Meet Kara Sperling

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

Hi Kara, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My perspective on work-life balance has undergone a significant shift over the years. Before becoming a mom in 2017, I was operating a thriving wedding and portrait photography business. I was constantly on the go, working around the clock, and honestly, I was burning myself out.

Having my three daughters in four years was a transformative experience. The intense morning sickness and postpartum depression I faced made it necessary for me to slow down and re-evaluate my priorities. I stopped shooting weddings altogether and focused on finding a more sustainable rhythm.

Motherhood forced me to create boundaries and prioritize. It also gave me a fresh perspective and renewed passion when I re-entered the photography world with a focus on brand photography.

Now, balance is about being fully present in both my work and family life. It’s about setting realistic goals, scheduling dedicated time for both, and not feeling guilty when I need to shift focus. Being a mom to three girls has amplified my desire to demonstrate that women can be successful entrepreneurs and financial contributors while also being devoted mothers. My husband and I share responsibilities at home, and I believe this modeling helps shape my daughters’ perceptions of working mothers.

Ultimately, work-life balance is an ongoing evolution. It requires constant adjustments and a willingness to adapt as life throws new challenges and joys my way.

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 art is all about empowering women entrepreneurs to shine. I specialize in brand photography that captures the essence of their businesses in Orange County and Los Angeles, California. My style is crisp, clean, and calm, yet vibrant and engaging. I aim to create visuals that not only elevate their brands but also tell their unique stories authentically.

What sets me apart is my ability to connect with my clients on a deeper level. I’m not just a headshot photographer; I’m there to understand their vision, their struggles, and their triumphs. This allows me to capture images that truly reflect their personalities and resonate with their target audience.

I’m incredibly proud of the community I’ve built around my brand. Seeing my clients succeed, knowing that my photography played a role in their journey, is incredibly fulfilling. I’m excited to continue expanding that community and empowering even more women to own their stories and achieve their dreams.

Getting to where I am today has been a journey filled with both incredible highs and some challenging lows. Starting my photography business at 18 while pursuing a graphic design degree was definitely a test of my resilience. I faced setbacks, learned some tough lessons about business, and definitely experienced moments of self-doubt.

But those challenges shaped me. They taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning. My graphic design background proved invaluable in building my brand and marketing my business.

Overcoming those obstacles has made me a stronger photographer and entrepreneur. I’ve learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and I’m passionate about sharing those lessons with other aspiring photographers and entrepreneurs.

I want the world to know that Sperling Photo Co. is more than just a photography business. It’s a platform for empowering women entrepreneurs and business owners, celebrating their strength, and helping them build brands that truly reflect their vision. I believe that when women support women, incredible things happen, and I’m dedicated to fostering that spirit within my community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, my best friend is in for a treat! Picture this: sunshine, laughter, and a whirlwind tour of my favorite SoCal haunts. Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on an adventure filled with creativity, delicious food, and a sprinkle of pixie dust!

Day 1: Orange County Coastal Charm

Morning: We’ll kick things off with a soul-soothing yoga session at Bootea Flow Yoga in Placentia. It’s my happy place – a cozy studio with the best vibes where everyone feels like family.

Late Morning: Next stop, Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach! We’ll fuel up with a dreamy plant-based breakfast at Malibu Farms, overlooking the sparkling harbor.

Afternoon: Get ready for some serious retail therapy! First, we’ll swoon over everything at Amber Interiors (Amber Lewis is my design idol!). Then, it’s on to Aesop for luxurious skincare that smells divine, and Stoney Clover Lane to personalize all the things! Of course, no trip to Lido is complete without a browse through Lido Books – the cutest little bookstore that always calls to my inner bookworm.

Late Afternoon: Time to set sail! We’ll rent a Duffy boat from Eboat Rentals in Lido and cruise around the harbor, soaking up the sunshine and California dreamin’.

Evening: Dinner at Skal Restaurant in Newport Beach for delicious plant-based pizza. (Their crust is to die for!) Then, we’ll catch a dazzling Broadway show at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. (Confession: I’m a total theater nerd!)

