A moving self-reflection from a passionate Wedding, Newborn and Family Photographer.
Do you have one photo that is more important to you than anything? I do.
One day, a family photographer took a photo of my Grandparents sitting on a bench looking at each other.
They didn’t know the camera was there, he just captured them in their most natural state.
And now that I have recently lost my Papa and my Mamma is suffering from Dementia, this photo makes me so damn happy every single time I see it.
Because these two people are two of the most important people in my life and I will always have a memory of them at their happiest.
So, while it might sound insignificant, this is the photo that started me on my photography journey.
And today, I feel so blessed to be a photographer for beautiful and unique weddings, welcoming gorgeous newborns and capturing precious family moments.
Photography isn’t just my job, it’s my passion!
As we all know – life is short. One day all you will have is a photo and a memory of a person or a moment.
And for me, it’s such a privilege to capture those incredibly special moments to ensure that the memories live on.
It makes me truly happy inside!
No matter what is going on in my life, when I pick up my camera and head off to shoot a wedding, a family or a newborn bub, I put everything into capturing those memories.
So that one day, my client will look back on them and smile. Because life is fleeting and busy and sometimes we forget to take things in.
It’s what I’m most passionate about, and that’s why I don’t just ‘take photos’.
I don’t want you to just look at my photos, I want you to feel them
One thing I have learnt since starting my business as a photographer is that anyone can pick up a camera and take a photo.
But, I am fortunate enough to see things others may not see.
And what I want more than anything is to capture moments – real moments.
Emotion is what I look for. Unique and creative photos.
Those amazing, candid first reactions, the intense love, when you’re bursting with happiness, sadness, pride – whatever it may be, I want to capture it.
Sometimes my photos may not be the most technically correct, but if there is a fleeting moment and I feel it, I will take the photo.
It really is as simple as that. I am not one for the posed, fake smile, ‘say cheese’ moments!
This is why no two client’s photos will ever look the same, because no person or moment is the same and that is super important to me.
Every shoot I have done, to this day, I can truly say, that I put everything into it, because I know it is so important to my clients.
“What I want more than anything is to capture real moments.
Those amazing, candid first reactions, the intense love…”
K Photography by Karina Cook.
So how did I become a Photographer?
My love for photography started at a young age. But the truth is, while I’ve always loved taking photos, when I finished school I had no idea what I wanted to do!
All I knew was that I wanted to do was start my own business.
I learnt so much from school jobs in hospitality, a short stint in a law firm and then at the age of 22 when I opened my first business in a fitness centre.
But I knew deep down this wasn’t what I wanted for the rest of my life.
Going back to that pivotal moment when I held the photo of my Grandparents in my hand, something inside me lit up.
From there, I was fortunate enough to start working with one of the most talented photographers out there. I did a lot of on-the-job experience, many long hours, I studied long and hard for years and then eventually I took the leap and started my business.
And in between all of this I had 2 kids!
There have been challenges but I have found my Passion & my Forever Job
Every time I pick up my camera I feel happy and I feel like I have purpose. And I hate using the word ‘job’ because honestly it doesn’t feel like a job to me!
I am now a single mother of 2, so to be able to do what I love and provide for them, makes me feel so blessed.
The truth is though, while being self-employed may sound glamorous, the reality is that I work long hours. I’m often emailing at midnight, working when everyone is in bed and missing out on things.
But I do it because I love it. And, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
I want to work hard for my kids – to give them a strong work ethic, and to give them the life they deserve.
Live Well, Love Hard & Be Happy
It has taken me a while, but I have realised, you only live once so you need to do things that make you happy.
Spend time with the ones you love, create memories, don’t sweat the small stuff and be in the moment, because you only get one shot at this life and there ain’t no refunds.
To finish off, here is my favourite quote of all time about this…
“Certain things in life are a long way getting there, but once you do, it’s just F**king Spectacular” – Eddie Vedder
Go for gold guys, it is so damn worth it.
Connect with Karina:
Facebook: K Photography by Karina Cook
Instagram: @k_photography_by_karina_cook
Website: www.k-photographybykc.com.au
ARTICLE BY
Karina Cook,
K Photography by Karina Cook
Karina Cook is an incredibly talented photographer specialising in Wedding, Newborn & Family Photography. Her style is natural and genuine, designed to capture the real and raw moments in a fun way!
And to Karina, photography it’s not a job, it’s her passion. “There is something about freezing moments in time that really excites me. It really is a privilege for me to be able to capture the special moments and people in your life so that those memories live on.”
When she’s not behind the camera, Karina is an avid Sports Fan. She has two gorgeous boys and she can’t live without coffee…or a good glass of wine mind you! Exercise and music are her happy places, sunset is her favourite part of the day and she loves a bit of online shopping!