Last week, we spoke to fashion photographer and artist Karl M. Lee about his career, what personal and professional growth looks like, and what social media has meant for his brand.
Karl started his photography journey with nothing more than a passion for shooting exciting new images. He started out as a student of YouTube University, as he puts it, and just went from there.
“Learning is a time thing,” says Karl, when asked whether he might’ve done something differently, to which the simple reply is no. “Over time you earn the skills to appreciate your passion for a craft you love.”
Despite his modesty, Karl has come a long way to now be photographing everything from Beauty and Fashion projects for various reputed magazines to weddings, Sweet 16s, and similar types of events.
Karl also told us how important social media is to his brand. We hopped on to Instagram, where Karl is at the head of a 10k-strong following, and we were immediately struck by the powerful imagery of his work. A quick look through Karl’s portfolio will indicate he is not a point-and-shoot type of photographer, but a true artist. Each shot is laced with such wonderful tonality and suggestions that it’s no easy feat to forget them. Everything from the color palette (which is bold, yet paradoxically understated), to the poses of his models, proves a vision that is both exciting and vintage chic at once.
When we asked Karl what his biggest achievement was, he replied with a smile, “I think that part’s still being written.”
However, he did go on to explain he is in a far more comfortable place in his work than he was when he first started out, and that, to him, makes it all worthwhile.
“I would say my biggest accomplishment is being comfortable with my work to where I can enjoy it. Meaning for a long time I would cry myself to sleep hoping to one day be like my idol, Lindsay Alder. She has taught me a lot, and I’m so honored to say that because her teaching has changed my photography life for sure.”
But Karl seems to have worked out a pretty solid routine and pattern for himself. When he’s editing, you’ll typically find him listening to house DJ Black Coffee to soothe his flow. Karl’s constantly learning and working to become better. He confided he wishes he would’ve learned Lightning sooner, as that would’ve helped him a lot in his work, but overall, is comfortable with the learning process.
“To be good is all I hope for in my work, never to be the Best, because I know what that looks like in this realm of photography.”
He thanks God, as well as his friend and mentor Rallo Cross, who introduced him to Photoshop because he knows the importance of remaining grateful and humble in your journey. Currently, Karl is working on shooting the next hottest images, and growing as an artist.
