As a young girl, I remember perching on a wooden stool in my dad’s darkroom, peering into a tray as he gently swished a piece of paper in some mysterious solution. Slowly, an image appeared before my eyes. To me, the moment was magical. My dad did not choose photography as a profession, and as an electrical engineer, I think photography may have been stretching the limits of his creative thinking. However, I was entranced by every photograph and felt proud of his work. Of all of my dad’s photographs, my favorite featured me and my best friend in 1st grade. He captured not only two giggling girls, but the close bond between us.
As I grew, so did my interest and passion for photography. I often entered my photographs in the County Fair, and I remember the anticipation and excitement of receiving award ribbons for my work. Frequently, I photographed my family at events when no outsider was available because I hated having my own photograph taken. My mom will concur that in many of the family photographs I am either absent or sticking my tongue out. All of these experiences as a child led me to my path as a photographer. Along the way, I worked as an architectural, wedding and portrait photographer's assistant. I enjoyed every shoot and learned from each photographer. Not only did I learn technical aspects, but I learned each photographer develops his/her own style and approach to their craft. I even worked part-time as a model which helped me gain perspective as far as posing a subject. I could easily “feel” what would look good for the camera. When I became a Mom, I quickly realized the importance of capturing every one of life's special moments. My children are growing up so fast yet every time I look at one of their photographs, I re-live the event; each photograph tells a story. I decided to open a photography business to help others re-live the magical moments in their lives as well. --------------------------------------------------- KarenAllenPhotography.com |
