Karen Dell, Unraveled | An Interview

Karen Dell is a photographer living in Beamsville Ontario. She runs Twintage Photography with her twin sister Lisa. She can be found leading her family on adventures, while constantly being on the hunt for interesting light. What we love most about Karen is her ability to make everyday moments look magical. Her use of harsh and direct light is inspiring and draws you into these beautifully simple moments which she captures. Whether it’s her daughter sitting on the counter, a child glancing out the window, someone prancing through dusty light, or the first stretch of the morning captured from bed — Karen has the ability to document the ordinary and make it look extraordinary.

For more inspiration from Karen:

Instagram | Website

You can now learn from Karen inside the Academy.

Her lesson is titled, “Seeing Your Home In A New Light.”

Here is Karen, Unraveled…

What inspires your art?

My children are my biggest inspiration, they will forever be my muse. Even when I’m old and grey, I can’t get enough of their mannerisms and big personalities. I’m also inspired by movies, and TV shows, I love watching the way the actors are lit up on screen. 

What do you shoot with? Camera body and favorite lens?

I keep things very simple and shoot with my trusty Nikon D750 and Sigma 50 & 35mm ART lenses.

What other ways do you express your creativity?

Creating art with my kids, finding inspiration in nature, and a very amateur love for home design. 

How do you de-stress at the end of the day?

Netflix shows with my hubby and a big bowl of popcorn. :)

What kind of music do you listen to while editing?

Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Andy Shauf, and usually whatever my record loving husband is playing in the background. 

What is your favorite book?

I have a hard time picking favourites! Currently I’m reading and loving “All The Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr

Name one movie that inspires you.

Any Wes Anderson movie

How do you handle self-doubt or creative slumps? 

I’ve stepped back a lot from social media this past year, find the majority of my own self-doubt stems from comparing myself to others.

Forcing myself to go shoot when I’m in a slump, the best way for me to push through a slump is to create something new. Also, talking to my hubby if I feel like throwing in the towel and giving up, he’s been a huge supporter from day one.

What has been the most difficult part of your creative journey?

Comparing my work to others and feeling like I should be further along in my creative journey than I am. Trying to remind myself that creativity is a process not a race and to embrace the path I’m on.

Who is one of your favorite photographers?

Such a hard question as there are so many, so I’m going to pick two: Summer Murdock and Emmy Lou Virginia, their work always stops me in my tracks!