The first thing you notice when looking through Karen’s photos is that she does not hold back on the whimsical. Karen goes all-in on story, often putting herself in precarious positions and exaggerated poses in order to give the most entertaining story in her frame. The more you look at Karen’s submissions, however, the more stories are revealed, from everyday humor to love to life and everything in between. When you start to reverse engineer these stories, though, you can really see a true artist behind the camera. Karen uses careful composition, intentional focal length, and specific color relationships to make sure the message in each frame is given over cleanly without any distraction. A true masterpiece in storytelling. This week marks Karen’s 183rd frame!
-Yosef
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Name: Karen Brenneman
Current All-Time Streak: 183
Joined 52Frames: 2022 – Week 51
Your “walk-around” gear right now:
Nikon D810
(paid Amazon link)
The place you call home:
Middlebury, Indiana
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Your life in 30 words or less
Retired accountant ready to break free and have fun! I love family, food, art, nature, antiques, and my dog, Izzie. Bought my camera years ago with the idea of photographing scenery for oil painting inspiration. The oil painting is not happening (yet), but I am having some fun with the camera!
Can you share 2 images, one from your past, and one more recent, that show your evolution as a photographer?
What has been your favorite style of shooting lately?
I love all kinds of photography, it is hard to choose. What i love most is when my photo tells a story. I love trying to capture good lighting and emotion In my pictures.
What was the first photo you ever submitted to 52Frames?
How did you find out about 52Frames?
My sister, Lu Rohrer has been with 52 frames for many years and Lu encouraged me to participate
What submission are you most proud of and why?
I love this photo the most for 3 reasons:
1. It evokes emotion and relatability. Who wouldn’t enjoy an evening dancing with your partner on a beautiful beach?
2. We had a blast doing this! There were 3 young ladies on the beach watching us, laughing at me running back and forth from the tripod to Steve’s arms. They even took a video and said we were so ‘cute’! When you are old like us, we get to be ‘cute’! We made a wonderful memory making this image.
3. Finally, i was ecstatic to have 52 Frames select this as a top photo that week.
One tip you’d like to share?
Do not be discouraged and keep shooting! Do the challenges and have fun with it. Some challenges will not be your favorite but make the best of it and just do it! You will learn something and hopefully have fun. Don’t take yourself so seriously that you stress over the challenges, life is too short for that!
Why is 52Frames meaningful to you?
I love 52 Frames for the community of framers. Many have given true inspiration, critique and advice! The BTS are helpful and the comments are encouraging! I love also the weekly challenges that get me out with my camera…..no matter what!
To view Karen’s profile on 52Frames, click here:
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Congrats on being featured Karen! I so love seeing your work each week, and your humor is always such a positive moment when I’m going through the album!
Oh thank you so much! It is such an honor! I appreciate your kind comments and encouragement!
I have truly enjoyed your whimsical photos as said. You are not only a great photographer, but also a great story teller.
Thanks so very much Tony! I appreciate your kind comments!
Congratulations on your feature, Karen. Your photos make me very often laugh, and your poems are impressive in their precise descriptions of the situation in front and behind the camera. I’m a great fan!
And your bonus info about Lu: Aaah, THAT makes sense 🙂
Thanks so much Marianne! I appreciate your kind and encouraging comments! You know, it was Lu who also suggested that I wrote a little poem each week! I am honored and humbled to be featured. Thanks for your support!
Congratulations, Karen. I love the humor in your photos.
Thanks so much Linda! I try to add humor when I can and I’m so happy if I can make people smile! I appreciate your encouragement!
In your playful pursuit of truth in real life events, CONGRATULATIONS! You succeeded where few have ventured before.
Thanks so much for your kind and encouraging words! I always appreciate your comments!
Congratulations Karen! I’m a big fan of your photography as well as your poetry. You’re a true artist and an inspiration to us all.
Thanks so much Cristina! It is such an honor to be featured! I appreciate your kind words and encouragment!
Karen, you so very much deserve this feature! I look forward to seeing what you produce each week. You are a real story-teller!
Oh Denise thanks so much for your kind words! I am honored and humbled to be featured. Thank you for your consistent, kind and encouraging comments! It means so much to me!
Karen, every week your photo and poem are a joy and a surprise, and always fun! Thank you!
Karen—what an honor to be featured here and so well deserved. I loved reading your comments. You are a true inspiration to me. I look forward to seeing you work every week.