Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla House.
Karla, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Photography has always been a hobby of mine growing up. Ever since I can remember I have always had a camera in my hand. I still have my very first camera too! It’s a Kodak Mickey Instamatic, flash bulbs and all. Anyway, I was always trying to photograph nature, pets, friends, and family. Just trying to capture the moment whenever possible.
It was something fun that I loved to do! I remember using my mom’s old Canon point and shoot to get shots and buying tons of disposable Kodak and Fuji cameras to take photos. Every month, my father would take me to our local Walgreens to get the film developed. It was always so exciting having that anticipation of how the photos would turn out. Getting those paper envelopes with all my photos always brought me so much joy.
As I grew older I wanted to experiment with other forms of art but something always drew me back to photography. Before I went to college, I kept trying to decide what I wanted to do in life. To some people, things like this come so easy. Not so much for myself. I think I was about 20 years old when I decided that I want to learn how to really take photos. I started reading books on how to use a 35mm SLR camera and about composition. My dad noticed that I was really taking an interest in learning, so one day we went out and he got me my first SLR camera, a Canon Rebel K2. Over the years, I just kept at it, experimenting with different cameras, styles of film and digital photographs. Finally, a few years ago, I was so caught up with working a full-time job and life that I just put my camera aside and figured it was never going to happen for me. I felt that I had lost my creativity. My craft seemed useless and a waste of time.
During all that, I also started dealing with really bad anxiety. I was scared to go anywhere and always thinking the worst was going to happen. However, throughout everything, my dad always encouraged me to keep doing the things I love and not to give up. He was always that way with myself and my sister. He wanted the best for us and for us to live out our dreams. Then came January 2017. My father passed away suddenly and my world completely changed. I realized that no we don’t live forever and our time is now.
So I slowly started doing all the things I was afraid to do. And eventually, I picked up my camera again. I regained my confidence and my creativity. I promised my dad that I would make him proud and do what I love. So it’s been a year since I’ve been back in the game and so far it’s been a fun and wild ride. I’ve met so many wonderful people and photographers. I feel that I’ve finally found my place in life.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Getting comfortable with my camera again was definitely a struggle. I had to relearn how to shoot on manual and getting comfortable with how to pose people. Plus just getting out there and practicing felt strange. There’s so many new techniques and tricks to try too. I’m always learning something new.
Khouse Studios – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
So I specialize in portrait photography but I always try to bring a little extra magic to my photos. I absolutely love playing with colors and textures. I love my images to tell a story and really pop! Whether they are shots of a loving family or a person trying to live their best life, you will definitely be able to see it through my work. I think what sets me apart from other photographers is that I’m a bit carefree and I go with the flow. I’m extremely friendly and always laughing or telling jokes. I think I make things easy. Hopefully. LOL
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
It’s a lot of hard work. Constantly learning and growing as a photographer. Getting to know the right people and always pushing to learn new things has really helped me in this business. I think if you are persistent and are continually motivating yourself then I think you can be successful in life.
Contact Info:
- Email: khouse.studios@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/khouse.studios
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/karlahousephotography
Image Credit:
Saskia Braun, @Vicvonfabre, @zoflo101, @britnibelle, Jessi Lou Floyed, @r4v3fairy, @uc_alyssa_owens, Kristina Nguyen, @_terra_smith_
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