A Pinch-Me Moment for the KSP Print Shop | by Nantucket Photographer Kristen Swain

Hello from beautiful Nantucket.  I’ve been here for almost two months already, and of course the time is flying by.  So far I’ve photographed four unique and gorgeous weddings, a branding session for a Nantucket-based kids’ pajama brand, and a handful of fun-filled family sessions … and we’re just getting started.

Seclusion by Kristen Swain Photography

My summer also started with a real pinch-me moment. One of my major business goals (for a while now) has been to have my print shop work featured in brick and mortar stores on the island. There are so many talented artists on Nantucket, and an abundance of gorgeous Nantucket artwork for island lovers to take home with them. So I knew getting noticed would probably be a bit of an uphill battle. But I had faith that somewhere out there was an audience who would be drawn to my work, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a few affirming experiences that kept me going. (Shout out to the lovely friends and strangers who have seen my work on display at the Nantucket airport and called or texted me to tell me how much they loved it!)

Beyond by Kristen Swain Photography

But the focus of my business to date has been my portrait and wedding work, which of course I adore. And because that work keeps me extremely busy for more than half the year, and also requires a lot of behind-the-scenes work in the off-season, I haven’t had adequate time to update and expand my print shop in the way I really wanted to, showing examples of my photographs in various sizes and frames, capturing the pieces in my clients’ homes, etc. What I’ve envisioned for my online shop involves a heavy lift, and it’s simply been very difficult to find the time to make it priority number one on my to do list.

Finally, this year, the sense of urgency overcame me, and although my online shop still wasn’t in perfect shape, I reached out to a few local stores just as I was transitioning back to the island for the summer, hoping to at least get some conversations started about placing my work in stores here. My first two emails were to Pinwheels and Assemble, two amazing downtown Nantucket shops that sell kids’ clothes and accessories, which I thought would be the perfect place for my piping plover chick photographs. I’m going to be honest here, because I think this is useful information for any artist or small business owner considering doing something like this to know: those emails were SO much scarier to send than I anticipated! Asking another business owner to take a chance on you like that is no small thing, and I was nervous.

But I think it’s true that sometimes the things that scare us the most are the ones that lead to the most rewarding outcomes. These are the moments that have you looking back years later and saying, what if I never sent that email? or approached that person I admire to introduce myself? or quit that job without knowing exactly where I would land in the long run? Now, I’m not advocating that anyone who doesn’t like their job quit without a plan. You need some kind of plan. But taking risks and doing things that feel uncomfortable — but also have great potential — is extremely important, if not critical. Better to try and fail than never try at all, right?

A Pinch-Me Moment for the KSP Print Shop | by Nantucket Photographer Kristen Swain

Mighty by Kristen Swain Photography

This little risk of mine paid off this time, and I am so grateful to Beth and Natalia (at Pinwheels and Assemble, respectively) for their warm responses. I won’t bore you with the details of how it all came — and is very much still coming — together (as I repeatedly refresh the UPS tracking site, eagerly awaiting delivery of my framed prints that will soon live behind the register at each store). But suffice it to say that it turns out, while sending those initial emails was scary, that was actually the easy part. With this being my first time having work featured in stores, I had a LOT of work to do to prepare my pieces for in-person sales once the stores gave me the thumbs up and made their artwork selections. It’s certainly been a learning experience already, and one I’m incredibly grateful for.

As I was meeting with Beth and Natalia after arriving on island in late May/early June, I also received one very important introduction (from a family member) to another local store, which proved to be invaluable. Walking into Nantucket Looms to meet with Bess — for what was supposed to be a very informal introductory meeting, something that might lead to collaboration down the road — I found myself with butterflies all over again, anxiously clutching the samples of my work I’d brought with me in case she wanted to take a quick look. And I left the store that day beaming from the inside out and definitely still shaking a little, with the very unexpected news that my work would also now be featured at the Looms, an island institution on Main Street since 1968, known for its impeccably curated collection of home goods and artwork made by Nantucket artisans, in addition to the actual weaving studio upstairs.

So, my advice to you: Send the email. Take the meeting (and bring your work!). Accept the help that’s offered to you, and pay it forward. And don’t let “perfect” be the enemy of good. Also: get to know your community. We all shine brighter when we work together and lift each other up.

A Pinch-Me Moment for the KSP Print Shop | by Nantucket Photographer Kristen Swain

Madequecham (L) and Miacomet (R) by Kristen Swain Photography

I am extremely proud and to be honest, a little giddy, to share that you can now find select KSP Print Shop pieces downtown at Nantucket Looms, Pinwheels, and Assemble.

In addition to my artwork, at Nantucket Looms, you’ll find handwoven blankets, throws, and other textiles, furniture, home decor and accents, local artwork, and much more. Find the shop at the top of Main Street and good luck spending any less than 30 minutes admiring the store and all of the elegant items available there.

Pinwheels is the perfect place to stop for gifts for the kiddos in your life.

And Assemble is where you’ll find the ideal outfits for your Nantucket family session, including matching sets for moms and kids, and an impeccably curated selection of gifts and accessories for mamas and littles (this is where I found my sister’s newborn gift at the end of last summer). Use code Kristen10 for 10% off!

Be sure to stop by these shops when you’re strolling through town (and tell them I sent you!).  

A Pinch-Me Moment for the KSP Print Shop | by Nantucket Photographer Kristen Swain