About Kriss Ward


Kriss Ward is a photographer based in Fayetteville, North Carolina, specializing in experience-driven portrait, branding, destination, and elopement photography for individuals and couples who value intention, connection, and being seen clearly.

Her work is informed by over 30 years of combined experience in emergency medicine, military service, coaching, and marketing — shaping a calm, structured, and emotionally intelligent photography experience wherever the work takes place.

Why Clarity, Calm, and Being Seen Matter in Photography


Before photography, Kriss spent over 15 years as a paramedic in Cumberland County and 15 years as a medic in the United States Army, working in high-pressure environments where clarity, accuracy, and calm directly affected outcomes.

Those years trained her to read people quickly, communicate clearly, and recognize what someone needs in emotionally charged moments.

That same skill set now defines her approach to photography — particularly during experiences that carry meaning, vulnerability, and personal significance, whether that’s an elopement, a destination session, or a portrait experience.

People aren’t just choosing a photographer for how images look. They’re choosing someone to guide them through an experience where nerves, expectations, and self-perception all come into play.

Kriss brings a calm, steady presence to those moments, offering clear direction, intentional pacing, and grounded guidance that allows people to relax and show up naturally — without feeling managed or performed.

As a certified Mindvalley life coach, she also understands mindset, self-perception, and how people show up when they feel accurately seen and supported — elements that strongly influence how individuals appear on camera.

This work is not about posing.

It’s about being seen clearly.

Hi, I am Kriss!


I am North Carolina Transplant as of 2010, by way of South Dakota. I have spent my life in service of others as I believe compassion and giving are a fine way to live. After obtaining a degree in Marketing, with a focus in photography, and working in that field for a few years, I found myself called to do more. I first began my service to others in the military for a period of 10 years, and then proudly as a paramedic since 2010.


2020 brought about many changes for us all. For my family, it brought about a complete lifestyle overhaul when we found out we were going to add a new baby boy in 2021 and then we hit repeat with yet another baby boy in 2023! Having raised one gorgeous, intelligent, and charming boy already, I decided the second time around that I want to spend more time serving my family and doing what I love, creating tangible, lasting heirlooms for yours. Spending 15 years as a paramedic I have gained a profound appreciation for how fleeting and valuable each day is and I'm excited to fulfill my dreams for my future, while I preserve lasting memories for yours.


I love to travel and have made my way to several countries with many more to go. I'm a certified yoga instructor and love the principles of it for everyday life. I love to cook and eat, and often photograph my food because I believe we eat first with the eyes! I'm very out going, never back down from a challenge, and believe no adventure is too big, nor too small.


There is no such thing as strangers, just friends we haven't met yet, and I can't wait to meet you!


"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing". -Helen Keller




Professional photographer in dark green sleeveless top poses with camera against bokeh background.
A family wearing matching denim and white sits together on a gray studio floor.
A scenic mountain lake view with snow-capped peaks and forested shores in the background.
A photographer captures a couple on a cloudy beach with dramatic rock formations in the background.
Person in green sweater making heart shape with arms while standing at the edge of ocean waves on beach.
A photographer captures a photoshoot of someone in a flowing white dress on a rocky beach at sunset in New Zealand.
A photographer captures a photo shoot of someone in a flowing blue dress posing with a horse in a sunlit garden setting.
A brown horse playfully nudges and pushes a photographer wearing a black shirt while they try to take pictures in a wooded clearing.
Happy group takes a sunset selfie at the beach in Greece with someone walking along the shoreline in the background.
A person jogs on a hillside patio with stunning coastal mountain views and bright sunshine overhead.
Two people pose playfully in a narrow whitewashed alley with a church dome and tower visible in the background in Greece.
A loving family group portrait against a dark backdrop, with matching emerald green outfits and a decorative hanging lamp above.
A London Underground station entrance at night with an illuminated sign and red double-decker bus outside Piccadilly Circus.
Silhouette of a person overlooking a serene mountain lake surrounded by evergreen forest.
Historic Gothic castle architecture with ornate white stone facades and spires in Bavaria.
A handstand performed on a beach at sunset with boats visible in the distance.

Kriss Ward is an experience-driven portrait, branding, destination, and elopement photographer based in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Her work is informed by over 30 years of combined experience in emergency medicine, military service, and coaching, shaping a calm, structured, and emotionally intelligent photography experience for clients who value intention, connection, and being seen accurately.