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About Karmen Meyer Photography

Hello, my name is Karmen Meyer. I am a wife, a friend, a daughter, a big sister and a photographer..... and, the truth is, I am also a bit long-winded so this could get a little bit lengthy!! I have grown up around cameras, it was basically inevitable that I should fall in love with photography. My mother is a great photographer who has always encouraged me to bring a camera wherever I go. And, it seemed the farther I went, the more I loved my camera. I was as far as South America when I realized that I really wanted to pursue photography as a career; not just as a way of documenting my travels. Immediately I decided to attend the Photographic Technology Program at NAIT. Since graduating, I have learned so much and have been able to branch out and use photography to express so much more. I love capturing what is real; the pureness of capturing real emotion in a photograph is stunning. It is about capturing the moment that says it all.

Archive: ‘About ME {Karmen Meyer}’



Africa Journal {WE HAVE FAITH CARAVAN} Day 1-3 | Edmonton & International Photographer

Monday, February 6th, 2012

Hello to the most patient followers EVER!  Yes, it has been nearly two months since I came home from Africa and I have hardly shared anything here on the old blog.  Many of you have been asking about my trip and I have been promising posts.  Being really unsure about how to share this unbelievable experience, I have decided to share my day-to-day(ish) journal.  To be honest something exciting didn’t happen every day but it is the only way I have managed to break-down 6 weeks of amazing people, concerts, cities, countries.  I honestly can’t wait to get going; I haven’t read these journal entries myself yet, so I am actually really looking forward to looking back and sharing this journey with you!  So here we go…

 

DAY 1- November 2
GOOD MORNING KENYA!
I have been awoken by the sounds of roosters, followed by the barking of dogs and then a plethora of sounds I have never heard before! Eeeek, I LOVE it. I cannot wait to get out there today and do a little exploring.
We arrived at the Mennonite Guesthouse, in Kenya, late last night after way to many hours on planes and in airports. I kid you not, my butt is STILL sore!  So far everyone we have met has been very kind, including the two superstar Kenyan drivers, Allan & Joseph, who we traded Canada/Kenya info with on the late night drive to the Guesthouse.
And wow, the Guesthouse looks gorgeous, well at night anyway (the sun is up now but I haven’t ventured outside yet).  It was so amazing to be able to walk around, shower and climb into a clean bed after more then 24 hours in transit. Although, I must admit that there was a small moment of panic as a teeny bit of water got in my mouth while showering, haha ya, I am a little paranoid.  And since there was no one here to show us around the guesthouse at night, I haven’t had any water and am so thirsty. I guess it will have to wait until breakfast.
Well, some guy in a blue shirt is ringing a bell, which I can only assume means breakfast and (hopefully) safe water. So I am outta here!

Day 2- November 3
Well our gorgeous, care-free Africa days ended about an hour after I wrote that last journal entry.  We were picked up yesterday by Stephan, a wonderfully awesome guy from the CRWRC office here in Kenya, to go for our security briefing (due to the bombings that happened just before we arrived) and be dropped off at a university & hotel for the African Youth Conference for Climate Change.
After an inspiring afternoon of listening to Stephan and Fred (another CRWRC member), we were feeling pumped about telling the story of the We Have Faith Caravan……. And then, the jet lag began to kick in and we were dropped of at a not-so-secure, not-so-clean, body-odour filled hotel & conference centre. Though we had moments of good spirits, things were suddenly not looking so bright. The bathroom was a breeding ground for mosquitoes, we had to Jerry-rig a pad-lock on the cupboard for a sense of security, and to top it off Ruth and I shared an uncomfortable night in a single bed since her mosquito net had holes in it. Needless to say not much sleep was had.
Yes, our adventure has officially begun. And after talking to the very ‘care-free’ leader/organizers of the caravan we are thinking it is definitely not the end.
Bring it on.

