Digital Wedding Forum - Wedding photography's home on the web.

Location - South Florida
Business Name - Karla Fountain Photography
Years in Business - 6
Number of Posts - 1,390
Website - www.karlafountain.com
Blog - www.karlafountainblog.com
PM - Contact Karla

DWF - Let's start off with a little bio, tell us a little bit about yourself.

KARLA - Many artists have a hard time talking about themselves and I am no exception! I have lived all over the U.S. - North Carolina, California, Colorado, Big Island of Hawaii, and ALL over Florida. I believe that since I spent most of my beginning years moving that I developed a deep love for travel and seeing more of the world we live in. My parents always owned their own business and my dad was the idea man so he moved us around a lot to explore new businesses. I know this is where I know that I too wanted to be my own boss someday.

I went to college in Sarasota, Fl at Ringling School of Art and Design where I honed my "art". I had already been shooting my whole life (or so it seemed) but I wanted to get formal training. I cannot say enough good things about my time at Ringling. I learned so much more then just photography. I learned how to take criticism of my art, how to "see" differently to name just a few things of my experiences there. Then I worked for some magazines as a freelance photographer and did some commercial work after college too. I loved doing the editorial work as for me I was documenting in an artistic manner but it paid too little. The commercial work was too restrictive for me. Art directors telling you how to do this and that, they want the shot to be exactly what they wanted. I had no voice at all. This was definitely not for me. I needed to be my own boss, shoot what I want to the WAY I wanted to.

I have also traveled abroad all the way to Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, and Morocco), all over Europe and England, and Tahiti (the most incredible place to just do NOTHING). Next on the list is a wedding in Greece next year and then I really want to visit Asia.

To make a long story short about personal aspects about myself: I found my husband online! Yes, we met via the internet! We fell in love instantly and we eventually moved to Orlando where he got a job (he is an Engineer) for Siemens as a senior project engineer in the power industry. I started my business here in Orlando and I have been literally flying by the seat of my pants ever since that first year.
Its hard for me to say more personal things about myself but I do have a deep passion for family (including 3 wonderful doggies) my work and life. And I always keep true to myself. Always in everyway. I strongly believe in being authentic in everything you do and how you live your life.

I am not very good at talking about myself am I? hehehhehehe :)

DWF - How did you become a wedding photographer?

KARLA - It was actually a very easy decision for me. I loved two aspects in photography: photographing people and documenting moments. I also knew (from brief experience) that working for magazines or commercial assignments I was not given free reign to really do what "I" wanted to do. What my interpretation of the event, person, or thing was. So, I wanted control over what and how I photographed. And given the fact that I love photographing people AND documenting it was clear to me that wedding photography was the way to go in my career.

DWF- Who or what inspires you as an artist?

KARLA - From the past Henri Cartier Bresson of course! The one who had the vision to know that the ultimate or decisive "moment" of whatever he was photographing could be anticipated and captured. He was amazing and inspiring to me and every photojournalist!

The other thing that inspires me is my desire to do better. I am always pushing myself and wondering what else could I do to improve and really reach outside the box. I never want to be stagnant and complacent and I want to be learning something new every day. If I ever do then I know it's time to move on....

DWF- If we were getting married why would we book you? What makes you unique?

KARLA - I think that people book me from initially viewing my website so they can see what my style of photography is and if it suits them. My style is a mixture of many aspects of my personality and life experiences - fun, editorial, and artistic (I know - clichŽ words but I am not a great writer :) I believe that my clients are looking for something 'different' not the standard wedding photographer. With my history, training from attending one of the best art colleges, and my sensitivity to people and my ability to capture the moment is a major reason why people choose me to photograph their most precious day. When I meet with my couples (some are local) they get a feel for who I am - silly, upbeat, and at the same time very sincere. I love what I do with a passion and I think it comes through in my work.

DWF- If you had to pick a favorite "Tool of the Trade" what would it be? and why?

KARLA - Photoshop! I absolutely love that I can take a photograph and then bring it into Photoshop and create something beyond my initial vision of that image. I constantly surprise myself - happy accidents and experimentation. The possibilities with Photoshop are endless and there is always something new to learn!

DWF - Care to share your favorite photograph? and tell us a bit about it?

KARLA - What an incredible engagement session. This couple was so willing to do ANYTHING for me. They are so passionate for each other and they did not blink an eye when I asked them to step into this nasty bathroom!

Wow, I laugh every time I look at this image. Another super cute couple - the wind was pretty strong that day and while we were doing some portraits he was trying to control her veil. I never stop shooting because you never know when you will capture a hilarious image like this one.

One of my favorite portraits even though she was not aware that I was taking this photo. She was getting ready and had been putting on her shoes. She looked up and over her shoulder and bam - it happened.

Again, another reason to step outside the box of your mind and to never put the camera down. There was an art fair happening right next door to the wedding venue so I asked the bride if she would take some shots there. She was so fun and willing so away we went. As soon as we starting walking I noticed this boy walking toward us and he could not keep his eyes off of her. She was smiling and as he passed she looked back at him and his expression on his face says it all!! WOW!!

Another example of an engagement session. These are two Doctors and they had the greatest sense of humor and such a wonderful outlook on life. I love this series as it shows how fun they are together.

Here is an image where I think I captured the essence of their love for one another. Engagement sessions are so important to me as they help us get more comfortable with each other. This shot was taken at the end of the session and since we had established a good relationship so far they really forgot I was there for just a moment.

Never put the camera down!! Another windy day and as she was coming down the aisle her very long veil almost flew off her head. Instead of getting upset she busted out laughing. And I love the look in her Dad's eyes as he's looking at her.

I love details shots!! LOVE them! Shoes, decor, everything. This was taken from my wedding in Morocco this past May. The couple are from London and she has flawless taste. Her shoes were magnificent! In photoshop I rendered them in such a way that would remind them of Morocco - strong, vivid, and bold colors.

This is the bride and groom from the wedding in Morocco. Again, so in love and as the sun was going down the light shining in her eyes blew me away and the love he is showing her makes this a magical shot for me.

DWF - How about some final words to live by?

KARLA - Don't follow the crowd and be authentic to yourself. You may feel the need to do what everyone else is doing to get ahead or stay ahead but be true to yourself and your art. Whatever it takes you show the world what YOU are about. Never compromise on your vision and your art. Never.