karen kuehn | p h o t o g r a p h y

There are downsides everywhere, but I'd like to focus on the upsides. If you have passion and drive you can make it anywhere. If photographers leave major cities for a rural lifestyle, then yes, the workload shifts, but one can adapt. I lived in New York City, and it's the greatest city to base out of for photography. Terrific volumes of work and creative directors are abundant in bigger pools of marketing.

How has your business or clientele changed in the last two to three years?

I have to work harder to have a visible presence in the photo community and advertising industry. I am also able to contribute more images for editioned prints to my gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, The Monroe Gallery, so my goals toward fine art are enhanced.

Do you market yourself to clients outside your area? If so, how?

Yes. At radical.media, Michael Ash and Matt Seminara represent me in New York, Sara Krueger in the Midwest and Stephanie Menuez Arge on the West Coast. I also try to be more personal by contacting some of my clients directly and doing personal marketing with promotion swag.

Who are the biggest clients in your area? What kind of work do they assign?

Rick Johnson & Company, Vaughn Wedeen Creative, Esparza Advertising, and McKee Wallwork Cleveland are just a few. Most work here is regional.

Is there a lot of local/national competition for jobs in your area?

Yes and no. New creatives come to town and tend to use talent they have worked with and bring in outside sources. You have to step out of the box and make yourself known as a valuable asset.

What advice would you give to any photographer thinking of moving into your area?

I'd say: It's not New York, but move to where you think your heart will grow. It can only reflect better energy into your jobs and artwork. I love my life, and it can only add to my work and image making.