Meet Kara Cooper

Hello!

Twenty years ago, I first delved into photography in my hometown of Akron, Ohio, in 2005, drawn by the magic of developing prints and seeing images emerge in the darkroom. This early passion led me to earn a BA in Photography, travel on a world trip, and eventually settle on the West Coast. Over the years, my focus has primarily been on portrait photography. 

Since 2011, I’ve also specialized in wedding photography, I began by collaborating with photography studios and working as a second shooter for several years before transitioning to solo work. Now, as a solo artist, I focus on guiding my subjects subtly to capture their love rather than heavily staging every pose.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working on unique projects from capturing NBA Blazer players to working for LinkedIn and I frequently visit the San Francisco Bay for shoots as well. I’ve been published extensively, featured in galleries, and honored with awards.  Whether it’s natural light portraits or studio light portraits or weddings, people say great things! Other popular shoots include: Family portraits, headshots, senior portraits, event coverage, boudoir and intimate portraits (fine art nude photography).  I celebrate the unique beauty and diversity of everyone I work with, reflecting the vibrant community around me.

If you’d like to book a session with me and my D780 Nikon, have a question, or just want to say hello, don’t hesitate to reach out. Headshots start at $500, portrait sessions range from $600 to $1200, elopements start at $2000, and weddings range from $2700 to $4700. Based in the greater Portland area, I also enjoy capturing moments in Washington, Hood River, San Francisco, Hawaii, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Ohio ♥

Kara Cooper Photography

1st photo - Bryan York, 2nd photo - Taryn Schubert

What kind of shoot would you like to do?

Published in...

Earth Wine + Fire Exhibition, Chicago // 2010
Grime Zine // 2011-12
Nick Photo Blog // 2011
Pinterest (Pinterview on the “Wanderlust Project”) // 2012
Colum Senior Exhibit, Chicago // 2012
RAW SF Exhibition // 2013
The Hanger Exhibition, Berkeley // 2013
The Underground, Redwood // 2013
20Mission Exhibition, SF // 2013
Artfully Wed // 2015
“Being Seen” Medium Blog // 2016
SF Chronicle “Go with the flow in a meditative sound bath” // 2016
“Intimate Portraits” self published book // 2017
Club Privata // 2017
Wedding Lovely // 2017
TATA Magazine // 2018
Art of Weddings // 2018
Top Portland Photographers // 2018
Bay Area Women’s Magazine // 2018

Divine PDX Art Showcase // 2019
Femme Rebelle Magazine Cover (July) // 2019
Boudoir Culture Magazine (Sept) // 2019
Solis Magazine (July) // 2019
Annex Magazine (Sept) // 2019
Expertise “Best Portrait Photographer of the Year” // 2019-Present
B.Loved Blog (September) // 2020
Carats & Cake (Nov) // 2020
Opium Red Magazine (Dec) // 2020
Xpressions Magazine (Dec) // 2021
MARIKA Magazine (Dec) // 2021
Prolific (Oct) // 2021
Something Different Magazine (Oct) // 2022
Period. Magazine (Nov) // 2022
Untold Magazine (Jan) // 2023
Range Magazine (Jan) // 2023
Gezno Magazine (Feb) // 2023
International Traveller (Nov) // 2025