Conversations with Kara Hunter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Hunter.

Hi Kara, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My grandpa is my original inspiration for my photography journey. He’s been a photographer for as long as I remember, going back to the days of having a dark room. His house was filled with photos that he had taken over the years of wildflowers. I was always amazed at his incredible talent.

After I got my first camera, we started going on outings together to search for wildflowers. He taught me his techniques – what to look for & what settings to use to make sure you captured every detail down to the pollen. My love for photography grew, with a priority placed on nature and landscapes.

When my best friend was getting engaged, her fiancé reached out to me to take photos of the engagement. I was just someone with a nice camera that knew how to use it, but I had never had a couple in front of my lens. And once I captured that, I realized what had been missing in my photography journey – the emotion of two people in love.

I quickly got to work starting my business, quitting my corporate marketing job shortly after. I now prioritize helping couples achieve their non-traditional wedding dreams. In particular, I love to work with LGBTQ+ couples. As a member of the community myself, I know how scary it is to put your love on display in front of others. I work to make sure my couples feel accepted, loved, and celebrated throughout the entire process.

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?
Not at all. I went from an analytical corporate marketing job to an unpredictable creative journey. The shift has been wild, as I have to lean into my confidence in myself. Art is subjective, and there aren’t clear KPIs on whether people like it or don’t like it. Instead, I have to trust myself and create what brings me joy. And sometimes that’s hard to figure out.

I started my business out of a love of photography, but it’s given me a new understanding of self-discovery. There are plenty of times I’ve wanted to quit from not being confident in my work and wanting the process to happen quicker. I’ve yearned for the security and benefits of a regular paycheck. I’ve had my bank account dwindle into nothing. I’ve reevaluated my goals in photography, my editing style, my shooting style – all of it over and over.

But I’ve kept going because I couldn’t envision myself doing anything other than this.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a couple and wedding photographer specializing in non-traditional couples. I’m known for my work with the LGBTQ+ community and my goal of making the wedding industry a more inclusive place.

My ability to connect with my clients and make them comfortable sets me apart from others. I constantly work to make sure my sessions are a fun experience, where we leave the day feeling like old friends. During a wedding day, I prioritize making the couple feel at ease so they can enjoy their day rather than worrying about documenting it.

I find that when a couple feels comfortable, that’s when their true emotions are on display for me to capture.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I hope that it will continue to shift in a more inclusive direction. The wedding industry is one of the most heteronormative in the world, and it prioritizes straight, cis, white, and skinny couples above all.

We’re seeing shifts, as vendors and publications are being called out for not showcasing more inclusivity. We’re starting to see more diversity being featured, but we still have a very long way to go.

I hope that in the next 5-10 years, gender-neutral language will be the norm. I hope that we’ll no longer have to ask whether a vendor is willing to work with an LGBTQ+ couple. I hope that gendered getting-ready areas are a thing of the past and that everyone gets a pool table in their room.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.karahunterphotography.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/karahunter_photography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karahunterphotography