portraits," she said. However, she found that the results were not capturing what she wanted. Some of the people would just cover their faces, she said. "The photos looked like mug shots."
"I got a remote for my camera and started just talking to the people, asking them questions and shooting photos as we had a conversation."
Moore said that was the breakthrough.
She now uses those lessons to create photographic memories.
Her artistic talents come in handy when creating unique backdrops and sets.
Plus, she's been commissioned to paint a mural in Johnston City this year and has also been accepting painting commissions from several customers.
However, some of that will have to wait, said Moore, who still has openings for "Holiday Minis" at her Johnston City studio.
Follow Kristn Moore Photography on Facebook or visit kristin-moore.com/.
