– Meet Kara Evans! –
Hello lovely! I’m Kara Evans, a natural-light wedding and family photographer located in Bourbonnais, Illinois! I’m in love with… My husband and high school sweetheart Kyle, our rescue pup #georgieannevans [give me ALL the snuggle time], time and laughter with family and friends, popcorn, mustard yellow, shopping, the number seven, baking, home decor, and reading sappy books.
I am a hugger and will squeeze you when I meet you, greet you, and say goodbye – you should just expect that from me! Oh, and I LOVE to talk! I am passionate about marriage and being a wife, and my husband is my #1 supporter. Marriage has been one of the biggest challenges and blessings in my life, and I want to share it with others.
In 2013, I started my business out of my cramped college dorm room with no idea where things would go… Since then, I was fortunate enough to take my wedding and family photography business full-time in 2015! Now, on a typical workday you’ll find me working from my pink desk chair (of course!), most likely in yoga pants, and with a snuggly little puppy on my lap! That’s #karabehindthescenes for ya!
I am in LOVE with love… I’m a major sap, and I just own it because what else can you do?! I cry happy tears with each wedding day that I photograph, and there is just something entirely sweet about photographing a family interacting, laughing, and being themselves. I never would have guessed that this would be my job and my joy – my avenue of serving others, but I wouldn’t change this crazy, challenging, fulfilling journey for anything!
And before you go… You should also know that I seriously LOVE cake (all the cake basically, but German Chocolate is my #1 favorite)!
If you like the way I see, I would sincerely love to hear from you!
– Q+A WITH KARA EVANS –
What inspires you?
My husband inspires me… He is my rock, my supporter, and my love. I am constantly encouraged by him! Building relationships as an entrepreneur also intensely fuel my fire and push me to be better while serving others through my work. And even more, my faith keeps me going throughout this journey and teaches me more about my God-given talents than I could have imagined.
Are you a self-taught photographer?
For the most part, yes! I have taken one college class and attended a few conferences, but I continually learn from the photography community around me – reading (lots of reading!), observing, watching videos, and shooting. Photographing love and life push me to learn more each and every time I pick up my camera. Outside of photography, I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Rhetorical Studies.
When is your favorite time to photograph?
I love shooting in the warm, golden, and glowing light of a summer sunset. There is something about the gorgeous sunset light that makes me feel so fulfilled and faithful in creating. But don’t get me wrong, I LOVE a snowy session, capturing the blooming colors of spring, and the warm oranges and reds of fall. Every season brings me happiness as another season to photograph.
Do you specialize in a certain area of photography?
Yes! I specialize in wedding and family photography.
What is your favorite tool as a photographer?
Lightroom CC and a task timer. I love the streamlined, less stress workflow that Lightroom allows me to have, and my task timer keeps me on track!
What is your go-to lens?
It’s true, my 85mm f/1.4 wins! I use this lens pretty much 85% of the time, and I’ve been hooked ever since I picked it up for the first time. It allows such a natural, real perspective. A little while ago, my answer would have been my 50mm f/1.4, but that all changed when I met the dreamy 85mm. YES… I’m a prime lens kinda gal!
What makes your work most personal to you?
The relationships. My work is all about relationships. Creating them. Maintaining them. Documenting them. These relationships are so personal and valuable to me. My clients are my people – trusting me to photograph their natural, true relationships and to tell their stories… It doesn’t get much more personal than that.