Day#3- November 4
I am happy to say that after a good nights rest, and meeting many people from the caravan I am again super excited. I am overwhelmed with all the information I have received, and by the stories and passion of both locals and foreigners participating in the caravan. I haven’t yet processed how to best tell these stories, but will just continue shooting in hopes that it will simply reveal itself.
Outside of the ‘photography’ side of things, we have FINALLY found out more about the actual caravan! We will be traveling in 6 trucks (each seating 28 people) and camping along the way. Yup, camping. Although totally awesome, I am totally unprepared!
The countries we will be traveling through are Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Malawi, Zambia & South Africa. There will be days we get up, take down our tents and jump on the truck before sunrise and get in to camp long after sunset. That is a looong time for this girl to plopped in a truck, but it will be totally worth it!
Well I think I am going to leave it at that, since my mind is quite literally about to crash.  Jet-lag is something else today, need a nap.

 

Whew!  Well that is a start.  It is becoming clear to me that this is going to make me look like I was on some sort of emotional roller coaster ride, but I promise it was just the jet-lag talking!  It gets better (I hope)…… Yikes, also I just want you to know that I am not really editing these posts, I really want to share what I was actually feeling and experiencing, the good and the bad, SORRY!  And to help this along I must, of course, include some pictures!!!  ENJOY!!

Truly,
Karmen

 

Ruth unpacking in our room and our super high security protecting thousands of dollars worth of camera and video equipment….

While this was certainly NOT the worst bathroom we encountered on our trip, the standing water on the floor and in the toilet which served as a mosquito breeding ground in our very own room was a bit of an inconvenience.  Another fun tid-bit about this specific bathroom is that we were having to take those freezing cold, take you breath away kind of showers.  We later found out that everyone else was taking steamy, hot showers; our room was the exception… sigh.

I promised my Mama I would try to take some photos of myself in Africa too! p.s.  How can one person be so pasty??

Much needed TEA TIME, between sessions at the African Youth Conference on Climate Change.

Ruth and I found a little time for a nature walk on the university campus.  Yup, on the campus alone we saw a variety of birds, bugs, warthogs, and monkeys!!!!  Also, you can picture me making a total fool of myself chasing the monkeys all over campus… turns out they are a little camera shy.

And what would an African Youth Conference be without a good ol’ dance off! So Fun!

Thanks so much for stopping by and definitely let me know if you have any questions!!!  Hope you come back for more, this is just the beginning.

© Karmen Meyer Photography 2012. All images are property of Karmen Meyer.

kmeyerphotography.com….. kmeyerphotography.com/blog….. Twitter.com/KarmenMeyer

*if you would like to know more about my products and packages feel free to send an email to karmen@kmeyerphotography.com

What’s To Come {AFRICA} | Edmonton & International Photographer

Sunday, February 5th, 2012

I am working on a bunch of blog posts from my trip to Africa!!    The first one should be up tomorrow, but in the meantime you should check out this fantastic video from the super talented, all-round rad guy and 1/3 of our little media team, Ryan Geleynse.  It is so beautiful and brings back so many amazing memories.
Consider it a preview of everything that I am going to tell you about over the next couple weeks!!  Let me know what you think, and feel free to ask questions… I promise to answer anything you want to know about the trip.  ENJOY!!

Truly,
Karmen

Check out Ryan’s other videos too.  Although, I assure you that this will not be the last time you see one of them on my blog!

Lillian and Her Home {AFRICA} | Edmonton & International Photographers

Monday, January 2nd, 2012

So I have been pretty terrible at sharing photos from Africa.  The truth is, there is just so many and I don’t even know where to begin or what to do with them!!

Right now the CRWRC is using them for a website and educational purposes within universities and churches in North America; but, I want to share my little story with you as well.  So here we go….  My first little post about an amazing 6 weeks in the gorgeous continent of Africa.

December 8, 2011 | Durban, South Africa

It was a cool, damp day, the sky was grey and felt the need to occasionally let some rain on us.  I had been in Africa for 37 days at this point, and let’s just say I did NOT pack enough sweaters or pants.  While the weather is so often hot and sunny (some would say to hot!), it just made the cool days that much harder to take.  But anyways, the weather was somewhat fitting for our eye-opening trip to Amathuba, a housing project in Embo, South Africa.

