Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kara Sperling. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Kara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
My photography journey began in high school, at the age of 15, with a hybrid film and digital photography class. That sparked a passion in me that’s only grown stronger over the years. What really accelerated my learning, though, was jumping right into the industry. I started assisting and second-shooting weddings while still in high school, which was like a trial by fire. The fast-paced environment of weddings and events forced me to learn quickly and adapt to different situations, which I loved.
I got some invaluable advice from a mentor when I was 17. He wisely suggested that instead of focusing solely on a traditional photography degree, I should learn from professionals who were currently thriving in the field. That advice completely shaped my approach. I invested heavily in workshops, online courses, and photography conferences like WPPI, learning from some of the best photographers in the world. Simultaneously, I pursued a degree in graphic design. I knew that technical photography skills were only part of the equation. I also needed to understand the business and design aspects of running a successful photography business, from marketing and branding to building a killer website.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. That combination of hands-on experience, mentorship, and formal education was crucial. By now, nearly 20 years later, things like camera settings and posing are second nature. They’re ingrained in my muscle memory, which frees me up to focus entirely on my clients. I can truly connect with them, understand their vision, and create a relaxed and enjoyable experience, which ultimately shines through in my work.
If I could offer my younger self some advice, it would be to trust my intuition and not feel pressured to follow the crowd. I spent too much time early on trying to do things the “right” way, instead of embracing my own unique style and approach. I wish I had leaned into what I truly loved – the relational aspect of photography – much sooner. I adore connecting with people, making them feel at ease, and capturing genuine moments. That focus on human connection is what makes my work special, and it’s something I wish I’d fully embraced from the start. But honestly, the journey, with all its twists and turns, is what made me the photographer I am today. The most essential skills, beyond the technical aspects, have been adaptability, communication, and a genuine passion for connecting with people. As for obstacles, early on it was definitely self-doubt. Overcoming that and truly believing in my abilities was a big hurdle, but it’s one that every creative faces at some point.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Kara, the founder and lead photographer at Sperling Photo Co., and I’m passionate about capturing the magic of life’s most memorable moments. While I also specialize in brand photography, today I want to talk about the energy and excitement of event photography, from intimate gatherings to large-scale productions. I photograph a wide range of events, from luxury children’s birthday parties to brand activations and corporate galas.
My journey into photography started in high school, but it was really my experience assisting and second-shooting weddings that ignited my passion for capturing live events. I thrived in the fast-paced, high-energy environment, learning to anticipate key moments, adapt to changing lighting, and capture the raw emotions of the day. I also pursued a degree in graphic design, which gave me a strong foundation in visual communication and an understanding of how imagery works in different contexts—essential tools for any photographer, especially those covering events.
What sets Sperling Photo Co. apart in the event photography world is my ability to capture not just the details, but the feeling. I believe that event photos should transport you back to that moment, allowing you to relive the joy, the excitement, and the atmosphere. I focus on capturing genuine interactions, candid expressions, and the overall energy of the event. I’m not just taking pictures; I’m preserving memories.
The problems I solve for my clients are diverse. For parents planning a lavish birthday party, I provide them with stunning images that capture the joy and wonder of their child’s special day. For brands hosting a product launch, I deliver professional photos that showcase their brand, their products, and the excitement surrounding the event. For corporate clients, I capture the key moments of conferences, galas, and other corporate events, providing them with images they can use for marketing, public relations, and internal communications.
One of our primary goals at Sperling Photo Co. is to make the entire process as easy and stress-free as possible for our clients. We understand that planning an event can be overwhelming, so we strive to take the photography aspect off their plate. From the initial consultation to the final delivery of images, we’re there every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. This dedication to exceptional service and capturing the true essence of each event is why we’ve been entrusted to photograph celebrity events, and why top event coordinators and luxury clients repeatedly recommend us as their go-to photographers. When you hire us, you can relax knowing that we’ll capture every aspect of your event, from the meticulously planned details to the spontaneous, unscripted moments that make it truly special. We’ll capture the vibe, the energy, and all those little moments in between that you might otherwise miss.
I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me to capture their most important moments. Knowing that my images will be cherished for years to come is incredibly rewarding. I’m also proud of my ability to adapt to different event environments and consistently deliver high-quality images, whether it’s a dimly lit ballroom or an outdoor festival.
The main thing I want potential clients to know about Sperling Photo Co. is that we’re more than just photographers; we’re memory makers. We understand the importance of capturing the essence of your event, and we’re dedicated to providing you with images that you’ll treasure for a lifetime. We believe that every event has a unique story to tell, and we’re here to help you tell yours.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely. At the heart of my creative journey is a deep desire to connect with people and make them feel seen, loved, and beautiful. This isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about creating lasting memories and building genuine relationships. I’m incredibly fortunate to work in an industry that allows me to do both.
I cherish the connections I’ve made with my clients over the years. Many of them have been with me for over a decade, and some have even become close friends. That’s incredibly special to me. It’s a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of building trust and rapport.
My mission is to create images that not only capture the beauty of a moment but also the emotions and the stories behind it. I want my clients to look at their photos and feel truly seen and understood. I want them to have something tangible that they can cherish for years to come, a reminder of the joy, the love, and the special moments in their lives. Ultimately, I want to use my skills and my passion to make a positive impact on the people I work with and to create something beautiful and lasting in the world.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
The biggest pivot in my life, both personally and professionally, came with motherhood. I’d always known I wanted to be a photographer. From the age of 15, I had a clear vision and was laser-focused on building my career. I was shooting weddings full-time by my mid-twenties, constantly pushing myself to achieve my goals. But then, at 27, I gave birth to my first daughter, and everything changed.
I had a tough pregnancy and an even tougher postpartum experience. Motherhood was incredibly challenging, and juggling the demands of a full-time wedding photography schedule with the needs of a newborn was burning me out. I was working long weekend days, often missing out on precious time with my daughter. I realized that wedding photography, which had once brought me so much joy, was no longer sustainable for me. It wasn’t fulfilling me, and it certainly wasn’t allowing me to be the mother I wanted to be.
So, I made the difficult decision to step back from my career to focus on my family. Over the next four years, I had two more daughters, and with my youngest, I experienced postpartum depression and anxiety. It was an incredibly challenging season that forced me to prioritize my mental health. I found an amazing therapist and started therapy, joined a yoga studio, and learned the importance of setting healthy boundaries.
Eventually, I felt the pull to return to photography. I missed the creative outlet, the connection with people, and the sense of purpose it gave me. But I knew I couldn’t just jump back into the same routine. I needed to redefine my career in a way that would align with my new priorities. I spent a lot of time reflecting on what I truly loved about photography and how I could create a business that would fit my lifestyle and allow me to be present for my children.
That period of reflection led to a complete rebrand. In August 2024, I relaunched my photography business as Sperling Photo Co., LLC, with a renewed focus and a clear vision. It was a rebirth, not just of my business, but of myself. It was a pivot born out of necessity, but it ultimately led me to a more fulfilling and sustainable path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sperlingphoto.co
- Instagram: @sperlingphotoco
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karasperling/
Image Credits
Kara Sperling, Sperling Photo Co, LLC, Reshma Sondagar