Rising Stars: Meet Cara Harman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Harman. 

Cara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started off in college shooting mainly fine art photography and landscapes, with the hopes of joining the gallery world. After college life took me on another path, and I found myself floundering and lost. I randomly took an internship at a magazine and assisted the main photographer on restaurant shoots and surprisingly was enamored. Quickly after I started shooting for a food and beverage marketing agency and the rest is history. If you told me then that I would be shooting food and lifestyle professionally now I would laugh! 

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 always was and continues to prove to be a difficult, but rewarding, road. Food photography is hard. The market is saturated with so much talent, even with all the endless supply of restaurants popping up in Los Angeles! You really have to make yourself stand out and be memorable and likable for your clients. It’s equal parts business, skill, marketing, and personality. I have months that are slammed, and then months where I’m worried about my next paycheck. Freelance means you constantly have to self-promote and hustle. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I would describe myself as a very natural food and lifestyle photographer. By that I mean my style is very natural- natural light, messy but purposeful styling, and playful but well-executed imagery. I want my work to feel lived in like you’re at home in someone’s kitchen. I tend to lean toward simple setups and simple subjects as well. My favorite things to shoot for that reason are cocktails and dessert. They’re captivating often on their own and you just need to give them the right space and lighting to make them shine. I think I’m most proud of how far I’ve come with prop and basic food styling. A few years ago, I had to rely on others to help me, and now I can mostly do it on my own- a one-stop shop! I also really try to make clients feel like friends and family. I want the experience to always feel easy and fun. 

What do you think about happiness?
Many things make me happy-a good night’s sleep, my dogs, friends and family, my fiancé, and food despite all my allergies haha. I try to enjoy the simpler side of life because life can be so complicated on its own. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.caraharmanphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraharmanphoto/?hl=en