Karen Carey began her career over 15 years ago and has developed a distinctive style that honors her passion for artistry and excellence in her work. She is nationally noted for her soulful and artistic fine art portraits of children. Karen creates exceptionally moving images that celebrate childhood in a way that is pure and authentic by combining an eye for strong, yet simple composition with exquisite mastery of light, Her work is intimate and honest, bearing witness to the same passion, humor and sensitivity that she exudes in her own spirited personality. Her award winning artwork is hanging in fine homes and in fine galleries across the country, and can be seen on countless magazine covers and national advertising campaigns. In 2007, Karen began sharing her wisdom and creative approach with photographers at all stages of their careers through workshops, lectures and private mentoring. Learn more about Karen at www.KarenCareyPhotography.com and in find out more about upcoming workshops and engagements at www.KarenCareyPhoto.com
Tell us about yourself.
I am a passionate artist and serious business woman who is determined to be “fruitful and flourishing” rather than busy and overwhelmed. I seek balance in my life more than anything else and have found that abundant joy leads directly to abundant success. I have learned that in order to have overflowing joy in my life I need to battle fear ferociously. There are times when I am driving in my car shouting “I will not be afraid” into the rear view mirror, and I know I look like a crazy lady, but I do it anyway. I try to let people know by my actions that while I would like their approval, I can live without it if needed.
This approach has really been affective In my business. I have stayed true to my own vision and fearlessly continued to shoot film when the entire industry went digital and told me that I had to do the same. I created a brand that truly reflects who I am as an artist and as a business woman and have not been afraid to take risks. By avoiding the trends and giving myself permission to fail I was able to differentiate myself and create a truly distinctive brand that stands out in the over saturated market. I have a strong faith and a bold spirit and sometimes I look for opportunities to “jump” just to see if the parachute will open. It always does.
The first time I jumped was in 1998 and it was literally from 13,000 feet while strapped securely tandem to my sky dive instructor.
The second time was that very same year when I left my job in advertising to follow my dream to become a photographer. I opened a home based portrait photography business and several “jumps” and 14 years later, I now operate Karen Carey Fine Photography Studio, a beautiful retail portrait studio located just outside of Philadelphia. I specialize in creating heirloom quality fine art portraits of children and families through a traditional black and white film process. My studio is known for offering clients exquisite presentation options for portrait display in their home.
When it comes to the way that I run my business, I keep in mind that “grass does not strain to grow.” Instead of trying to “make things happen” all of the time, I do my part by creating vision boards and goal lists and then I release the rest of the burden. I love to take risks and try new things but I find that I am most productive when I am organized and disciplined in terms of a routine and schedule. I can get in my own way if I am trying too hard to “make things happen” so instead, I try to “make things fun.” I laugh all day long and don’t take it all too seriously.
I have been tremendously successful and consider myself to be extremely blessed so in order to continue sowing seeds of abundance, in 2007 I began sharing my experience and knowledge with other photographers through workshops and private mentoring. THRIVE Workshop
My husband and 2 children are my muses and my inspiration. They remind me daily that true joy is firmly rooted in love and needs to be weeded and watered. Oh… and it also needs to be taken to the mall, picked up from soccer, and reminded to take out the garbage!
When did you decide to become a photographer? What does being a photographer mean for you?
I decided to become a photographer nearly 15 years ago. I was working in advertising sales for a print publication and was contacted by a photographer who was placing an ad that read “shoot like a pro…really. Classes forming now.” At the time, I was intrigued by the ad and in need of a new hobby because flag football season was over and volleyball was not starting up again for several months.I signed up for the class, borrowed a camera from a friend and the rest as they say…is history. I kind of knew I was hooked after the second class when I returned the borrowed camera and invested $1200 into my new hobby to buy my own.
Photography gives me a voice and allows me the opportunity to be seen and noted. I think that all of us have a desire to be heard and we want to make a statement with our lives. Being a photographer provides an outlet for me to shout out loud, sing at the top of my voice, and whisper all of my secrets to the world…all without saying a word.
Describe a typical day.
Every day is different but my goal is make sure every day is fun. I have the most fun when I am making money so whether I am photographing portraits, meeting clients for sales presentations, tackling tasks like marketing and bookkeeping, or simply doing administrative work, my focus is always on finding ways to make more money. Increasing profits and increasing sales is always in the front of my mind. I think photographers often make a big mistake when they forget that we are in the business of making money. They become so focused on the business of making photographs that they forget that they are “at work” to “make money.” I stay focused and stay motivated by reminding myself throughout the day that every task I am doing needs to ultimately generate income. If it does not make money, then I don’t do it.
Tell us your most memorable photoshoot.
