In this episode of Kick Your Boots Off, I sit down with my friend and fellow creative Gabriel Ramirez — a Southern Oregon-based photographer with a big heart for community, storytelling, and the kind of creativity that doesn't come from being booked out 24/7. We chat about Gabe’s journey from shooting his first wedding (paid for with the 50mm lens he shot it on), to finding purpose in styled shoots, rest, and making his creative shoot ideas actually happen (like his now-featured Leon Bridges concert session — yes, really). Check it out here!

We also dig into:

• What “success” actually looks like for different creatives

• The real power of social media (when used intentionally)

• Building community in small towns

• Prioritizing diversity and representation in your portfolio

• Why being not fully booked can be the biggest creative blessing

This one goes out to the homies feeling stuck, craving inspiration, or just needing a reminder that you don’t have to hustle yourself into burnout to be successful!

Follow along with him on instagram : @gabrielramirez.photo

& Visit his website : https://www.gabrielramirezphotos.com

In this episode, Kari kicks her boots off with North Carolina-based photographer Meagan Forbes to dig into the layered, behind-the-scenes reality of building a sustainable photo business. They talk burnout and boundaries, trusting your gut when pricing your work, how their brands grow alongside them, and why the pressure to niche down can feel more like a trap than a strategy. There’s honest talk about the highs, the lows, and how film photography can bring you back to the heart of storytelling.

Whether you're in a pivot season, feeling spread thin, or just craving permission to do things your own way—this one’s for you.

Connect with Meagan on Instagram @meaganforbes and explore her work at meaganforbes.co 🍒

in this episode of kick your boots off, kari sits down with her assistant-turned-second-shooter carley (@carleyfilmz / @carleyhilberger) to unpack the slow (and sometimes chaotic) journey of becoming a “real” photographer. they talk about what it’s like charging friends, navigating client boundaries (texting vs. emailing, anyone?), and why professionalism sometimes feels like a weird costume we’re all forced to wear.

plus: carley shares what it’s been like second shooting under kari’s wing, how her art school background is shaping her work, and why there should be an actual handbook for second shooters everywhere.

whether you’re years into weddings or just leaving your “friend with a camera” era, this one’s for you.

🔗 follow kari at @karishootsfilm or visit karitellophoto.com
💌 podcast questions, feedback, or love notes? email me at [email protected]