Karri's updated bio including childhood photos!

Okay. I've debated. And debated about showing these potentially embarrassing childhood photos below out into the world wide web, but with strong encouragement from my creative team at Karri Brantley Photography, I have decided to share them now. *gulp*

So, I've recently been 'interviewed' for an updated ABOUT KARRI section on my website and when asked how long I have been taken photographs, I talked about my mom and how she always had a camera documenting every inch of my growing years, to include photos that are still in her diary of motherhood. When asked if I had any examples of these photo's, I simply looked down at the ground and quietly said {embarrassingly} yes. And then about 10 seconds later, I then followed it with a "and I know exactly where they are!" Bummer, did I really just say that out of my mouth?!? Well, that, my friends, is how you've been prompted to this wonderful inside look into my childhood and my love of photography! Enjoy.

Here is a sample of the ABOUT KARRI section on our website:

The fastest way to get to know Karri Brantley Photography is to read the interview with Karri below:

How long have you been taking photographs?
I’ve had a camera in my hand since I was able to walk.  Growing up, my mom was constantly taking pictures of my brother and me on family vacations, making us dress up in "cowboy outfits" in the random hills of South Dakota when I was around 9, sitting on a wooden fence as if it were 1855 {sorry don't have this one yet!}. Or my personal favorite is when my mom posed me like Farah Fawcett {ya know with the gorgeous long blond hair, over the shoulder turn pose}, so she could take photos of the perfect sunset over Lake Michigan.

 
My Mom has countless albums so full of photos you can practically see how I grew centimeter by centimeter. If you wanted to see what my room looked like when I was 13, while laying on my bed {okay, well now that I see this photo, it was not on my bed, but in our living room- Oops!} wearing my bright blue converse high tops reading a BOP teen-beat magazine with Kirk Cameron on the front, I can show you.

I remember looking at these photo albums for hours growing up, studying them, focusing on every detail.

I took my first photography class in high school.  While many other girls were shopping at the mall and combing their hair into the perfect side ponytail, my perfume of choice was eau de darkroom developer.

As my college years approached, I found myself drawn towards acting and directing and eventually came to create a successful traveling national touring theatre company for children, all the while with camera in hand, documenting every last colorful, glorious, juicy and meaningful detail.

It was then that I finally realized and agreed with what my friends and family kept repeating over the years:  I have a real knack for this picture-taking thing! All the albums I flipped through, all the time in the high school darkrooms, creating and organizing live moving moments (which is how I’ve always looked at theatre) really lead me to where I am today. Karri Brantley, have camera, will travel.

How are you different from other photographers?
As a professional photojournalist, I have been trained to capture those small, special moments that last for only a split second. I tend toward a documentary style with a mixture of artistic portraiture. I love laughing and joking while on shoots, this and my extensive theatre background helps my clients relax and forget they are in front of a camera, it is in this space where truly beautiful images are found.

What is your specialty?
While I specialize in lifestyle portraits, dynamic professional headshots, weddings, and special events.....I really enjoy natural light photography. I welcome the opportunity to capture any special moment of your life so that you and your family can dangle your feet off the sofa while smiling at the times chronicled in front of you. I would dearly love to help create those moments for you. 

Be it dynamic professional headshots, weddings, family portraits or a secret shot of your dog’s penchant for chewing up sofa cushions, I welcome the opportunity to capture that for you.  If you can think of the image, I will work with you to create exactly what you want and show you new creative angles as well.

Where can I find samples of your work?
I have a gallery of images that you can find here. A great way to stay in touch is by “liking” me on Facebook. It’s free, and I’ll keep you up-to-date on all my special offers and events. Just click here and you’re all set!

What if I want to work one-on-one with you, can I call you?
Yes, of course! You can easily contact Karri Brantley Photography by email at karri@karribrantleyphotography.com OR by phone (828) 808-4106 and we’ll be happy to talk with you. We would be honored to be the ones to help you create the perfect images to suit your needs.