01 Feb February Member Spotlight: Karen Carey
In a beautiful new studio space located thirty minutes outside of Philadelphia, Karen Carey is a lifestyle portrait photographer nationally acclaimed for creating soulful and artistic children’s imagery. Known for her beautiful stories told as fine art black and white portraits, Karen has spent more than fifteen years looking deep within to not only create an exquisite and unique signature style, but successfully and profitably implement it as a thriving business.
How long have you been a photographer and how did you develop your niche in the market?
I have been working in the industry for over 15 years. In the early days I photographed every job that came my way including fashion shows, public relations events, products, clothing catalogs, editorial portraits, and model portfolios. I worked with children and adults alike and learned as much as possible about the art of photography. After years of struggling to define my style, in 2004 I began to listen to my heart and shoot only jobs that called out to me. I noticed that my attention turned toward children’s portraiture, specifically created using black and white film. It was then that I began walking in my own truth, acknowledging not only my gifts, but my passion for the art and the business of photography. My style began to emerge quickly and the business brand began to take shape as a fine art children’s portrait niche.
How would you describe your signature style and distinctive brand?
I would describe my signature photography style as intimate, honest, soulful and somewhat witty or humorous. I believe it is a direct reflection of who I am as person. I work hard to incorporate these same adjectives into the the way that I run my business. I believe that being authentic is one of the best ways to gain client trust and build lasting loyalty to the brand. I approach both my work and my business with three basic principles in mind: honesty, integrity and artistic merit. I believe that these traits are paramount to my success and I see them as the backbone of my brand.
I believe that my work is distinctive for a few reasons. The obvious and least important reason is because of the medium. I shoot traditional b/w film and print my work by hand in traditional darkroom. That is distinctive simply because it is uncommon. The more important reason that I think my work is distinctive is because it is authentic. I have a very real and relatable personality. What you see is what you get and I bring that spirit to my work. I look for the truth in my clients and bring it to the forefront to be celebrated. My unique approach lends itself to the truthful soulful style of images that I like to create.
I think being authentic is challenging for many photographers, and for many people in general. But if you can tap into your truth and get to know the real person behind the camera, the work becomes that much more distinctive and therefore that much more difficult to imitate. No one can do what I do, in the way that I do it. I bank on that statement and I sell that concept to my clients.
How are your studio offerings different and in line with your brand?
I have always avoided the trends in the market and have steered away from offering my clients the “products of the moment.” I don’t sell metallic prints, canvases or products that I feel may become antiquated or out of style in a few short years. I stick to the basics in terms of products. I sell (1.) fine art portraits printed on archival papers, (2.) storybook albums in one particular size and finish, and (3.) one style of keepsake album covered in a fabric that matches my brand design. I keep the offerings simple and and put my energy into creating timeless images that will remain relevant for years to come. I create classic imagery sold beautifully matted and framed, befitting a fine art collection that can be passed down for generations.
In a market that is over saturated with product lines that are trendy and common, my work stands out as something a bit more refined and distinctive. I educate my clients so that they understand the difference in our quality and craftsmanship, and so that they can appreciate the higher price tag. I think that “selling” is a service that I offer my clients. It incorporates listening to their needs, meeting and exceeding their expectations and helping them to purchase exactly what it is that they came to me for in the first place: heirloom quality fine art portraits of their children.
Who are your product vendors?
My fine art fiber based portraits are printed by Robert Cavalli from Still Moving Pictures.
My fine art giclee wall portrait are printed by Jonathan Penney Master Printmaker.
My storybook album is printed by Vision Art Books.
My keepsake album is a made by Finao.
My favorite frame mouldings come from Roma and Larson Jule.
What advice would you give to a photographer that would help them to discover their own signature style?
Throughout my career I have studied with some amazing photographers while honing my skills in lighting, composition, posing and presentation. I studied the masters of our field and visited countless galleries so that I could learn to decipher between a good photographer and a great photographer. I did not do this so that I could learn to shoot like them, but rather to come to understand what makes them different from me. Then I looked at the differences and began writing down the things that I do differently. I studied myself. I looked for my differences then began to celebrate my unique traits.
My suggestion to photographers who are interested in discovering their own style is to study those who have already done so. Then study yourself and begin to celebrate that which makes you unique and different. It is in that difference that your signature style will be revealed.
To see more of Karen Carey, check out her website here, and read the latest on her blog here!
Karen Carey’s The Art and Commerce photography workshops can help you learn how to identify and develop your own “signature style” and you will be given the tools that you need to bring that style to life. On top of that you will learn to promote your newly discovered style through branding and marketing strategies that attract the clients that you desire.. As a special treat to one of our lucky NAPCP members, Karen will be giving away one seat to her upcoming workshop March 4-6 to be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! See below for rules and deadlines. Good luck everyone!
1) Must be a NAPCP member.
(1) Must “Like” Karen Carey’s Facebook page
(2) Write something nice on Karen’s Facebook wall on behalf of NAPCP
(3) Send an email to [email protected] to let us know why you should win!
Deadline: Monday, February 7th at 11:59 pm est
—- UPDATE —-
A winner has been selected for the Karen Carey giveaway! A huge thanks to Karen for providing a seat to her upcoming, Art and Commerce workshop, as well as to everyone who entered. The winner is…Rachael de Azevedo!!! Congratulations Rachael!
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