Metro PPA Mention April 24, 2022
Metro PPA Member Spotlight ~ Karen Reading-Bunch
Bunches of Joy Photography
Who is Karen?
I bring joy to the lives of others by creating innovative, unique and beautiful artwork for your home. Images of you loved ones displaying their strength and beauty as captured by my lens of my camera or a mixed media painted image.
An award winning photographer and member of the Professional Photographers of America, I received my first camera at the age of 10. I started taking photos of our family vactations in Rocky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone. Now married, my husband and I are avid kayakers and I started taking my camera on our adventures and photographing wildlife. Then I decided to use my passion to create artwork for the homes of my clients. I love seeing the joy on people's faces and goosebumps on their arms as they see just how beautiful and filled with personality that their images and can.
Having studied painting for over 30 years, I decided to add that to how I can serve others. Almost everyone has a favorite photograph with an awkward background, hair in the face, or some flaw that prevents it from being printed and put on their wall to love. I can take that photograph and using specialized brushes and hand rendered techniques, create a mixed media painting. The delighted client then has a unique and memorable painted portrait for their home from their own memories. Don't let that photo live only in your phone, let it bring joy as the art on your wall!!
Where are you from?
Chanute, Kansas by way of Tempe, AZ to Oklahoma, which has always been "home" since my parents were Okies. I moved to OKC in 2000. I went to college at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas.
A bit more about Karen?
I have always had a great love for nature. While living in AZ, I was a volunteer at a wildlife park. My most frequent responsiblity was walking around with an anaconda draped around me. I also did Professional Piddle Patrol, outside of the Tiger Splash arena, keeping the tiger spray off the paying guests with a trash can lid. I have petted tiger, lion, snow leopard, serval, bobcat and been bit by a hyena, it was a painful yet playful bite as I still have my arm. Now, married to Mike, our passion is seeing wildlife while kayaking. We travel with our kayak to the rivers of the Ozarks, Georgia, the beaches of Destin, Florida, and all over Oklahoma. I have been an acrylic painter since 1986, starting with the folk art craze and moving into a more fine art style.
What type of Photography do you specialize in?
For portrait photography, I love doing seniors or couture women best. I like focusing on just one person in front of my camera and capturing their unique personality. I do shoot families and pets, I just have to work harder to see all the details. When it comes to nature/wildlife photography, I shoot from the kayak, car window, or while on a walk/hike. I love seeing the beauty in nature and sharing what others may miss in their daily rush.
What advice would you give someone just starting a photography business OR What advice would you give someone just starting to learn photography?
To someone starting a business, make sure you market, get help if you need it. You can be the best photographer ever, but the better marketer will make the money. And to someone just starting to learn photography, I started out taking 150 images everyday. If it was a good day, then maybe 10-15 of them were "facebook worthy", and fewer would hold up to be printed, but I kept shooting and I got better. I have studied my craft and editing, and plan to continue to study. Always be learning.
How long have you been a Member of Metro PPA?
Around a year and a half.
What is your favorite thing about Metro PPA?
Knowing that there is always someone to answer your questions and get help and advice from. I have truly enjoyed the classes they offer.
Why should someone join Metro PPA?
Networking with other photographers who are running a photography business.
