Meet Paula Kramer | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paula Kramer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paula, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
There are so many things that go into professional photography behind the scenes. From scouting locations constantly (making sure the road to your favorite secluded location isn’t closed the week of your shoot, finding the perfect backdrop for the mama that wants her photos taken in the wildflowers, and knowing where the sunlight will be when you get to the location your clients have their hearts set on) to the oh-so-fun bookkeeping to backing up images and extensive editing, professional photographers do so much more than “button pushing”. Clicking the button on the camera is only a small part of the process to make beautiful images into lasting art. Sometimes I hear “your camera takes great photos”, and all I can do is laugh to myself because while it certainly helps to have amazing gear, I know I’m the one making all of the magic happen.

This is important to know, especially because we often hear clients that are looking for someone who won’t charge “an arm and a leg” for their photos. I truly believe if people knew how much time and effort went into our work they’d also appreciate the price associated with this kind of irreplaceable product!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My path to photography seems to be different than most other photographers because I was thrown into it and later fell in love. I felt like photography had a crush on me there for a while, and although flattered, I was in love with graphic design. When I realized the possibilities that photography offers and how I can combine it with design to make even more creative images, I totally gave in and now we are inseparable!

I did have a fling with photography in high school when I entered a state competition to get back at my ex-boyfriend who had recently dumped me for another girl. He had won first place every year until then. That year I took first and he took second. Petty, I know. Still makes me happy!

I didn’t think of it again until I was needed to photograph an event last minute while I was a Marine. Then I began to like the idea. I graduated from the Art Institute of Colorado with degrees in photography, graphic design and business and interned at Bloom Portraits in LoDo until I began my own business in 2013.

That mix of graphic design with my photography is what I think sets my art apart from most of the other artists in my area. I like to be different, so I get especially excited when I have ideas I’ve never seen before. I often do model calls a few times a month for new ideas!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Midway – halfway between Pueblo and Colorado Springs, so it’s both great and terrible. No one delivers food to us, and even the closest gas station is about twelve miles away, but it is like having two cities to choose from when you want something to do.

Lake Pueblo State Park is gorgeous and huge with so much to do. Colorado Springs has endless options. We love to have breakfast at Border Burger Bar, eat at Denver Biscuit Co, and I love my golden eagle chai from Dutch Bros. We often venture further out to places like Bishop Castle, Cave of the Winds and Pikes Peak when we really want to have some fun.

But honestly, a lot of our “down” time is spent at home because we also own Patriot Ranch, a rescue ranch for animals that have ended up homeless. We have alpacas, sheep, goats, rabbits, ducks, pigs, chickens, turkeys and more. We give tours and the love and laughter – and poop – is endless.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I was thrown, quite literally, into photography when I was told to photograph the Marine Corps Marathon one October morning as a young Lance Corporal in 2007. I was handed a camera I barely knew to use and rushed out the door. The Marine Corps taught me a lot of lessons – you know, other than the hard work and adaptability stuff – and it showed me what and who I did and did not want to be. I was later given more training in photography by the Marine Corps and many more opportunities such as events at the pentagon as well. My actual MOS (or job title) was graphic artist while I was busy taking and editing photos, and I realized just how much the two industries really go hand in hand with each other. Today, I use the training and degrees that I have in both to create extra special artwork thanks to some fateful moments and opportunities given to me by the Marine Corps.

Also, coffee. Caffeine deserves some credit here, too!

Website: www.paulakramerart.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/paulakramerart

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PaulaKramerArt

Other: www.tiktok.com/@paulakramerart

Image Credits
Paula L Kramer