Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobbi Karg
Hi Bobbi , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Willmar, Minnesota, and my photography journey began right after high school in 2017. I enrolled in a two-year photography program at Ridgewater College in Willmar without any prior experience—I didn’t even know how to operate a camera. Now I am over six years into my professional photography career, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I didn’t always know that photography was my path. Like many people do, I struggled to find my passion. As a child, I admired people who truly loved their work, whose eyes lit up when they spoke about their job, and I longed to feel that same sense of purpose one day. I had always appreciated art, but never felt I could create it in the way I dreamed of doing.
For nearly a decade, I have been working part-time at a nursing home as a CNA. Originally thinking I would pursue nursing. But after a couples years in healthcare, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. I craved a career that fueled me, one that allowed me to creatively express myself while empowering others.
Photography had been suggested to me before, and when I toured Ridgewater’s photography department, something about it just felt like home. It was the first time I had a strong gut feeling about something, even though it scared me at the same time.
A pivotal moment in my journey came during an assignment on Photoshop retouching. We were asked to edit out features like acne, lessen wrinkles, birthmarks—things society often deems as “flaws” but are so normal. Having struggled with severe acne myself, it felt wrong to erase these parts of a person’s identity. That was when I knew I didn’t want to be the kind of photographer who alters people to fit unrealistic beauty standards. Instead, I wanted to empower others to see the beauty in themselves as they are right in that present moment. My goal is to capture authenticity, confidence, and the raw, real moments that make us who we are.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a professional photographer and the owner of Photography by Bobbi, LLC. I specialize in families, motherhood, high school seniors, couples, engagements, weddings, and boudoir.
After graduating from my photography program, I found myself missing the creativity of my assignments—where I could experiment with bold themes, intricate makeup, unique setups, and use of props. This led me to create a variety of photo series focused on mental health awareness, body positivity, and societal taboos. My goal is to normalize these conversations, help people feel seen, give them a voice through my work, and share their stories and bring them to life.
My approach to photography is a blend of documentary and lifestyle storytelling. I encourage my clients to let go of traditional expectations—whether it’s a wedding day or a family session. Weddings often revolve around strict timelines dictated by photography, but I remind couples to focus on being present, making memories with their family/friends, and celebrating their love together.
Similarly, for family sessions, I strive to capture real moments—whether that means following a family as they go fishing or simply documenting their everyday life in an authentic way.
My photography isn’t about stiff, posed shots; it’s about preserving real, unscripted moments that truly reflect each client’s story and personality.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The most important quality to my success is my ability to create meaningful, authentic connections—both with clients and through my work.
My approach to photography goes beyond just taking photos; I feel I create an experience that allows people to truly be themselves in front of my camera. My ability to listen, observe, and capture raw emotion.
My passion for creativity and breaking norms sets me apart. Whether it’s through a photo series on mental health or my approach to photographing weddings and families, I challenge traditional expectations and make people feel seen in a way that many photographers don’t. But it’s comforting to know that there are photographers slowly breaking these traditional norms over the years and creating an amazing experience for their clients.
Additionally, my adaptability and vision play a huge role in my success. Constantly learning new things, finding new ways to blend art and photography in a way that feels fresh, natural, and deeply personal.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.photographybybobbik.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photography_by_bobbi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photography.by.bobbi/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/bobbikarg/
