Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Kieffer
Hi Karla, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My love for photography first started in high school , deep dive into film : developing film and working in dark rooms. I even went to college but wasn’t focused enough to pursue any further but some of the more fun memories I cherish. With time I noticed a shift in tech when it came to cameras and film, making it almost impossible to develop film so I set it aside. life happened, I became a mother, with new challenges. I have 4 children, 3 of which are on the Autism spectrum. I focused a lot of my time helping them. One day a friend of my husband, gave him some thing called an Olloclip lens, which you can attach to phones. I had so much fun using it taking pictures, mainly my children, and slowly found myself back in photography using a different format! I went on to purchase more of these lenses and shared some shots on Instagram. The company had a contest which I had won, then it led to my pictures being shared on their website. I slowly eased my way into the digital world of photography but continue to use a lot of techniques that I learned when shooting with film. I have had some of my work used in film and television, have been published a handful of times in different magazines, my work has also been displayed in local fairs, art museums, and businesses. I also sell prints on occasion at art festivals and from my home office through a business that I own with my husband, Chris. I’m enjoying every second of this adventure with my family.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a slow pace, slower than I’d like, but I know God is in control of every step. Having kids on the spectrum makes change in environment very difficult. I refuse to leave my kids when I go on shoots because I want them to experience all of the beauty the world holds. That sometimes means I have to adapt to their needs, have breaks in between, or just try to make a second trip for another time. However, I am very grateful to have a husband who supports me and sees how beneficial it is for our kids to witness and experience these things. Watching the moon rise is one of our favorite things to do as a family.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I shoot a lot of landscape work, macro, and astrophotography. I think most people remember my lunar eclipse, harvest moon work, or Milky Way shots. Living in the desert has given me an opportunity to share the vast land and skies, the beautiful sunsets, storms, and milky way views many can miss. The shot I am most proud of is the Aurora Borealis shot I got in Lancaster, this May. Man, what blessing it was to witness something so amazing from the comfort of my own town in California! I think what sets me apart from others is my spontaneity and intentionality for what I am shooting; I don’t like to overshoot, but I also have a habit of shooting the most random things as well! I usually have an idea of what I expect my shot to look like, try capture that in camera and not want to rely so much on editing or changing things out. Keep it in its original state as much as possible, but also have fun making something like the lunar eclipse cycle and photoshopping it together. But Ansel Adams has had a huge influence in my work, so I always strive to stick to the basics of capturing what’s in front of me; nature in itself, is absolutely beautiful.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Diversity is a strength in our city! I love observing people and seeing what they’re doing, what’s going at that moment. My least favorite thing is light pollution: imagine being able to see gorgeous night skies if we could dedicate one day with no lights? It’s a dream of mine!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.karlakieffer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k_j_kieffer_photography?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kjkiefferphotography?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
All photos and compositions were shot and edited by Karla Kieffer
