behind the camera.....with Kari

Ok, so this is my first blog entry.....better make it good, just kidding. I really don't know the first thing about blogging so I'll just type away! So, where do I start? I am just getting started with my own photography business, finally! Yes, you heard right, I'm now an entrepreneur. That just sounds strange for me. Anyway, I've always had a love for photography. Taking pictures has always been fun for me. It wasn't until I started working at a local photo lab/studio when I was 16 years old that I became serious about making those pictures actually look good! So I studied up, read a bunch of books, took some classes on manual photography and photoshop (it was the simple 2.0 version at the time) and from there I was hooked. I took the necessary training classes to become a photographer at the studio and have been in the business ever since! That was nine years ago - wow, time flies! Since then, I have been a photographer at two other studios. I've learned so much over the years, from my work in the studio and especially from all the practice I've had outside the studio. I've photographed countless weddings over the years, each unique, and each one a great learning experience. I've worn out my cute little nephew Conner photographing him constantly since the day he was born (yes I was at the hospital taking pictures!) borrowed my friends and the children of my cousins so I could practice and learn how to get THAT photo - the one that sticks in your mind long after you look at it because it touches a special place in your heart. I've come to love the look of natural light and I try to use it as much as each situation will allow. Now that I have my own little girl, Nina who I adore, I enjoy seeing all different sides of her and all the unique expressions she makes and the funny things she does. This has given me a whole new perspective on portraits, making me work extra hard to capture those looks that each individual child makes that leaves an impression on their parents and his/her loved ones. After eight and a half years as a photographer for somebody elses business, I finally decided that the time was right for me to take that extra step. As of September first, I work for myself! It's liberating and scary at the same time, but with time and patience, I'll get through this startup period and hopefully make this a successful business. Wish me luck!