My most memorable portrait sessions are those done for Flashes of Hope, a non-profit organization that provides portraits to families with children battling cancer and other life threatening illnesses. I remember clearly the first time I volunteered and the fear that I felt on my way to the hospital. I was overwhelmed with self doubt and afraid that something would go wrong technically with the sessions. The lack of control I had over the lighting and conditions in each hospital room was daunting. I remember kneeling down in the bathroom and praying that I would not make any mistakes. When I walked in and met the first child I would be photographing, I was immediately transformed. I was at ease and completely uninhibited by the camera, the lighting and any other distractions between us. All thought of aperture and shutter speed evaporated and a grace descended upon me to the point where I did not even remember adjusting my camera or changing the film roll at any time. I photographed 14 children that day and I believe I was an instrument used to create what I consider to be some of my most powerful and poignant work to date. It was these sessions that taught me that the work that I do is not created “by me” but rather “through me.”
What are your favorite subjects to photograph? And how would you describe your style?
My favorite subjects to photograph are children surrounded by the people who love them. My style is intimate and honest and I feel it reflects the same passion, humor and sensitivity that I exude in my personality. My portraits are uncluttered and simply composed but beautifully lit to intensify a range of different moods. Some portraits are funny and some are serious, but all are poignant and authentic and that is what I think makes people relate to them.
Where do you find your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from the families that I photograph. I spend a lot of time building great relationships and I strive to tell truthful stories. Inspiration comes from observing the interaction between siblings or watching the way dad holds the baby. I look for cues that help me understand the personalities of my subjects and try to bring those to the surface to be celebrated. A nervous father holding a tiny newborn or the tension between sibling who are feeling vulnerable and insecure inspires me because I can relate to it in my own life. Outside of photography I am inspired by great interior design and I am always looking for unique portrait display ideas. I find inspiration in high end magazines such as Elle Decor and Veranda and keep portrait presentation always paramount in my mind.
What’s your favorite image?
My favorite image is one of my muse, my daughter Jessica. The photograph was taken on one of my “play days” at home when I was learning to use my medium format Hasselblad camera. It was the first roll of film I had ever put through the camera and I was taking some test shots before I put my daughter down for a nap so I could “play.” A mistake loading the camera created the perfect light leak in the perfect spot in the image and moved this portrait from “good” to “great.” It was a perfect mistake which is always my favorite kind.
If you could buy anything for your studio, what would it be and why?
If I could “buy” anything for my studio it would be a groundskeeper and landscape architect. I am not an equipment junkie and I have all that I need in terms of lighting, camera gear, projector, software etc… But what I struggle with right now is keeping the exterior of my studio looking as amazing as the interior. I believe that the first impression that clients have when they arrive at the studio will set the tone for the entire experience. My lack of a green thumb and aversion to “the outdoors” makes it challenging for me to keep the outside of my studio looking as amazing as I would like it to look.
What are the biggest personal or professional challenges you face? Anything you’d do differently?
My biggest challenge both professionally and personally is to find balance. For many years early in my career, I felt like a racehorse trapped in the starting gate and ready to run. I had young children and I knew that it was not yet my time to kick down the door and burst out of the gate. Now that I am in the race, my challenge is to figure out a way to stay ahead of the pack while keeping a pace that doesn’t wear me out and keep me from the finish line. I have switched lanes a few times and even stumbled on the track, but I can’t think of anything that I would do differently. As long as I am still running and can keep my eye on the prize, the excitement never ends.
Future goals?
I am a big believer that writing down goals and holding a vision of my future in front of me will ultimately lead to success. Presently, I am working on a project that will give me the opportunity to bring my workshops to a broader audience. I love to teach and I am passionate about helping other photographers in our industry come to realize their own potential. I am determined to share with them my experience and knowledge so that they can see what is possible if they work hard and acquire the tools that they need to thrive. My business is growing and my goal is to continue to find balance between professional and personal life so that I can stay true to my vision. I plan to double my income this year and bring in another employee to take over some of the administrative tasks so that my studio manager and I can have more time to focus on sales and marketing exclusively.
Advice for other photographers?
My advice for other photographers is simple. Spend your energy looking within yourself rather than outside at what others are doing in the industry. Seek and uncover your truth about why you are a photographer and what you are passionate about selling to your clients. Find distinctive products that represent you and don’t get caught up in trying to do and sell the same way as everyone else. Believe that your dream was placed in your heart to guide you to your destiny and never ever give up on achieving it. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey but know that you can be exactly who you were put on this earth to be…a brilliant, gorgeous, talented manifestation of glory. Step into your spotlight and shine so that you can light your own path and be a guide for others along the way.
I sent an email out to 20 of my best clients and let them know there was a new “client benefit” that they could take advantage of if they were interested. I’ve had three clients take me up on it since I sent the email out last week. In the bucket there’s a gift card for a complimentary newborn session framed in a 3×3 Organic Bloom frame, a business card with my contact information, a 5×7 folded luxe card with a list of baby milestones and a spot next to each milestone where parents can write in the date the baby reached that milestone (or the age of the baby). And finally there’s either a hand-made headband or white beanie for the baby. Clients can come by the studio to pick up one of these kits to give to their friends and family members who are expecting a baby (as long as that person is not already a client of mine). The kits are complimentary.” – Angie Lane, Portraits by Angie Lane
by Katie Loerts
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