Since we have been traveling across East and South Africa (over 5,000 kms!), nearly all day has been spent in trucks or at concerts, we have hardly had time to visit with local Africans not participating in the caravan.  So, when fellow caravaner and South African friend, Skhumbuzo Myeza, presented us with this fantastic opportunity there was no way we were saying no.  O and by the way, ‘we’ was myself and two other awesome Canadians I met on the trip, Ryan and Leah!!  You might have heard about Ryan already, since he is the video part of our little CRWRC media team.

We caught a cab and traveled a small ways outside of Durban, arriving to see homes of all shapes, sizes and materials lacing the side of one of SA’s rolling hills.  Witnessing these types of things is always so overwhelming, it is horrifying and inspiring all at the same time.  You suddenly feel very blessed, stupid for not having brought something to help, useless. My mind just cycled through a huge range of emotions, although I like to think I kept a calm and collected exterior.  Something that was particularly easy to do when speaking to Lillian.  The beautiful 80 something year-old woman below.

When we knocked on her door during her devotions, we were welcomed with an enourmous smile and greetings.  Leah, Ryan, Skhumbuzo and all crammed into her home; one room, one bed, one fridge, one dresser, one hot plate.  It was a bit of a mess, she explained, since now that she is old and has outlived most of her children there are not many around to help her keep the place clean.  Lillian told us stories of the past 78 years she has lived here.

She told us about her work and her family.  She told us about the important photos that hung above her bed, and even introduced us to her (I think, great)grandson!

We asked Lillian what would help her, her family and her community.  And what things have already happened.  She told us of the fantastic women named Suzi from the UK who came here one time and for no particular reason decided to help them.  She donated huge amounts of her own money to work with people in the community to help create better homes.  She told us of how Suzi later died of a brain tumor, and although there is still a little bit of local funding coming in you can see that work has slowed, there is still so much left to be done.

Lillian took us outside for a little tour.  She could not take us to far, as the hill is very steep, but this is a little of what we saw.

Unfortunately, this is where we had to say goodbye to Lillian and where I will have to leave you for today.  But I have so much more to share with you about this remarkable place and the rest of my trip to Africa. Until then, here is one more photo of the lovely Lillian in front of her home.

© Karmen Meyer Photography 2011. All images are property of Karmen Meyer.

kmeyerphotography.com….. kmeyerphotography.com/blog….. Twitter.com/KarmenMeyer

 

CRWRC ‘We Have Faith Caravan’ | Karmen Goes to AFRICA

Friday, October 21st, 2011

Hello Everyone.  For those of you who do not know me, I am Karmen Meyer.  I am a photographer, a traveler, a wife, a daughter, a big sister and a Christian.  I love adventure, laughing and the kindness of others. It is all these things that have brought me to where I am today.  And, why I have been presented with such a fantastic opportunity, the opportunity to use my passions to help bring attention to a people and a planet that is truly suffering. A little more information on this:

-“Over 13 million people are affected by the crisis in the Horn of Africa. That’s six times more than those affected by the Indonesian tsunami in 2004 and four times more than those affected by the Haiti earthquake. Despite this need, attention to this most recent humanitarian crisis has been woefully inadequate.” (CRWRC website, http://hornofafrica.ngoaidmap.org/p/highlights)

-“Climate change has been described as one of the biggest threats to development and livelihoods in our time. Consensus has been built among climate scientists … that the current climate crises have been caused by human action, and that urgent action is required to save the planet. The impacts of climate change in Kenya and Africa cannot be underestimated, with the recent cases of devastating droughts and floods in many parts of Africa, as well as increased intensity of tropical diseases like Malaria.” (NewsFromAfrica.org)

-The 17th Conference of the Parties (COP 17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) will take place in December in Durban, South Africa.

It is against this gloomy backdrop that African youth organizations join with faith communities, faith leaders and networks from all over the world to form the We Have Faith Caravan. “There hasn’t been a similar climate caravan before. It will be challenging, tiring, time-consuming, even strenuous but most significantly, it will be enlightening, impactful and world changing; and just maybe it’s the difference we’ve all been wanting to make…” (newsfromafrica.org) I cannot begin to describe how honored I am to be a part of something so important. To use the gifts God has given me to help His people, His Creation.  It is more then I could have ever asked for.

