Baby Boomers Blooming!

Every time I go out to cover stories for my blog, I meet amazing women over 50 doing what they love.  Recently, when I went to the Neiman Marcus runway show on Fashion’s Night Out, I met Jamie Karutz, a 52-year old professional photographer who was behind me in the photographer’s box at the end of the runway.
Jamie Karutz
Just click on the link under her picture and you can see how creative and talented Jamie is with her photography.  Now, for an up close and personal meet the lady behind the lense.
        Pam:  Give us the basics…    
            Jamie Couch
Karutz, age 52, married for 17 years, stepmother to one adult stepson;
step-grandmother to a 4-year-old girl and 3-year-old triplets (one boy, two
girls).
 Pam:   When
did you first fall in love with photography and why?
           
            I fell in
love with photography in my early 20’s when I took my first trip to Europe. I
went to Greece by myself without an itinerary, relying on Harvard Student
Services’ Go Guide to Greece. I took with me a Pentax K1000 with a zoom lens
and I shot everything in sight. It was exhilarating. The photos are still some
of my favorites.
Pam:   What
are the challenges of being a photographer and the
joys?
            The biggest
challenge for me is finding new projects that are both creatively stimulating
and profitable. The biggest joy is finding a project that is both creatively
stimulating and profitable!
            Also, I
enjoy the variety of new and interesting people and experiences I encounter
through my photography work. And I like the combination of physicality,
technical proficiency and creativity required to be a photographer. It’s a
challenge and a thrill to capture a terrific image.
          
Pam:   What
are your favorite things or people to photograph?
            In addition
to fashion and runway photography, I also enjoy photographing people- adults
and kids- doing all sorts of things. I like to capture their expressions, body
movements, actions and interactions.
            And I enjoy
food photography. With food, I can slow down and look more carefully at the
lighting, details, angles, etc., and, I hope, compose something beautiful and
new.




Pam:   Can
you tell me story of a photo shoot that was unique or
memorable?
            I’ve had
many unique and memorable photo shoots- that’s why I do them! A long-term project
that was particularly rewarding was a self-assignment where, for two years, I
followed a high school class of special needs kids. I photographed their
classes, field trips, Special Olympics events and even graduation. I became
very close to the kids, their teachers and their families, and I learned a lot
about the joys and hardships of their lives
.
Pam:  What
advice do you have for middle aged women who are now ready to pursue their
dream occupation in the second half of life?  Is it possible?
            Go for it! Really,
it’s about time if you haven’t already done so. I have to believe it’s possible
for everyone because I don’t think we’re meant to go through life without
something meaningful to do. The only advice I can give is to be honest with
yourself, believe in yourself, work hard for what you know is right, and never
give up. 
I hope anyone in the San Antonio area in need of a photographer will give Jamie a call!!  She is inspirational.

Now, “Go For It” and Have a Wonderful Tuesday!!

5 Comments

  1. You are a fabulous interviewer Pam (you probably knew that : > ) Jamie is gorgeous and her work is indeed inspiring. Thanks for this.

  2. She's as pretty as a photo herself! Her kids are going to be so thrilled that she is going to capture amazing photos of her grandchildren for them. xo

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