Photographer Spotlight: Karyn Novakowski
We know you missed it, and it's baaaack. Say "hello, again" to The Photographer Spotlight, a recurring feature on the DFP Education Blog, where we chat with a member of the Documentary Family Photographers Community so we can get to know them better.
This month, we are chatting with Karyn Novakowski from Kin & Kid Photography. In her own words, Karyn "is a photographer who has mastered the art of ignoring housework so she can focus on documenting awesome families in Boston, Massachusetts. She thinks pancakes, olives, strawberries, and cottage cheese are an acceptable dinner." I mean, she has three kids so yes, yes. Hello kindred spirit! Karyn's story is super interesting and her talents are many. Enjoy!
Meet Karyn
A photographer in Massachusetts
How did you first begin your photography journey?
It wasn’t until college that I became interested in photography. At that time landscapes were my focus. My college friends and I would grab our cameras and drive for hours in Pennsylvania Amish country in the hopes of stumbling across a covered bridge or a historic barn to use as the backdrop for a portrait. Abandoned farm equipment, a horse-drawn buggy, and clothes drying on the clothesline were favorite subjects. But truth be told, my camera never left auto mode and all of my images were processed at the local drugstore. Nevertheless, I proudly framed and hung them in my apartment.
Aerial photographs have always held special value to me. In fact, I used them in both my undergraduate and graduate research in geology to track landscape changes over time. Back in the 1990s and early 2000s, my photography of salt marsh creeks, oyster beds, and beach profiles tended to be more scientific than artistic.
I had always wanted to take photography classes but didn’t start getting into manual mode until I was pregnant with my second child in 2016. I spent the majority of my maternity leave photographing my newborn, carrying him around the house to different types of light and settings.
What are some of the biggest obstacles you've had to overcome along the way, personally and professionally?
I see obstacles as opportunities. I know, I know, it sounds a little cheesy but I really believe that. Sure, it would be nice to have more money to buy equipment or more time to take classes but I don’t let those kinds of challenges keep me from my goals (I do realize that I am privileged to be able to say that). Honestly, I think the biggest obstacles are the mental constraints I place on myself. I absolutely go through periods of self-doubt and fear and then I remember why I pick up my camera. I pick it up for me – it’s my therapy, my way to process what I see in the world. It’s my way to get clarity and move forward with purpose
Whose work has influenced you most and why?
When I first saw Sally Mann’s images I couldn’t look away, there is something both relatable and thought provoking in her work. I had never seen children photographed so honestly in their joy and awkwardness and irritation and ennui. I moved from her family portraits to her landscapes where her connection to the land and history is something I relate to and aspire to include more of in my work. The dignity and reverence she has for both the people and landscapes she documents shines through in her work, and I respect that immensely.
What moments or things are you most drawn to while photographing families?
I’m really drawn to people in their environments – their homes, backyards, communities. I like to see how people interact with their space, their things, and each other.
Do you have a photography business?
Yes. I opened Kin & Kid Photography in late 2017. I take a limited number of clients for half and full day in the life sessions and 3-hour newborn sessions.
Do you do work as a photographer full or part-time?
My photography business is part-time. In my other career, I coordinate special projects in the school food department for a school district outside of Boston. I am a nature lover and foodie at heart and I get to bring my passion for the environment to school children by sourcing local foods for the school cafeteria, developing innovative entrees for the school lunch menu, and coordinating the school gardens. I love my job! I work with a great team of diverse people.
Do you photograph anything besides family documentary work as part of your business?
Yes! I really enjoy the full spectrum of photography and am open to considering all types of sessions. In addition to families, I photograph non-profit organizations, small businesses, and events. I’ve assisted at weddings, photographed a holiday tablescape inspired by feminist artist Judy Chicago, and documented a birth. It has been fun to stretch myself and try new things.
How do you continue to educate yourself as a photographer?
I love learning. If I could be a lifelong, full-time student I would do it! I like connecting with other photographers in educational settings, and to do that I take 1 or 2 classes each year. Most of my classes have been online, this past year I took a portfolio-building class through the Griffin Photography Museum that culminated in a group exhibition.
