Daily Star photo/KATIE ROHMAN Buchanan resident Kristen Wahlstrom has opened a photography studio, Photoz by Kristen, at 221 N. Fourth St., Niles.

Buchanan graduate Kristen Wahlstrom transformed her love of photographing high school seniors into a business in 2009.

Wahlstrom has photographed hundreds of people since then. She also expanded her business, Photoz by Kristen, in February to make her dream come true of opening a studio.

“I’ve always wanted to open my own studio,” Wahlstrom said. “I started doing it (photography) when my son was a senior.

“I like being able to get close to the person, to the family,” she said. “I like meeting them ahead of time to get to know the person.”

Wahlstrom lives in Buchanan with her husband, Perry, and daughter, Makinzy, 14. They also have a son, Perry, 21. She works part-time as an assistant at Buchanan High School. a

Wahlstrom chose Niles because she often holds photo shoots in the city, and a vacant business space opened in the Leader Publications building, where Jericho Counseling Services was located. She held shoots on-site before, but now Wahlstrom has renovated studio space with backdrops and a “green screen” for interchangeable backgrounds.

Wahlstrom specializes in senior photos, but also photographs weddings, children, families and soldier deployments and welcome-home events.

“I definitely like senior pictures the best,” she said. “I love kids and teens. I like pets.”

Photoz by Kristen offers set pricing and a la carte options.

Contact Photoz by Kristen at (269) 470-5643 or buchananphotos@yahoo.com. It is located at 221 N. Fourth St. and online at www.photozbykristen.webs.com and Facebook.