Christiann Koepke

Lifestyle | Last Updated: March 21, 2024

I am Christiann Koepke, CEO, Creative Director, and Founder of NORR, a Social and Digital agency that produces highly visual content for agencies and brands. I am also the founder of CK, Inc. a multi-platform food and lifestyle company.

My journey began in 2014 when I chose to pursue a creative outlet to fill my spare time. That passion quickly took fire and I soon realized that I tapped into something incredible. At the time, I had no idea what was to come. All I knew was that anything was possible.

My life today is richly blessed. I am surrounded by close friends, a brilliant business partner and team, and my dear family; all of whom have supported me over the last few years. So thankful.

My day to day consists of structure to support my two quickly growing companies. NORR officially launched at the start of this year. In 2020 a picture is worth a million views. With deep experience in strategy, storytelling, and small to large scale production, NORR delivers custom content.

We work with our clients to engage and inspire their consumers where they spend most of their time, on social and digital platforms. To learn more follow the links below.

CK, Inc., develops curated food and lifestyle content for use in print ads, marketing materials, and on social/digital platforms. We also produce special events for brands seeking to create themed experiences.

I built the company and have operated as Creative Director, Photographer, and Recipe Curator from the start while working with my business partner on strategy and operations over the last few years. Learn more on the blog here, and make sure to say hello here on social! I’m also addicted to Pinterest. Click here for endless inspiration.

If you’re looking to snatch up some downloadable content, check out my Unsplash page here.

GEAR

My gear setup may be surprisingly simple. I’m a big fan of doing business in the smartest way possible. This usually means keeping expenses to a minimum wherever possible. I look at it like this: unless the quality/needs of my work is being hindered by not having a specific item, I refrain from the added expense.

My current set up:

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Body

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8

I use my 50mm f/1.2 almost 90% of the time. I pull out my 24-70mm f/2.8 for wide interior shots or when I want flexibility on set through the zoom feature. I have a tripod, but it’s basic and not worth linking – I rarely use it or have the need!

The same goes for lighting. There’s so much beauty found in natural light that I only pull out a sidelight when I’m stuck (only in winter months when a set runs over).

Tip: If an item is on your radar, rent it first. An online rental company is perfect for trying out gear to 1: make sure it provides enough value to your workflow to make sense and 2: make sure it’s actually the right type for your needs.

My next purchase will be the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens. This would be the smartest move as it would allow for highly detailed, close up food shots. I can get close with my RF 50mm f/1.2, but not as much as I would like in some instances.

Props: I continually have my eye open for essential pieces that are timeless that I can use over and over. This ranges from sourcing at local or small town antique shops (that’s where the gems are found :) and also gathering loved pieces from my design and lifestyle client’s seasonal product releases.

All work together beautifully for the various sets I am producing. The combination of antique and modern/trendy results in fresh, exciting content.

Backgrounds: My go-to is about three 18”x24” marble tile slabs. I can pack them up and lay them out whenever and wherever needed. I’ve also ordered some unique wallpaper and applied it to foam board. This is an affordable way to have various backgrounds. Also extremely easy to transport.

In addition, most wallpapers are created to be wipeable. Super helpful when on set with food. Check out this post for content created on two types of wallpaper ordered off amazon, mounted to foam board.

Styling accessories: I’ve never created a standard toolkit for on-set productions. I’ve considered it, but all I’ve really ever needed on-set is an extra fork on the side to lift a plate that’s tilting in the frame. Since my shooting style is focused on capturing real life, “imperfect” moments, often insider tricks to fix something perfectly aren’t really required.

This relaxed approach also allows me to be in the moment and create what I’m seeing – and what a moment would truly be like in everyday life. I love that ;). For an example, check out this recipe I recently released for Veggie Spring Rolls.

Thanks for reading! I’d love to connect. Send me a note on social, let’s chat!

www.christiannk.com | @christiannkoepke