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Life and Work with Kari Geha

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Kari Geha.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Kari. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I got my start in photography because my mom used to do photography! I became interested in trying it out, so I would have friends and family sit in as my subjects for practice. Then, I got on with a music magazine and would photograph concerts throughout Colorado, which was great practice for lighting, movement, and limited timelines, to get the photos that you want! After that, I started second shooting for weddings and eventually, moved out to Hawaii to capture weddings year round. I started working with a company out there and after two and a half years on the gorgeous Oahu, I felt that it was time to come back home to Colorado. 🙂 I was honored to have won Best Photographer of Hawaii in 2012 before heading back to the mainland. Back in Colorado, I started shooting under my own LLC for weddings, and haven’t looked back since! I’ve won Best of the Knot 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 and The Knot Hall of Fame, thanks to my amazing clients! I love photographing weddings, elopements, intimate weddings, adventure couples, families, events for the City of Denver, and commercial work. I’m beyond lucky to be able to work doing something I love, and I get to thank my amazing clients for this!

Great, 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 wish I could say it was smooth, but there are always going to be challenges and bumps in the road. I’ve had equipment failure and unexpected large expenses. It’s always a challenge in the beginning when you do not have the finances to help you out in these types of situations. But if you want to succeed badly enough, you will figure it out!

Another challenge was also finding my own style. It’s easy to see all of these amazing photographers out there, and loving their dark and moody style, or if they are light and airy. But the challenge is shooting and editing, in your OWN style, and creating something to make you stand out from the crowd! It’s always going to come with owning a business that you are going to have late nights and early mornings, and some very long days, but they are all worth it. Plus, you have to get up early and stay through sunset if you want that beautiful golden hour light!

My advice for other women who are starting out in their journey would be to be prepared to put in a lot of time into your craft! It takes a lot of work to build something into exactly what you want, but stick it out, because it’s 100% worth it. Do your research on what your company may need in regards to proper licensing, insurance, permits, software (to make your life much easier-I use Honeybook, and it’s my life manager). I also highly recommend networking with your colleagues and building good relationships with others in your field! It’s so nice to know others in the same types of business as you, for questions or help. It’s good to have that network to fall back on if you need support!

Please tell us about your work.
I am a full-time photographer and owner of Kari Geha Photography! I primarily photograph weddings, events, and events. I have also now transitioned into also adding maternity, family, and lifestyle newborn photography into my services, as a lot of my wedding couples have now become families!

I love to shoot in natural light, but am also comfortable in shooting with flash if needed in a dark venue. I’ve had a lot of practice with many venues with all types of lighting and feel comfortable shooting in all types!

I believe what sets us apart from others is our documentary style. We want our couples to feel comfortable, so we use prompts and activities for our clients to interact with each other, while we document. We feel that this evokes a more natural response and laughter along with movement in our photographs. We are most proud of the fact that we have been able to get the most uncomfortable clients, comfortable, in front of our lens! 🙂

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
There was one rather large experience growing up, which I think played a huge role in setting me up for success later in life. When I was younger, I became very ill and was in the ICU for four months. I had 16 chest tubes, two separate occasions of tracheotomies, and was in a coma twice. I was told I had a 2% chance of survival, that if I did survive, I would likely not walk again, and that I would also have severe brain damage. Of course, this was spirit-crushing! With the support of family, friends, and my amazing doctors and nurses, I made it through this life-changing event. It was a lot of hard work; learning to breathe again on my own, walk again, use my hands, how to eat, speak, and how to just be independent away from all of the machines. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Because of that situation, I had a great appreciation for life and happiness. I wanted to make the most out of my life and do something I loved. I worked every day since then to make that possible, and here I am! Hard work paid off and I’m still beyond grateful that I get to do what I love, every day.

Pricing:

  • Wedding Collection Gold ($4000): 8 Hours Coverage/USB with final images/1 hour engagement shoot/1 hour post shoot/Online Gallery/Print Authorization Form
  • Wedding Collection Silver ($3750): 8 Hours Coverage/USB with final images/1 hour pre OR post shoot/Online Gallery/Print Authorization Form
  • Wedding Collection Bronze ($3500): 8 Hours Coverage/USB with final images/Online Gallery/Print Authorization Form
  • Wedding Collection Hourly ($500/hour): Hourly Coverage/USB with final images/Online Gallery/Print Authorization Form
  • Family Session ($500/hour): Hourly Coverage/Online Gallery/Print Authorization Form
  • Studio Session ($500/hour): Hourly Coverage/Online Gallery/Print Authorization Form
  • Boudoir Session ($500/hour): Hourly Coverage/Online Gallery/Print Authorization Form
  • Event Coverage ($500/hour): Hourly Coverage/Online Gallery/Print Authorization Form

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Vendors and Couples involved in weddings attached: Elitch Gardens, Little Shop of Floral, Abby Sparks Jewelry, Kaitlin Shea Weddings, Azucar Bakery, ASOS, The Lettery Co, Anna + Sterling, , Piney River Ranch, Stephanie + Shane, Fairytale Floral, Blue Linden Weddings, The Bridal Collection, The Ranch Country Club, Rachel Leigh Case, Blue Bridal Boutique, Megan + Joe, Garden of the Gods, Joslyn + Bobby, Paint Mines, Artistry by Bleue, Kiah and Taylor, The Prospect Boathouse in Brooklyn, Jamie + Rob

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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