We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karina Morales-Jackola a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Karina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on was a Free Session Sunday we hosted at the Downtown Arlington Library with our beautiful friend Rayna. The whole idea behind Free Session Sundays was to offer our clients a complimentary session while also giving us space to expand our portfolio and create fresh marketing content from those shoots. It was a way to keep our creativity flowing, try new ideas, and connect with people who might not have booked otherwise.
The session with Rayna really stands out to me because it captured the heart of what we were trying to do, creating an experience that was relaxed, genuine, and fun! There wasn’t a big production or pressure for perfection, it was just about documenting someone’s personality authentically. That promo ended up leading to one of my most meaningful connections with the super talented Rita Vicari, who discovered my work through that session and later became one of my amazing clients (and the person who nominated me for this interview).
That project reminded me that when you lead with intention, blending creativity with strategy, the right opportunities tend to find you. It’s one of those full-circle moments that makes you stop and think, “Wow… that one small idea really opened doors I never expected”.

Karina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi! I’m Karina, the photographer and creative behind Karina Jackola Photography, based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. My approach is all about capturing people in their most authentic light, the real, in-between moments that often mean the most. I offer a variety of photography services, from weddings and family sessions to branding and events, but what ties it all together is a focus on storytelling and connection.
I got into photography because I fell in love with the way a single photo can hold emotion, not just how something looked, but how it felt. Over time, that passion grew into a business rooted in warmth, intention, and creativity. I wanted to build something that didn’t just take beautiful pictures, but created an experience where my clients feel seen, comfortable, and celebrated.
What I think sets my brand apart is the balance between professionalism and heart. I take my craft seriously, but I always want sessions to feel effortless and fun. Whether it’s a quiet family moment, a chaotic dance floor, or a brand story unfolding in real time, I aim to document it in a way that feels timeless and true to the people in front of my lens.
I’m proud of how my business has evolved, especially how it’s connected me to so many amazing people and stories. At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to create photographs that make people feel something every time they look back.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a photographer is knowing that I get to freeze moments people don’t even realize they’ll treasure later. It’s the tiny in-between moments, the way someone laughs, the way a kid looks at their mom, the way two people hold onto each other without thinking about it. Being able to document those emotions and turn them into something they can hold onto forever… that’s what fuels my creativity.
I love seeing people relax into themselves during a session, especially the ones who start off telling me, ‘I’m awkward’ or ‘I never look good in pictures.’ Watching them slowly open up, feel safe, and see themselves in a new way, that’s the magic for me.
Photography has introduced me to so many beautiful humans and stories that I never would’ve crossed paths with otherwise. The connections, the trust, the vulnerability people share with me… that’s the part that keeps me inspired every single day.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for my business has honestly been a mix of social media and genuine word-of-mouth. I share a lot of behind-the-scenes moments and real client stories online, and I think people connect with the authenticity of it. It feels less like ‘posing for pictures’ and more like being part of something meaningful and that attracts the right people.
But my strongest growth has come from relationships. Clients referring their cousins, sisters, coworkers… people sharing their galleries, tagging me, or telling someone about how comfortable they felt during their session. That kind of organic connection has been the foundation of my business.
Some of my biggest opportunities have come from one session leading to another, like our free promotional shoot with Rayna that eventually connected me with Rita. Moments like that remind me that when you show up intentionally, both creatively and professionally, the right clients naturally find their way to you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.karinajackola.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karinajackola/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563150961161