Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karlie Larson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Karlie, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I feel like my purpose and passion go hand in hand. I started off photographing traditional weddings and knew there was just something missing in the work I did back then. I’d post the photos I took and looking back now, there wasn’t that spark that I was looking for. Being born and raised in North Idaho, I really wanted to be able to incorporate the beauty of where I live, with my passion of photographing in nature and wedding photography. At the beginning of 2020 I made the transition to switch over to photographing adventure elopements, and it has completely changed everything in my life and business!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Now that I have niched down to adventurous elopements, I have become so passionate and purposeful about my photography. As an elopement photographer, I help my couples create a memorable and meaningful adventure for their wedding day, whether that be in Idaho where I’m based, or throughout the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain region. I always emphasize that we are creating an experience together, and not an all day photo shoot. Many people when they think of eloping think that you only get 1-2 hours of photos. But my couples and I craft unique, all day elopement experiences that are based on my couple’s wants and interests. A lot of my couples that inquire already have a love of the great outdoors, so we get to share that love together and create their day around that.
I love that this career has really helped me to enjoy the little things in life too. I get so much joy looking out my window to see things like snow covered mountains, wildflowers, golden tamaracks in the fall, and birds hanging out in the trees. Just really slowing down like I encourage my couples to do and really focus on what makes them happy, and incorporate that into their elopement day.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1) If you have a passion for it, don’t give up on it. The biggest thing I could recommend is for others to give themselves time. Time comes with opportunities and improvements that you might not get if you gave up earlier on.
2) Crafting a portfolio that reflects what you want to do – when I first transitioned over, I had to completely redo my website and social media platforms. I started posting more elopement type photos with informative captions to help potential clients plan their elopements, and from there I got the inquiries I was looking for! But of course it wasn’t overnight, but I gave myself time and didn’t quit.
3) Always keep improving and learning. There’s always something new to learn, and when you learn something new, incorporate that into your business. I’m not someone who has been able to spend thousands of dollars on other creative’s education. Even though it might have helped me faster, I am determined to be able to figure it out without spending a lot of money. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of free resources people offer. Nearly everything I’ve learned has been from lots of free education from other creatives.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
Since I have niched down so much, I have pretty much picked out my own ideal client. Instead of me advertising to a large audience of people who want wedding photos, I have a very specific business which attracts people similar to me and my business. A love of the outdoors and wanting to get married by majestic mountains instead of a traditional wedding venue are pretty much my ideal clients, haha! But to elaborate a bit more, my ideal clients are people who want to really focus on their love and have their wedding day include their interests. Even if my couples aren’t “adventurous” and don’t wanna hike, we still are able to create a meaningful day in the outdoors for them!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.karlielarsonphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlielarsonphotography/
Image Credits
All images by Karlie Larson Photography
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