EP 135 - Breaking Into Commercial Photography with Kara Mercer
In this episode, I sat down with Kara Mercer, whose career has taken her from photographing weddings to working with tourism boards, hotels, designers, and brands all over the world. We talk about what it looked like to make the jump into commercial photography, how she built a career beyond weddings, and the realities of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and reinventing yourself as a creative along the way.
Meet Kara:
Kara Mercer is a commercial photographer and creative director specializing in interior, architectural, lifestyle, and travel photography. With over 17 years of experience behind the camera, she’s known for her refined editorial style, artful use of light, and ability to tell a story in a single frame.
She graduated with a Speech Pathology degree, but wedding photography led her around the world ultimately working for tourism boards worldwide and fashion campaigns before expanding her focus to commercial work. This experience informs her editorial eye and the emotional resonance that runs through her photography.
Kara is based in Seattle and regularly works in Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and beyond. Her work has been published worldwide in magazines such as House Beautiful, Arch Digest, Traditional Home, Dwell, and more.
Embracing Change and Diversity
Throughout our conversation, Cara emphasized the importance of diversity and embracing change. “I’ve always wanted the podcast to be very diverse,” she explained. Cara’s willingness to pivot from weddings to a broader scope of photography has allowed her to explore various niches in her career. By doing so, she has been able to work with a range of clients and projects, from stunning interior design shoots to expansive tourism campaigns.
The Power of Community
Cara believes deeply in the power of community and connection. “Connecting over education is so important,” she says. Her experiences highlight how vital it is to foster connections within the photography community, especially when exploring new niches like commercial work. Her move from Texas to Seattle was daunting, yet it spurred incredible personal and professional growth.
The Journey from Weddings to Commercial Work
For photographers considering a similar shift, Cara provides valuable insights into transitioning niches. She speaks candidly about the complexities of moving from a well-defined client base in weddings to the more competitive field of commercial photography. Cara advises asking the right questions and fostering connections within the industry as key steps to getting a foot in the door. Her background in sales has certainly given her an advantage when navigating the commercial space, as she adeptly translates those skills into booking larger-scale projects.
Cara’s Perspective on Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
Our discussion also ventured into the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurship - a topic relevant to many listeners. Cara shares her candid thoughts on balancing motherhood with running a successful business. It's clear from our conversation that Cara views her role as a mother as a source of motivation and inspiration, driving her creative processes and business decisions.
Favorite Highlights and Future Goals
When asked about her favorite projects, Cara reflects on her work with Visit Jordan, capturing the rich stories and vibrant hospitality of the Jordanian people. Looking ahead, Cara is excited about building a new business venture—a belt and bag company called Tallye, inspired by her love of fashion and desire to create alongside her father. This new endeavor signifies yet another exciting chapter in her multifaceted career.
Final Thoughts
Cara Mercer’s career is an inspiring example of the power of adaptability, community, and passion in the world of photography. Her journey from weddings to commercial and tourism work underscores the importance of embracing diverse experiences and continuously pushing creative boundaries.
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Connect with Kara:
Website: www.karamercer.com
Instagram: @_karamercer
Instagram: @kararmercer
