Today we’d like to introduce you to Kari McGill.
Hi Kari, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story began in 1996 when I was involved in a car accident that left me paralyzed. As a result, I found myself with a lot of free time on my hands and was in search of something to keep me occupied. At first, I was simply taking pictures of my family, documenting our lives, and creating scrapbooks to capture precious memories. But over time, I found myself becoming more and more passionate about photography. It was a therapeutic and fulfilling hobby.
In 1997, when getting my senior portraits taken, I remember thinking what a fun job it would be, but with my disability, I didn’t think it was possible. However, over time, my hobby evolved into a passion for photography. I began taking pictures for friends and family and received positive feedback, and soon, I was getting requests from people in my community to take their portraits. So in 2005, I decided to turn my passion for photography into a business, I was thrilled to be able to use my skills to help others capture their special moments.
I started small, working outside on location with natural light and using our quonset shed or large living room as my studio when using backdrops and lighting. As my skills and reputation grew, so did my business, I realized that I needed a dedicated space to work out of. In 2010, I opened a studio in Spring Valley, MN.
Since then, my business has continued to grow, and I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing clients and had the privilege of capturing countless memories for families and individuals in my community. I am grateful for the support of my clients, family, and friends. I love capturing the beauty and personality of the people in front of my camera. Over the years, I have continued to grow and evolve as a photographer.
But through it all, I have never lost sight of why I started this journey in the first place. Photography is more than just a job for me; it’s a way of connecting with people and capturing their stories. Photography has given me a sense of purpose and a way to express my creativity by capturing the special moments that @mak.life is so meaningful. It has also allowed me to connect with people in ways that I never imagined possible.
Looking back on my journey, I am grateful for the challenges and obstacles I have faced. They have taught me resilience, perseverance, and the importance of never giving up on your dreams. And I am excited to see where this journey will take me next as I continue to grow and evolve as a photographer and a person.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a paralyzed photographer, I have encountered a unique set of obstacles throughout my journey. The physical limitations imposed by my paralysis have presented challenges in terms of mobility and positioning while capturing photographs. I have had to adapt and find creative solutions.
I have found immense support and assistance from photography assistants who have played a crucial role in my journey. These talented individuals have not only provided physical assistance in terms of setting up equipment, adjusting lighting, and helping me with mobility during photoshoots but have also become trusted collaborators.
Their invaluable contribution has allowed me to overcome obstacles and deliver portraits our clients cherish.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Photography by Kari specializes in capturing a wide range of moments and subjects with a focus on creating meaningful and memorable images. Our primary specialty is portrait photography, our subjects include newborns, children, families, seniors, and sports teams.
Overall, Photography by Kari specializes in delivering high-quality prints, and visually captivating images that tell stories, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impression.
One of the things that sets me apart from other photographers is my ability to connect with my clients. I understand that having your picture taken can be intimidating, especially if you’re not used to being in front of the camera. But we work hard to put our clients at ease and make the experience as enjoyable as possible.
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
For those who are just starting in photography, I offer the following advice: Embrace your passion and curiosity for photography. Photography is a journey of continuous learning and growth, so be open to exploring new techniques, editing styles, and subjects. Invest time in understanding the technical aspects of your camera and its settings. Practice regularly and experiment with different compositions and lighting conditions to develop your unique style. Seek inspiration from other photographers, but also strive to find your voice and perspective.
Don’t be discouraged by challenges or setbacks; instead, view them as opportunities to learn and improve. Finally, remember that photography is not just about the equipment or technicalities; it’s about capturing stories, emotions, and moments that connect with others. Focus on telling meaningful stories through your images and let your passion shine through in your work.
Contact Info:
- Website: photographybykari.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photokarimn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhotographybyKari
