A Little About Me…

Thanks so much for taking the time to visit my blogsite. I’m a wedding and portrait photographer based on Maryland’s beautiful Eastern Shore with my busy family and neurotic cocker spaniel, Herbie.

Growing up, I was never comfortable in front of the camera.  High school was the worst.  A gangly teenager with that bad 80′s hair, acne and a cleft lip.  I decided my best defense was to be the person always snapping the pictures. This made for a nice album to show off at the 10 year reunion.  I had tons of pictures, but I learned I wasn’t alone in my shyness of someone pointing their lens at me.  Then I started dating a photographer in college.  He covered everywhere east of the Mississippi doing portrait work for a company based in our small college town of Cleveland, TN.   I married that wonderful guy with the very first, professional Nikon DSLR and had to get over my camera shyness in a hurry.  He passed his knowledge on to me and here we are.

I’ve learned over the years how important it is to help my clients feel relaxed and confident at our sessions.  One of the things I’ve come to love most about this profession is providing others with a glimpse of the beauty they shine in the world.  To see themselves as others see them.  Beautiful, handsome…with that spark of their personalities shining through.

…and then there’s this important factor…Photography should be fun, whether you’re behind the lens or in front of it! We’re freezing time and making art. It’s creative, expressive, beautiful, magical and sometimes a little goofy!   It’s hard work, but always fun!

I’d also like to think my work is about more than just snapping pictures. I absolutely love the relationships that are formed with my clients. It’s the best part!  The passion and excitement I feel when telling someone’s story through my lens. Capturing those candid expressions and timeless moments. The giggles, hugs & sweet kisses. The unplanned and creative mixed with some classic portraiture.

I’m probably the world’s worst writer, but I hope you’ll excuse that, get comfy and have a look around.  I’d love to hear from you!

Cheers ~ Karena

A huge thanks to INSLEE HAYNES for the sketch of me photographing Herbie.  Check out her fabulous work here.