Joining me on this amazing mission is Ruth Terry (a journalist) and Ryan Geleynse (a videographer). Together we will represent the CRWRC. We will document the dancing, theatre and music used to teach, to encourage and to remind the world not to let these communities perish. We will document the African Youth meeting with leaders, as well as, signing and collecting petitions to be presented at the COP17. We will introduce you to the participants, tell their stories and share what their goals are for their countries. We will do all this in hopes that you might see it and be called to action.

In order to do this we will need your prayers, encouragement, and financial support.  If you feel called you can donate by sending a cheque made out to the CRWRC (with my name in the memo) to:

Iona Stewart-Buisman
Global Volunteer & MPP Program Coordinator, CRWRC
3475 Mainway PO Box 5070 Stn LCD 1
Burlington, ON L7R 3Y8

Or donate online at http://www.crwrc.org/pages/crwrc_donate.cfm.  Where it asks you to choose a Designee you will need to check the box ‘I would like to make a gift to a person not listed’, then type in my name, the amount you would like to donate, as well as, your information so that they can send you a receipt.

Or cash can be donated directly to me.  It will be used for the purchasing of visas, extra travel costs and incidentals; any money not used will be put back to the CRWRC.

Thank-you and God Bless,
Karmen Meyer

karmen@kmeyerphotography.com
kmeyerphotography.com
780.660.0807

 

P.S.  Here is a downloadable version of this letter –> wehavefaithcaravan.   If you could all share this post or e-mail this letter to just one person it would help immensely!  THANKS!

 

NYC {in less words, and more pictures} | Edmonton, Red Deer & International Photographers

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

Hi!  Here are some snapshots from NYC.  An awesome place.  If you have been, you know what I mean.  If not, check out the pictures to see what I am talking about.  I heart NYC, ENJOY!!!

Truly,

Karmen

p.s. thanks to the female portion of the Meyer family for putting up with me =)

© Karmen Meyer Photography 2010.  All images are property of Karmen Meyer.

kmeyerphotography.com….. kmeyerphotography.com/blog….. Twitter.com/KarmenMeyer

 

*if you would like to know more about my products and packages feel free to send an email to karmen@kmeyerphotography.com

Collective Time Juried Show {can’t believe I am a part of it!!!} | Edmonton Fashion & Editorial Photographers

Thursday, February 17th, 2011

I am so pumped to be able to say that two of my images made it into Capic’s {Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators} Juried Show, Collective Time.  It is such an honour, and I am soo extremely excited to go see the work of so many great photographers and illustrators.

Collective Time is in conjunction with Exposure – The Calgary – Banff – Canmore Photography Festival. It will be on display from February 24th to 27th at DaDe ART & DESIGN LAB in Calgary.  If you stop by opening night, the 24th, not only will there be amazing images but also a DJ and free drinks!!!  Worth stopping by for sure, not to mention I would be thrilled to see you =)

Truly,

Karmen


Happy Valentines Day, Our Story | Edmonton & International Photographer

Monday, February 14th, 2011

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!! I hope that whether you are single or attached you take time today to appreciate all the loved ones in your life =)  I know I am so thankful and feel so blessed everyday to have an amazing husband, and of course a fantastic dog Penny!  I am admittedly not the most romantic person in the world but what the heck, it’s supposed to be the most romantic day of the year or something so I will share with you a bit of our story in photos.

Brad and I met in grade 10 and have been dating since grade 11, haha yup, we are high school sweethearts.  Unfortunately, we don’t have many photos from this time.  We were just to plain busy having fun and hanging out with friends to get any.  But I managed to scavenge some from just after grad off of facebook, and one of these days I will track down some grad photos from my mom.   O man we look so goofy!

Here is some more photos from right after grade 12 (I think).  My mama took some for us one afternoon, and I am super glad that she did!