Day 2: Los Angeles Art & Culture

Morning: We’ll zip up to Los Angeles and dive headfirst into the vibrant Arts District. Think: colorful murals, inspiring galleries, and the coolest coffee shops. Since I minored in art history in college, this place always makes me feel right at home!

Mid-morning: Next, we’ll channel our inner art historians at the Getty Center. The art is incredible, the architecture is breathtaking, and the views? Forget about it!

Afternoon: Time for a matinee performance at the iconic Pantages Theatre! We’ll catch a captivating show and soak in the history of this beautiful venue.

Evening: To celebrate our cultural afternoon, we’ll head to the rooftop restaurant Lemon Grove LA for delicious food and city views. Or, if we’re craving Indian flavors, Bombay Beach is one of my favorites!

Day 3: Disneyland Dreams Come True

All Day: Hold onto your Mickey ears, because we’re going to Disneyland! As a Magic Key holder and Disney aficionado, I’ll be your guide to all things magical. We’ll conquer classic rides, be dazzled by spectacular shows, and treat ourselves to Dole Whips (obviously!). Get ready for Disney trivia galore, pin trading tips, and a visit to my secret haven – the Magic Key Terrace. But the highlight? Unleashing our inner artists at the Pixar Animation Academy. Seriously, I could spend hours there! We’ll grab lunch with a view at Lamplight Lounge in California Adventure, and then it’s dinner at the iconic Blue Bayou located within the Pirates of the Caribbean Ride. And if the kids are with us, we absolutely can’t miss the Character Breakfast at the Plaza Inn – it’s the best way to start a magical day!

Evening: The grand finale? Disneyland’s legendary fireworks show over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Pure magic!

This jam-packed itinerary is a perfect blend of my favorite things: art, good food, outdoor adventures, and a healthy dose of Disney magic. Get ready for an unforgettable few days!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my mentor, the late Dr. Laurry Bishop. I met him when I was just 17, eager to learn everything I could about photography. He was an award-winning photographer trained by the legendary Ansel Adams, and he generously took me under his wing.

Dr. Bishop not only taught me the technical aspects of photography but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for the art form. He encouraged me to constantly learn and evolve, emphasizing the importance of staying current with industry trends. He saw the impact that graphic design could have on a photography business, and he was the one who encouraged me to pursue my degree in that field while simultaneously seeking mentorship from successful working photographers. He believed that combining a strong design foundation with real-world industry knowledge would give me a unique edge, and he was absolutely right!

This invaluable advice led me to some incredible opportunities to learn from some of the best photographers in the world. His legacy lives on through me and the countless other photographers he inspired. I carry his lessons with me every day, and I strive to honor his memory by approaching my work with passion, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.

I also want to give a massive shoutout to my husband, Ken. He’s not just my biggest supporter; he’s my rock. We’ve been together since we were fifteen, so he’s seen it all – from those awkward early photoshoots to the chaos of raising our three girls. He’s the ultimate teammate, always there to support my dreams while rocking his own career in software. We both juggle a lot, and I love that we’re in it together. Couldn’t do it without you, Ken!

And of course, my three daughters! They are my constant inspiration and motivation. Everything I do is with them in mind, and I hope to show them that with passion, hard work, and perseverance, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

Also a huge shoutout to my amazing therapist (you know who you are!). Seriously, if you’re in the creative field, you need someone in your corner who gets it. She’s been my secret weapon for navigating the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. From tackling imposter syndrome to setting boundaries like a boss, she’s helped me find my inner strength and own my power. Thanks to her, I’m showing up as the best version of myself, both in business and in life!

Of course, there are so many other incredible people who deserve a shoutout—my parents, my lifelong best friend Christine, and all the incredible women and mentors who have lifted me up along the way. But hey, this isn’t an Oscar speech, so I’ll spare you the epic list! 😉

Website: www.sperlingphoto.co

Instagram: @sperlingphotoco and @sperlingphotoco_families

Image Credits
Kara Sperling, Sperling Photo Co, Reshma Sondagar, Spark Studios