Krista Thornton, owner of KLH Streets Photography in Sylvan Lake, has been working on a project photographing local businesses.
Thornton initiated the project in March, following the announcement of closures by several local businesses.
Through photos and portrait shots, Thornton tells the story of the businesses she captures. The project has also helped gain exposure for herself and the businesses she features.
The photos are also provided to the business free of charge, to help new and small businesses in the community, Thornton said.
"It is kind of a quest of personal growth, it also helps me to get to know my community more. I think it is important to get to know people as a person and not just a business. I have done many businesses so far, and I don't have a limit on how many I will do."
"With the project, I am hoping to bring in people to experience the same thing as me, where you didn't quite know that the business was there, and if you did you assumed what they did or displayed, and you come around and see it, and see what they actually do," Thornton said.
When the project first started, it was a little intimidating, she added.
"Some people weren't sure about it at first, but as I did more, people got interested in what I was doing, and understanding what I was doing."
Thornton has been a professional photographer for 15 years.
"I do photography in all aspects, but this project for me is like whenever I have a free moment."
While doing the local business project, many businesses across the Central Alberta area have contacted Thornton.
"I have had businesses contact me from Eckville, Red Deer, and whoever reaches out to me, I will respond."
"I have had people comment on my posts stating that they tend to avoid Sylvan, but knowing that these businesses are here, that they have never known before, they have been inspired to come here and shop."
"Even if just one person gets inspired to check out some of these local businesses because of my photos, it means a lot," Thornton said.
People interested in seeing the businesses photographed so far can find Thornton's album titled Local Business Photo-Series Project, which includes 164 photos on her Facebook page, KLH Streets Photography.
In order to get in touch with Thornton, people can find her contact information on her Facebook page or on her Instagram.
