the candid life

Unique stories + inspiration seen through photo galleries + blogs

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engagement

MICAH + TYLER // barefoot + carefree Oahu, Hawaii quiet beach engagement session

When I first connected with Micah and Tyler we immediately bonded over a shared love for a particular beach on the west side of Oahu. I won’t share the name of this specific beach here out of respect for keeping it accessible for locals. But during our initial brainstorming session for dreamy sunrise photo locations, […]

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couple love

SAVANNAH + DILLON // spontaneous sunset couples escape in Oahu, Hawaii

If you’ve been considering treating yourself to a parent’s-night-out photo date night, let Savannah and Dillon be your inspiration. With a new baby and a mobile life built around a military career, it can tough to find time for yourself. But while I was in Hawaii for another shoot, I posted my availability for a […]

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couple love

JAKE + CLAIRE // dreamy sunrise beach couple photos on Oahu, Hawaii

Oooooohh where to begin with Jake + Claire. Can I rave on them enough? They love hard, dive fast, and act fearlessly in pursuit of their dreams. They met each other on Oahu after independently moving here from opposite corners of the mainland. (Jake came by way of Army deployment following dreams of becoming a […]

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couple love

ZACH + EMILY // misty morning scenic Oahu, Hawaii vow renewal

Every photographer knows that one of the highest honors is being entrusted with milestone photos by another photographer. This is even more true when the photographer and her videographer husband are so effortlessly cool, natural, and knowledgeable about what works in front of a camera. That was the story with Zach and Emily, a husband […]

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hey there!

I call St. Louis home, but, more often than not, I’m on the road, camera in tow. I love to photograph all phases of life, but I’m known for my special talent for authentically capturing couples. After a lifetime of serving as my family’s personal paparazzi, I’ve mastered the art of catching the fleeting glances and laughter between loved ones and turning those moments into memories.

I’m Kara - A traveling photographer in St. Louis on a mission to preserve your sweet moments of life + love.