Remarkable women: Chrisi French
Every person that steps in front of the camera has a story to tell. Stories of joy, heartbreak, failure and accomplishment. These stories aren’t always captured in a single picture. In fact, most photographs leave you wanting to know more. That’s why it’s hard for me to end the conversation once the camera is put away. Photographing people, particularly women, is a real privilege and I like to put a spotlight on the everyday women of the world who in my opinion, are contributing something valuable to the world.
I spent a day with Chrisi French, proprietor of Crimson Thread Photography and got to know more about this lovely artist. She works hard doing double duty as a photographer and a veterinary assistant at an animal hospital. Chrisi hails from the woods of New Hampshire but is living the Colorado dream where nature and pets reign. Chrisi has a free-spirited and open-hearted outlook on life. She smiles and laughs a lot, has an exquisite eye for beauty and an innate ability to connect with others. To sit in front of her camera is a lesson in putting your guard down. She took a few minutes to share a little bit more of herself with me below.
What hats (roles) do you wear every day?
It certainly feels like a lot some days! Every morning I slip on my caretaker hat. Whether it be at home with our dog Pepper or with my incredible boyfriend Mark, or the animals that come through the doors at work. I call my dad on the east coast a few times a week; he had a stroke last year and has expressive aphasia, so it's important that he exercise his speech. It feels important to note that I find small moments throughout the day to work at being me, and to learn more about what that means. To listen to music that inspires me to smile. To create authentic photos that inspire others to smile. To find a comfortable place to sit and breathe, and appreciate what I have to care for.
What do you think the world needs more of?
Generosity, compassion, appreciation of the little things - these have been most meaningful for me. I think that if everyone complimented others more, gave smiles out more freely, found smaller and simpler things that brought warmth to their hearts, we’d be in better shape as a collective. We need to focus outwardly, more broad spectrum - if one smile or positive message is capable of spreading, what if every person on earth shared something radiant every day? Multiple things every day? Words, positive energy, a helping hand? How great the reach could be, right?
Whose work do you admire right now?
From a creative standpoint - the Hearnes. They’re this incredibly humble and ridiculously talented photographer couple that travel the world and capture some of the most beautiful and natural weddings and elopements that I’ve ever seen. They embrace the imperfections, even highlight them, while really getting through to who they’re photographing. I’m a big fan. From a professional standpoint, I admire the gals and guys that I work with, that selflessly care for animals all day, every day. I’m constantly learning and growing from the wisdom they’ve imparted.
First thing you’d do if you won the lottery?
Extended trip around the world. Without a shadow of a doubt. I guess technically, I’d have to first take a hiatus from work! I’ve always had some wanderlust, but I’ve also always known that my first trip overseas should be done in a particular way. By that I mean with absolutely no schedule, no major plans, and not much in the way of traditional comfort. I want to live among villages, and work alongside those that have done so their whole lives. I want to hear stories from the mouths of natives, not from tour guides. Ideally, I’d love to go everywhere that I have heritage (which will take a while!).
Favorite thing to do when you’re alone?
People watching, everywhere. Bath, candles, wine. Aimless drives to new places. Bringing my pup to a brewery, letting her run around the dog park. Finding a quiet place to get out in nature. Time in solitude is something that I’ve learned to appreciate so much more as I get older, and it doesn’t usually matter how I spend it, just that I have it.
Last book you read?
The Alchemist. Well, I’ve started a couple of books since, but it’s hard to find time to focus on finishing them. It’s a quick, uplifting read. Santiago makes the quick decision to uproot his life to journey towards his ‘destiny,’ to discover a treasure that he knows from a recurring dream. Along the way, he encounters more and more evidence that his ‘treasure’ is within. His treasure was learning his own strength.
Wonder Woman or the Bionic Woman?
Wonder Woman! I mean, it’s hard to contest an Amazonian powerhouse with raw beauty that fought against formidable military forces and was given superhuman gifts by the Greek gods. And the Lasso of Truth…could really come in handy some days. That’s all I’m saying!
