We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karen Nethers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, thanks for joining us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

I pride myself on standing out from the rest. Coming from a farm family, I have a deep connection to agricultural communities, and those clients truly have my heart. I understand the lifestyle, the hard work, and the special moments that deserve to be captured.

But I don’t stop there—I’ll go just about anywhere to get the perfect shot. Whether it’s chasing golden-hour light in a field, wading through a creek, or setting up in a show barn, I go the extra mile to make every session unforgettable.

A few years ago, I expanded my business with a one-of-a-kind livestock trailer photo booth. It’s not your typical setup—it’s a fun, unique experience that brings something special to weddings, fairs, and events. How many photographers can say they have a photo booth inside a livestock trailer? Not many!

At the end of the day, my business is about more than just photos—it’s about telling your story, embracing the lifestyle you love, and making every moment count.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

It all started with one photography class in college. I took some headshots, and my professor looked at me and said, “I think you need to pursue photography.” That one moment changed everything. From there, I got a job as a manager at Sears Photo, and it didn’t take long for me to realize that I wanted to build something of my own. Fast forward to today—I’m proud to say that I’m a full-time photographer, doing what I love every single day.

I specialize in senior photography, family, newborn, branding work . But my work doesn’t stop there. Coming from a farm family, I have a deep love for agriculture, and with my own kids heavily involved in showing livestock, livestock photography has become a true passion. I understand how an animal needs to be positioned and presented to get that perfect shot—something not every photographer knows how to do.
These days, everyone seems to have a camera, and standing out in a crowded industry has been a challenge. But I take pride in being different. I focus on building real relationships with my clients—it’s not just about taking pictures, it’s about creating an experience and a friendship that lasts. My business has grown because of those relationships, and I am incredibly grateful for every client who has trusted me with their memories.

A few years ago, I took a creative leap and added something completely unique—a photo booth inside a livestock trailer. This part of my business isn’t about selling my photography, but rather bringing my design ideas to life and showing people just how much fun a photo booth can be. Whether it’s at a wedding, a county fair, or a private event, it’s a hit every single time.

At the end of the day, my brand is about more than just photography. It’s about telling stories, capturing moments, and making sure every client walks away with something they truly love. Whether it’s a high school senior, a family on their farm, or a group of friends in my photo booth, I pour my heart into every single session.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Oh, social media… we all have a love-hate relationship with it, right? For me, it’s been one of the biggest tools in growing my business, even though I’m not a super strategic planner when it comes to posting. My approach? Keep it real. The best engagement I get is when I share raw, unfiltered moments—the behind-the-scenes of sessions, the funny mishaps (like that one time I accidentally drove my truck down a bike path thinking it was a road… yep, that happened), and just showing up as myself.

I’ve found that people connect most when you’re authentic. They want to see the person behind the camera, not just the polished final images. That means sharing the chaos, the laughter, and the moments that make my business what it is. My social media isn’t perfectly curated, but it’s intentional and true to me, and that has built a loyal audience over time.

For those just starting to build a presence, my best advice is:
📌 Show up as yourself. Your audience wants to connect with YOU, not just your work.
📌 Share the process. People love behind-the-scenes glimpses of what you do and how you do it.
📌 Engagement matters. Comment back, start conversations, and build real relationships with your followers.
📌 Don’t stress perfection. Social media moves fast—done is better than perfect.

At the end of the day, social media has played a huge role in keeping my business going, even when I don’t have a perfect strategy. Just be consistent, be real, and have fun with it—that’s what makes people stick around.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

This one is tough because, honestly, I didn’t start with a big investment or a perfectly mapped-out business plan. I got my start in college when my parents helped me purchase my first camera—something I’ll always be grateful for. From there, with the support of my family and a lot of hard work, I slowly built my business into what it is today.

Funding a business isn’t always about one big investment; for me, it’s been about trucking right along, reinvesting, and figuring it out as I go. You have to spend money to make money, right? Well, at least that’s what I tell myself! Every session, every new piece of gear, and every investment in my business has been a stepping stone to growth.

But photography isn’t my only hustle—I also sell promotional items and serve as the Fiscal Officer for our township. Yes, I’m always working, but that’s what it takes to make things happen. You have to work hard to play harder.

At the end of the day, building a business is about passion, perseverance, and not being afraid to take risks. It hasn’t always been easy, but I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.karenkellerphotos.com
• Instagram: Karen Keller Photography
• Facebook: Karen Keller Photography