Okay, not gonna lie, I think this is totally cool!  We went on a high school Europe trip together!!  Unforgettable =)

On October 4th, 2008 Brad gave me a huge surprise for our 4 year anniversary.  Packed and ready for nice weekend in the mountains, I soon found myself on an airplane on my way to Victoria!  It was such a fantastic weekend of exploring the city by foot and by rented motorcycles.  How we even got two bikes is beyond me, Brad doesn’t even have a bike license!!  But, we convinced them it is cool in Alberta and they let us take them.  Which is lucky since after a long, cold, windy and rainy trip to ‘Point no Point’ Brad proposed to a freezing cold me.  It was freaking awesome!  I mean rain, motorcycles and the ocean, even I will admit that is pretty romantic ;)

Told you it was wet!

Wiffin Spit Park at Point No Point where Brad proposed, so pretty!

Engaged Us!!

Some engagement photos taken by awesome friend and amazing photog Crux!

We finally got hitched on August 21st, 2009.  The day was perfect.  I always wished I could get married on a beach or in some European country but it was absolutely amazing to be surrounded by our amazing friends and family.  Photos again by Crux!

We had a fantastic time in San Fran on our honeymoon =)  I am constantly planning our next trip together, can’t wait!

Our first year of marriage was absolutely amazing and included the purchase of our first house!  And the initiation of what feels like never ending renovations! We love it, it feels like home.

Which brings us to some of the more recent photographs from this Christmas and my Birthday!!

For the entire time I have known Brad there has never been a dull moment.  Life has been good to use and we have been grateful.  Together we have been for almost 7 years and  married almost 2.  And what amazing years they have been, I cannot imagine it any other way.  Anyways, I hope you enjoyed a little piece of our story =)  Have a great rest of your V-Day Evening!!  We send you lot’s of love and good wishes!

Truly,

Karmen

2010 a {adventure packed} year in review…… and what a year it’s been……

Monday, January 3rd, 2011

2010; 2010; what memories is it that you hold.  Many of those who know me, know that I have a really bad concept of date and time.  Certain things feel like yesterday, others like ages ago even though it may have only happened days before.  It is a blessing and curse, and has forced me into a habit of writing things down, otherwise my memory would surely hide it for a later date.  So bear with me as I try to dig up some of my favorite, lost and important memories of 2010!  This is the first time I have ever attempted such a feat, let’s see what my hectic memory brings back. ENJOY!!

I am thinking this will not be chronological but just simply as it comes a to mind and of course illustrated with some of my favorite photos of the year. To begin, certainly the first memory that I welcome is that I got to celebrate my 1st wedding anniversary this September, umm I mean August 21st (told you I am bad with dates and stuff) with my awesome husband Bradley!!!!  We spent the whole time working hard on our new 1948 {very} retro house!  Yup thats right, 1 year of marriage and the buying of our first home!!  Only part of a very busy year!


During the spring of 2010 I was very proud to graduate from NAIT’s Photographic Technology Program with numerous scholarships and awards!!  I did decide to work for NAIT photographing the Convocation instead of being part of it but heck I got to take photos of  Arlene Dickinson {the dragons den} and Kevin Martin {Canada’s Olympic Curling Team}!!  And since I obviously had no time to get my grad photos done I took some for myself =)

Also, I was super pumped to find out that I won the Grand Prize in Edmonton Journals 2010 Photo Contest!!!  Its was a fantastic prize that attracted hundreds of people to my website in a single day and thousands after that from around the globe!!  It also helped me afford some of my equipment that I needed =)  I still feel slightly in shock that won, I NEVER win anything!

2010 Grand Prize Winning Photo of my beautiful sister Isabelle!

During 2010 I had the opportunity to meet soo many amazing people in the industry whether it be other photographers, make-artists, creative directors or designers!!  Some of the highlights was that I got to spend 2 weeks on a work experience with the ever talented Ashley Champagne.  It was awesome to watch the beginnings of her new magazine Georgie and be able to assist on a Georgie shoot later on in the year.  It was an absolute joy spending time with Ashley, she is such a fun person and an amazing photog!!  Thanks for a great time Ash =)

Ashley!!

Did I mention I got to meet the amazing Joe McNally.  Many of you would know him by the many photos he shot for National Geographic and LIFE magazine =)  An unforgettable weekend! Such an amazing photographer!

Me and Joe Mcnally!!

Shot snagged from the back of the auditorium during Joe’s demonstration.  Handheld.  I was shocked it came out so well.  No post.

