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

Alright, Karin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken is the one I’m currently in the middle of: moving from Germany to Los Angeles to rebuild my photography business from the ground up – this time in a completely new country.

My love for California began when I was 17, during a high school exchange year in Napa. A trip to LA back then lit something in me – the sun, the ocean, the creative energy – it just felt like home. Still, I spent years playing it safe. I worked as an event planner and pursued photography on the side until the pandemic hit and I lost my job. That moment gave me the courage to finally go all in. I built a thriving photography business in Germany, capturing weddings and portraits full of emotion and story.

But the dream of California never left. In 2024, my business partner and I made the decision to bring that dream to life. We founded Flowing Collective LLC – a creative business that brings together my photography, our new daylight studio (Unfolding Loft), and her event planning work. In early 2025, we officially launched the business in LA, started investing significant time and money, and began building everything from the ground up.

At the same time, we’re preparing our application for the E2 investor visa – a process that requires us to prove that our business is not only real but sustainable and impactful. It’s a huge leap of faith: we have to put everything in place before the visa is even approved, knowing there’s no guarantee. I’m currently in the process of relocating from Munich to Los Angeles, and splitting my time between both countries as we move through the legal and logistical steps.

This is, without a doubt, the boldest chapter of my life so far. It’s full of uncertainty, but also full of purpose. I know I’m building something meaningful – and that this is exactly where I’m meant to be.

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

I’m a wedding and portrait photographer with a deep love for honest connection, soft light, and storytelling that feels true. My work is all about capturing people as they are – emotions, in-between moments, the quiet magic that makes a memory last. I focus on weddings, couples, maternity, and family photography, and I recently opened a studio in Los Angeles called Unfolding Loft where I also offer portraits.

My journey into photography wasn’t linear. I started out in event planning and kept photography on the side for years – until the pandemic forced me to pause and ask what I really wanted. That’s when I finally said yes to the creative path that had always been calling me. Since then, I’ve built a successful photography business in Germany, photographed love stories all across Europe, and now I’m in the process of relocating to Los Angeles to build a new chapter.

Together with my business partner, I co-founded Flowing Collective LLC, which holds three branches: my photography brand, our light-filled studio (Unfolding Loft), and an event planning service. We’re currently working toward our E2 investor visa while building our presence in the U.S., and it’s been one of the boldest and most fulfilling journeys of my life so far.

What sets my work apart is how deeply I care. I bring empathy, calm energy, and emotional intuition to every shoot. I believe that being photographed should feel safe and empowering – especially for people who don’t usually feel comfortable in front of a camera. My clients often tell me they felt seen, held, and truly themselves in our time together. That’s what I’m most proud of.

Whether I’m documenting a wedding or a quiet portrait session, I aim to create space for real presence – and timeless imagery that reflects who someone truly is, not just how they look.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One thing many non-creatives don’t always understand is that choosing this path isn’t just a hobby – it’s a full-on commitment. Even when income is inconsistent, I can’t just take a “normal” 9-to-5 job on the side to feel safer financially. That kind of job would take up the time, energy, and creative space I need in order to grow my business. Building something sustainable as a creative requires being all-in – mentally, emotionally, and logistically. It’s a long game, and often an invisible one, but that doesn’t mean it’s not real work.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part is when someone sees a photo I took of them and actually sees themselves in it-like, really sees who they are in a way that feels honest and beautiful. It’s those moments of recognition that give the work meaning. I also deeply treasure the human connection that comes with photography. Being allowed into someone’s personal space, witnessing their story up close, and co-creating something meaningful together – that’s a privilege I never take for granted.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.karinbusch.com
• Instagram: karinbusch_photography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarinBuschPhotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-busch-photography/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@karinbuschphotography (videos in planning – none online yet)