Daily Inspiration: Meet Kara Zylstra

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Zylstra.  

Hi Kara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I had my first baby in 2009. I started taking photos of her, and friends started asking me to take photos of their babies & kids. Photography was a hobby for a few years that eventually turned into a business. I have been doing photography for almost 13 years now and am mostly self-taught. I have taken some online and in-person workshops on newborn posing and safety. I now specialize in newborns, maternity & family sessions as well as weddings, but I do shoot a little of everything. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. LoL. I have been doing this for a while and dealt with quite a few obstacles. The biggest challenge for me is the business side of things. As a creative person, I love learning my camera and figuring out lighting, posing, making sets, finding the space that will photograph the best, etc. Marketing, websites, and taxes are the biggest daily challenges for me. Another challenge I have dealt with is that I am from a small town that is overly saturated with photographers. I had to find a way to stand out. I also had to figure out marketing & get my name out there to other areas of Michigan. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am photographer and specialize in newborn, maternity & family sessions as well as weddings. I am known for posed newborn photos & sunset family sessions. I am most proud of having return clients. Clients coming back to me for their photos means so much to me, and I just love watching their families grow. 

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I see a more relaxed, candid look in sessions. We are moving away from things being superposed to just capturing your family just being together. 

Pricing:

• Family sessions $450
• Newborn sessions start at $400
• Maternity sessions start at $450
• Weddings start at $1700

Contact Info:

• Website: www.karazylstraphotography.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/karazylstraphotography
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/karazylstraphotography

Image Credits
Kara Zylstra Photography