I also spent another summer assisting an amazing Edmonton Wedding Photographer, Kelly Redinger.  And a fantastically fun summer it was =)  Additionally, I had the absolute pleasure of working with super talented and super fun Roth & Ramberg, two of the best commercial photographers out there.

Shot while assisting Kelly =)

And last but certainly not least I started my very own photography company, Karmen Meyer Photography.  It has been an amazing adventure full of some seriously amazing people and photo-shoots, as well as the many frustrations of the ‘business side’.  But I can honestly say I am totally happy with my decision jump in 100% wholeheartedly;  I may have been 100% drained some days but other days I was 100% fulfilled.  This entire year I was overwhelmed with the encouragement of tons of friends, family, followers and facebook fans that helped me and pushed me to further my photography.  Seriously, all your emails and comments all mean so much to me and have really helped shape my photography.  I went in thinking it was going be a slow first year;  but it turned out to be filled with so many amazing clients!  I would be lying if I said I was prepared for it all, and that I even had a hope of staying on top of the workload.  I totally appreciate everyones faith in me and of course your patience as I continue to improve my workflow and business end =)  Here are just a few of my favorite images from 2010 to add to the above, whats your fave?!?!

In no particular order:

The above photos was developed in Instant Coffee and Vitamin C!!  How crazy weird is that?   Thought it was pretty cool.

First Ever Boudoir Marathon!!  Visit my DESIRE BOUDOIR to see more!!

The Actual Proposal;  I will remember this magical moment forever!

Over all, this year has definitely been a year of changes and growing up.  This is the first year since Gr.10 {yes I am talking about highschool!) that I was unable to indulge in my persistent travel bug because of all the commitments of the new business, house, etc.  Many of my friends graduated university, got married and many even are starting families.  Some relationships faded but the important ones only grew stronger.

I hope that 2011 will allow me to spend more time and energy on the things I truly love and am passionate about.  I have so much more to learn and look forward to pushing myself to become stronger photographer and a better person!  I wish you all the best in a new year full of new hopes, new dreams, and new possibilities.  Life is what you make it; here’s to a Happy New Year!
Truly,
Karmen

P.S  A huge thanks to Brendan Klem and Jo Rodenburg and everyone else who helped on all the shoots. Absolutely couldn’t have done it without all of you =)

P.P.S What were your favorite parts of 2010!? And what are you looking forward to in 2011??!!

P.P.P.S Don’t forget to check out these funny Karmen Meyer Photography Videos & Photobooths!!

P.P.P.S Check out kmeyerphotography.com & desireboudoir.wordpress.com to see more of my work.  ENJOY!!

HEY is for Horses!

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

Hey Everyone!  Thanks sooo much for stopping by the new blog.  It has been long over due, but finally it is here.  I think you will find that the blog is much easier to use, has bigger photos and, well, is much prettier than the Facebook notes I was using previously to post new photos and stories.  I hope you will find the whole thing is a feast for your eyes, o my that is two terrible play-on-words in one short post,  I believe that I may need to refrain from posting in the morning, haha.  Anyways back on topic!  It has been an uphill battle making my website and blogs as I am really not very computer saavy, but I think I am quite happy now with what I have.  I am sure it will be constantly evolving as learn more and find out what I am doing is dated and lame, but for now!  I hope you enjoy the new format and enjoy some fun new posts I should have coming at you!  Starting with the one right before this one.  I would have to call that shoot somewhat of an impromptu shoot.  But even though it was last minute,  I love what came out of it.   And I think you should check it out and let us know what you think =)  Thanks again for coming!  ENJOY!!
Truly,

Karmen

p.s. If you have any recommendations, or have something you think would make the blog and/or other sites more user friendly I would love to hear from you and then attempt to fix it =)  And if you like what you see, don’t forget to follow me!

p.p.s  Don’t forget to stop by desireboudoir.wordpress.com to see my boudoir blog!

o and p.p.p.s.  You will notice there are some rotating images at the top of the blog, these are linked to some of my favorite posts that got left behind since I was unable to move all my Facebook posts without actually re-writing all of them.  So feel free to click around to see more, lets call them hidden posts that will be remaining on Facebook.

 

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