Portfolio reviews have been a great way to validate certain aspects of my work but they also help me to identify areas of growth. Getting feedback on a regular basis is very important to me.
I take on free work. This one might seem strange but if I want to learn something new, I’ll often reach out to a few people or businesses to test ideas. They don’t all pan out but I’ve made some great connections and, in some cases, discovered what I DON’T want to do.
What kind of gear do you use?
My main camera is a Nikon D750 and a 24mm 1.8 lens. Every once in a while I change up my lens and use a 50mm or a 35mm, but the 24mm is my favorite focal length. This year I got a Ricoh GRiii and I love it! I keep it in my purse along with a few extra batteries. It’s a great little camera. I’ve also been known to use an Olympus TG Tough which is a completely waterproof point and shoot that’s perfect for the beach. I also have an iPhone XR which I’ve been trying to use more often.
Karyn’s current personal favorite
Out of all of your images, which one is your current favorite and why?
My current favorite is a portrait of my daughter taken at the start of the pandemic (Mom Cut). As our part of the world began to enter lockdown in early March 2020, I realized that we wouldn’t be visiting a hair salon any time soon. My daughter asked me to trim her bangs as they were starting to poke her in the eye. Let’s just say it’s a good thing hair grows back. I took this portrait to document, not only the bangs but my daughter’s feelings about the haircut and as a reminder to myself that a hairstylist I am not!
What are your photography goals for the upcoming year?
My goals for 2021 center around personal work. In 2019 I got away from documenting my routines but 2020 allowed me to return to focusing on my family. In 2021, the goal is the same - document my days with my kids. A second goal is to take more photos of the adults in my family and get one good environmental portrait of them every year. When my mom passed away in December 2019, I was surprised at how hard it was to find a recent portrait of her. I’ve already warned the adults in my family that they MUST let me take their picture – no excuses. On the flip side, I need to get in the frame myself. I hired Rowena Meadows in 2019 and I was thrilled to see myself being a mom – kids all over me, running through a sprinkler with them, eating pizza while holding a naked toddler. Those photos gave me life! Maybe this year I’ll hand my phone off to my daughter or set up my camera on an interval timer. Another goal is to print more photos - albums and prints for my walls.
How has the pandemic affected your photography business?
The pandemic brought my business to a grinding halt. Even though I only take on a few clients each year, I miss connecting with those families. I hope to start back up again later this year.
What do you miss most about pre-pandemic life, and what do you promise not to take for granted when things get back to normal?
I miss traveling to see my family. I was fortunate enough to be able to see them multiple times a year. I won’t take that for granted anymore. I might even visit them more often.
SPEED ROUND
Where do you live? Arlington, MA (Boston suburb)
Where would you live if you could live anywhere? Right where I live. Maybe it sounds silly but I really do love it.
Your favorite photographer? Right now, I’m pretty obsessed with Rebecca Kiger, specifically her dance series.
Black and White or Color? Both.
Wine - Red or white? Red in the winter, white and rose in the summer.
Coffee or tea? Coffee in the morning, tea at night.
Favorite book? This Moose Belongs to Me by Oliver Jeffers – It’s a children’s book that is full of life lessons.
Favorite food? My grandmother’s spaghetti and meatballs.
Favorite band? Lake Street Dive
What is your spirit animal? Farm cat
One word to describe yourself? Sensitive
Do you eat raw cookie dough? Yep.
Baby Yoda? I know who Yoda is but Baby Yoda had me running to Google, so that’s a no.
What is the one essential thing in your photo bag, besides your camera? Bubble gum.
About the Author:
Hi, I'm Jana (like banana) and I'm the owner of Jana Bee Photography. I live in Los Angeles with my husband, daughter, two rescue cats and soon to be guinea pig if my daughter gets her way. Photography brings me to my flow state. It's been both expression and escape since my all-black wearing high school days. I'm super into nutrigenomics, biohacking, cooking, and sometimes thinking I want to live a nature-y life on a farmstead. I'm a breast cancer thriver, former yoga instructor and ADHD lifer. I always have like 27 tabs open on my computer, I used to play lead guitar in a band and I would gladly spend my whole life curled up with a book in the sunshine if I could. Pleased to meet you, lets grab coffee via zoom.