Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina VanHeel.
Hi Karina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I began on my photography journey back in college, during that time I was on and off with my camera. I’ll be honest, there was a lot of hesitation as if I believed I could actually be a “photographer.” I ended up putting my camera down and didn’t pick it back up until 4 years ago. I highly encourage anyone that has a passion or curiosity for anything in life to keep pursuing it. You do not need to fall in the comparison trap, we all begin at ground zero and there’s something very pure and beautiful about the journey. I have always been fond of storytelling-specifically Doc-U-Style. There’s something that organic storytelling that I feel is essential to human connection. I have touched the world of food, lifestyle and brand photography, but before I took a full-on chance on myself as a freelance photographer, I was full on van-lifing and a flight attendant- I traveled the world. This allowed for me to engage with the world in an unfiltered way. My travelers also unveiled that I was constantly drawn to the tropics and oceans that our world abundantly offers. I now merge my love for photography and storytelling in order to capture the essence of humanitarian stories as well as a championing on conserving and protecting our earth. I am currently living in San Ignacio MX. Capturing photos for a permaculture project that is also a unique organic farm to table restaurant and have a collaboration with a Reef Check organization that surveys the health of tropical coral reefs around the world and kelp forest ecosystems along the West Coast of North America. I am very excited for that!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
STRUGGLES ARE A REAL THING! I was very intimidated on becoming a freelance photographer. I’ve been through it all, the learning curve of working a camera, learning lighting and postproduction editing. All of these things weren’t anything that came naturally to me, not to mention learning client management and setting expectations. I will say that it is SO worth it. I am still learning as I go!
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 am a photographer; I am most proud of my most recent endeavors on capturing the essence of our natural world & working alongside creative restaurant/chefs. What sets me apart from others is my ability to be patient and really befriend anyone I take on as a client. I like to learn about their world, the things they love, and why they’re so passionate about the things they do!
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success to me is living a life where you’re excited to jump out of bed every morning. If you’re feeling inspired, you’re probably on the right path.
Contact Info:
- Website: Knowmaddevelopment.com
- Instagram: experiencinglife_alive
Image Credits
Brock VanHeel
Hoja De Pluma
Chumuk
Marisi La Jolla
Ray Garcia
