You’re in Luck! You get to start off the week with an awesome interview with Kari!!
Name: Kari Coon aka Mrs Little Monsters
Location: Genesee Township, MI (Blink and you’ve missed it)
How did you get into Photography?
I have always loved it, starting when I was a kid. I always wanted to be either a Las Vegas showgirl or a photographer. You kind of have to be hot and 6 feet tall to be a showgirl so I chose Plan B.
How would you describe your Style in 3 words:
Easy, breezy, beautiful……I always wanted to say that. I would say fun, happy, and bouncy. I try to get one jumping shot at every session.
Your favorite Subject to Photograph:
Kids, especially babies 6 months to 11 months. I also love love love tweens. I love their angst (’I hate you all’ is my tween’s battle cry), their lightning quick texting created ambidexterity and their unfailing love for all things Zac Gefron.
When you need to get inspired what do you do?
I watch movies. I look at the scenes like stills and I try to take inspiration from the sets, costumes and even the plot. This works well if I watch something like Splendor in the Grass, not so much for something like Harold and Kumar go to White Castle.
Favorite Website(s) to waste time on:
MySpace and ILP
Favorite Photoshop Tool or tip:
Using the arrows to nudge the layer….love that. I used to get so frustrated trying to line things up. No more.
Do you think you’re just a teeny bit cooler than most people because you have some awesome illustrated friends? (Admit it, you know you do)
Absolutely.
What’s on your photo equipment wish list?
I really want a new camera but I am currently debt free and intending to ride my Canon 30D until the legs fall off. If I win the lottery…..a Nikon D3. If a long lost relative kicks the bucket and I just get a few bucks..a Canon 40D.
How do you keep your photography fresh and not feel like you are doing the same shots, different kids?
I try to treat every kid like they are the first ones I have ever taken to that location or put on that drop. The only way to do that is to get to know them a bit. I always start out just talking or coloring. Eventually they begin to like me a little and want to work with me-except one child he really did not like me at all-I have a feeling his parents were audited and the IRS agent looked like me–and then I just let them be kids. I play Joe Scruggs music, that is a perfect icebreaker.
What made you choose the name Little monsters? (I love it by the way)
I have been a parent for 10 years and since my first child, HB was born I called her my little monster. I think I may have used that more than her own name. Then my son was born and I discovered what a little monster really was. 
So it was fitting for me and my crazy family.
Are you related to Marnee or Jeff? I am in Michigan and years ago worked with them (non-photography stuff). Anyway - I know they were in Grand Blanc, Flint area.
Nope, not as far as I know. My husband’s family is pretty ginormous though and there is a good chance they may have been involved in the creation of either Jeff or Marnee.
What would you say is your greatest asset??
I would love to say my hotness. LOL I would have to say my sense of humor or the fact that I can become invisible…… when I go out with my much hotter and younger sister.
Can I borrow your “Top Things You Need to Know About Me” idea? Just the idea. It’s just the coolest about me page I’ve ever seen!
Heck yeah, I stole it from David Letterman.
Can you tell us more about your “rumble with a ferret”?
My sister is Jack Hanna’s love child and always has a menagerie of creatures at her home, so one day I stopped in for a visit and attempted to feed her ferret aka wolverine a treat. He mistook me for a pork chop and took a chunk out of my hand. I was bleeding really badly but rather than attend to my wound I chased the hideous beast around her kitchen for a full minute screaming things my mother doesn’t know I say. Round 1 Ferocious Ferret.
Do clients or random people ever comment on your apparent knack for humour, as it is so wonderfully displayed on your site?
Yes, some people think I am a bit loopy but every response has been positive.
Does George Clooney still run a close second for your passion? Has someone or something new taken his place?
I still heart George but I have been eyeing Gerard Butler. Yummy.
What prompted the active military, law and firefighters pricing on your site. Have you had many comments about the generosity you offer to those who keep us safe?
My Dad is a retired cop and my cousin was killed in Iraq in 2005, so this discount means a lot to me. The most important people in this country soldiers, cops, firemen, teachers, are not paid or treated as well as they should be. I recently added teachers to the mix, 2 of my sisters are teachers and work extremely hard so I want to honor them as well.
What is your “Best” purchase to date…and why do you feel it is your best?
Photocart. It has simplified my online ordering, my sales are up and it is indispensable to me.
If you could give one business tip to those who are JSO, what would it be?
Don’t rush the process of starting your business, get your plan in place and follow it. You will succeed if you make a sound business plan and follow it.
If you could give one technical to those who are JSO, what would it be?
I live by my histogram, learn how to read yours. It will make all the difference in your exposure. My post processing time is only 1 hour for a full session because my sooc shots are well exposed.
After an overwhelming day, what do you do to relax?
I like to sit on my kids trampoline and let them jump on me and around me. It makes me laugh every time, and laughter is a tension reducer for me. I also like to say “Serenity now” over and over again.
Where did you find the fun music? My kids are giggling listening to it right now
I was very blessed to get permission from Joe Scruggs (www.hellojoe.com) management company. He is an amazing artist and my kids love his music. I also recently procured a fun song from Paul Kelly. (www.walkingoliver.com)
If you were to sum up an ‘average’ day in the life of Kari in 5 words, what would those words be?
Prozac, Zoloft, Xanax, caffeine and sugar…………just kidding. I would say busy, happy, laughter, love and monsters.
What book have you read that you think has been the most helpful to your development as a photographer?
I have a Life hardcover The100 Photographs That Changed the World…that is an amazingly inspirational book.
Does she use a tripod or handheld, cause her photos are so sharp?
I never use a tripod because I am not fast enough adjusting it. I use prime lenses, specifically the 50mm 1.4 in studio and 85mm 1.8 outdoors.
My biggest issue is balancing family,shoots and editing. How do YOU do it???
This is a great question, I really keep my sessions to a reasonable number, I recently cut back to 2-3 per week because it was really interfering with my family. I only spend 4 hours average per session from start to finish, I create a proofing action (using Kylie’s Sunshine in my Hand as the first step LOL) and I batch the session. I do fully edit all my proofs but my style is for the most part pretty natural. I am also fluff-free, all of my information packets are digital, so that saves me a ton of time. The important thing is to balance you life, if I have to work for two hours, afterwards I watch a movie with my kids or spend time with my husband. No one complains if I have to work if they are also getting time with me.
THANK YOU Kari for taking the time out to answer questions and hang with us! You’re an inspiration to ME to remain authentic and have fun with our “job” of being a photographer!
Those of you whose questions Kari picked to answer, email me at info@phaunt.com and I’ll send you your gift certificate!
