I'm published!

This is from the Seattle Families of Multiples newsletter. If you're not a member, join now. It's a great organization - http://www.orgsites.com/wa/nsfom/

SFOM MEMBER BUSINESS PROFILE
Kara Rue Photography

To celebrate all that SFOM members do, we love to hear about members who own and operate their own businesses. This month, Kara Kahler Rue, mother of 3 and a wonderful photographer and small business owner has shared her business story with us.

Describe your business and how you got started.
I have a small photography business. I studied fine art at WWU, took local photography classes and have read a ton of books on the subject. I’ve always been drawn to photographing people, especially children so I was always practicing on friends, family and their kids. When I had my own kids, I really got a chance to hone my technical skills while working with little living models.

What is your specialty?
I specialize in on-location baby, children and family photography.

How do you find time to work on a small business?
At this point, I only schedule one or two sessions a month. This still gives me plenty of time with my family but I get to make a little money and do something artistic on the side. I work on editing and research during naps and at night and I practice on my kids all the time. It’s an outlet for me and I love it so it doesn’t seem like work.

What is your favorite aspect of your business?
I love connecting with kids and being able to photograph them in their natural state at home or at their favorite park. I like to think of my sessions as more of a play date. Being able to provide parents with genuine portraits that capture the quirky, beautiful, unique qualities of their kids and the loving connections of their family is what makes the work so rewarding.

Do you have any photography tips for parents?
Try to look for places in your house with good light and not a lot of clutter. Sit your child by the light source, get close enough so they fill the frame and turn off your flash. Next, get their attention by talking to them or acting silly and then snap away. Play peek a boo behind the camera, have them look for the leprechaun inside the shutter, whatever it takes to get eye contact. I sometimes shoot 20 or more right in a row in order to capture those favorite expressions.

If other SFOM members are interested in your services, what is the best way to contact you? My website is ruephotography.com. I also recently added a Facebook fan page where I post samples of my work and any promotions I’m running.

[Editor’s plug: Kara’s work is wonderful – she captured beautiful photos of my reticently-smiling 2-year olds a few months ago and actually got them to hug each other for a picture!]