We were lucky to catch up with Karina Kennedy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Karina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

The name North Prism came from a desire to capture the complexity and depth of people. I wanted something that reflected how we’re all multifaceted, and how most of the time, you only get a glimpse of someone’s full story.

“Prism” represents the way light splits into all its colors, just like how people have so many sides, talents, and dimensions that aren’t always visible at first glance. “North” gives a sense of direction, purpose, and grounding. Together, the name embodies my mission: helping people and brands step into their spotlight, reveal their full colors, and be seen exactly as they are.

Because at the end of the day, everyone deserves to be seen in their entirety and that’s the light I want to shine on the world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi, I’m Karina. I’ve always been fascinated by how people are so multifaceted, yet the world often only sees a glimpse of who they are. I wanted to help others reveal those layers and show up in ways that feel true to them. I like to think of it as helping people show all their colors instead of just their “work selfie.”

Through branding photography and creative direction, I help entrepreneurs and creatives tell their full story so their audience sees them as confident, authentic, and unforgettable. I help clients reveal their full story through visuals that feel real, intentional, and as vibrant as they are.

What sets my approach apart is that I create a space where clients feel comfortable exploring different sides of themselves. The magic happens when they are fully seen, celebrated, and expressed, and my goal is to capture that in every frame.

What I love most is watching clients step into their spotlight, connect deeply with their audience, and finally see themselves as the world sees them—vibrant, layered, and fully alive. My work is about helping people and brands shine in a way that is unmistakably them, with just the right mix of soul and sparkle.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

You know, one thing I think people outside the creative world don’t always realize is that being a creative isn’t just about taking “pretty pictures” or having a good eye. For me, branding photography is really about understanding someone, who they are, what they stand for, and how to translate that into visuals that actually connect with their audience. It’s less about the camera and more about the story behind it.

It can also be a vulnerable and sometimes lonely process. You’re constantly exploring ideas, experimenting, and putting pieces of yourself into your work while helping someone else reveal theirs. It takes patience, empathy, and a little bit of courage.

I hope that insight helps people see that creativity isn’t just a skill, it’s a mindset. It’s about noticing what others might miss, translating it in a way that resonates, and helping people step fully into their presence. Honestly, anyone, creative or not, can benefit from thinking that way in their work and life.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I’ve had to unlearn is that perfection is the goal. Early on, I focused so much on making every image flawless that I almost missed the heart of the work, capturing my clients’ true essence. I still struggle with perfectionism sometimes, but now I remind myself that authenticity matters more than polish. When I focus on people’s stories, personalities, and energy, the work becomes alive, meaningful, and impactful. That shift has helped my clients and me show up more fully and confidently, and it’s a lesson I carry into every project.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.northprismcreative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northprismcreative
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinakennedy/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/northprismcreative/

Image Credits

Karina Kennedy: North Prism Creative