Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Gehring.
Hi Kara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My photography adventure first began when my twins were born. Once I discovered I was pregnant, my husband surprised me with a Canon Rebel. I knew absolutely nothing about how to use it; I remember being very apprehensive the first time I held it and wondering how I would ever learn to use it properly. I started by using the basic settings, taking pictures of random objects and scenes, and slowly grew more excited and comfortable.
After my twins came, my Rebel was never far away. I constantly snapped photos of them during their first year and most importantly, had a blast doing it. I remember reflecting on some images I took and thinking, “Hey, these aren’t half bad. I really enjoy this. Maybe I could turn this into something.”
I’m an educator for my day job, and I have to thank my supportive colleagues for giving me that initial chance and having faith in me to take photos of them and their families. Over the past three years, my business, love of all things photography and capturing memorable moments continues to grow. At the end of the day, I photograph because it fulfills something in me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Working full-time as an educator and being a mom of twins isn’t without its challenges. As every working mom is well aware, everyday life can feel exhausting and monotonous. Finding the energy and time to put the effort and love into my photography was, and still can be, difficult.
I will forever be grateful to my husband. From the beginning, he has continuously supported this dream of mine and has been my biggest encourager and supporter. Any crazy idea I invented, any photoshoot I had scheduled, whenever I needed to leave our family and pursue this passion, he always cheered me on.
I still work each day to try to achieve this ever-changing balance of working, being a mom, and nurturing my photography.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am completely self-taught. And I’m still learning and trying new settings and techniques with my camera each time I use it. I learned how to navigate my Canon by reading, watching YouTube videos and trial and error.
Something I didn’t realize about photography before I ventured into it was how editing is so essential, complicated and unique to each photographer. As a photographer, you might take the perfect shot, but if you don’t have the software or the skills to edit it, the creativity and beauty of that photo can be forsaken. Learning Adobe Lightroom was another area of photography that I learned on my own. I also am completely in love with the editing process and love exploring all of the features Lightroom has to offer.
I specialize in natural light, lifestyle, candid photography. I am passionate about photographing people in their natural elements, capturing authentic moments that portray who they are and what they’re about as human beings. I’m also involved in branding photography, which is another aspect of this craft that I absolutely love. Helping companies define their brand through photographs of their products is a meaningful experience.
I’m most proud of the connections I’ve been able to establish with clients over the years, and I’m also proud of myself for putting myself out there and trying something new. As a parent, that’s a lesson I want my children to embrace: that people really are capable of anything. You can be whatever you want to be. The sky really is the limit. You just have to work hard and keep working hard.
What matters most to you? Why?
As a photographer, what matters to me most is that people are able to cherish images I’ve taken of them and their families and/or products. I walk past photos hung in my house every day and am thankful I am able to have those memories. I also love establishing connections with clients and creating meaningful relationships.
Contact Info:
- Email: kara@karagehring.com
- Website: www.karagehring.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karagehringphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karagehringphotography
