About

Based in New York City, where I was born and raised, I am a photographer specializing in a diverse range of disciplines, including corporate and college events, model portfolios, headshots, editorial portraits, and street photography. My expertise also extends to behind-the-scenes (BTS) photography, cinematic stills, and brand designs including product images and flat lays.

My technical proficiency spans various camera formats, from digital systems like Nikon and Canon to mobile photography with the iPhone, and traditional film.

I hold a BA in Photojournalism and an AS in Fashion Design, complemented by certifications in Architectural Interior Design and the History of Fashion. This unique blend of skills is further supported by my prior professional experience as a Creative Director, Social Media Manager, Graphic Designer, and Front-end Web Developer.

When I am not doing freelance work, I volunteer at Public Elementary schools and work one on one with the students to create magical portraits with hand-drawn illustrations by world renown artist Roberta Collier-Morales.

Kara Mia is an award-winning photographer and the founder of www.ps41forlife.com, as well as the creator of the Registry of Creative Arts (R.O.C.A.) a catalog of artists she has met throughout her travels.

My work is influenced by a legacy of art, as I am the daughter of artists Angel R. Ibañez and Roberta Collier Morales and artist James Litaker is my uncle.

I welcome inquiries and look forward to discussing how my skills can benefit your next project.

Let's Build Your Brand Together

Are you a small designer or business owner with a big vision but a tight budget? Are you looking for a photographer who does more than just show up and shoot? You've come to the right place. I'm not your typical photographer. I'm a hands-on, independent thinker who works right alongside you, treating your project as if it were my own family business. Building a trustworthy relationship through clear communication is my top priority. I believe in being an active partner in your creative process, offering a personal, experienced, and idea-filled approach to your brand's visual story.

Forget rigid packages and impersonal service. I'm always open to negotiating custom packages and even trades to meet your specific needs. With a deep understanding of how an artists mind thinks, along with both photography and writing, I can help you craft a complete and cohesive brand identity that truly stands out. Whether it's a product image or a portrait, your company's photography needs can easily be met.

I’m fun, kind, and reliable—you can call me last minute with a new idea or a pressing need, and we'll figure it out together. Let's get elbows deep in your project and create something amazing. Ready to bring your vision to life?

Let's Talk!

E-commerce & Product Photography Service

Getting to Know You

First things first! Let's start with a friendly chat and a client questionnaire. This is where you get to tell me all about your brand, your creative vision, and everything in between. If you have a creative brief, feel free to send it my way—I want all the details!

Let's Get Creative

Once we've officially partnered up, the real fun begins! I'll build a detailed shot list that covers everything from backgrounds and props to colors and lighting. This is our chance to collaborate, so you can see exactly what we're planning and share your feedback before the shoot day.

Shopping for Your Brand

Now, let's go shopping! Based on our shot list, I'll find all the perfect props and materials we need to bring your unique vision to life.

Sourcing the Perfect Talent

(Service on pause) Need some fresh faces for your project? No worries. Whether you need a hand model or someone for full-body concepts, I’ll find the best talent to bring your creative vision to life.

Production Day

You're camera ready! Most projects are captured in 1-3 full days. I can even send you live text updates during the shoot so you can give real-time feedback. After we wrap up, I'll send you a link to your raw images so you can make your final selections.

Final Touches

Almost there! The final step is editing, retouching, and resizing your images. We also include a group of revisions so you can make sure everything looks just right.

Deliverables

We made it to the finish line! Once all the final edits are approved, I'll send you a link to your finished gallery so you can download and share your new images across all of your platforms. Happy sharing!

The Minimalist Approach

If your brand is riding the "less is more" wave, we'll create a visually impactful splash that your audience will love. I'll use solid-colored backdrops and minimal accessories to give your top-notch packaging the spotlight it deserves.

Event Photography

Want to make sure the moment lasts? Don't let your event—big or small—fade into a blurry phone photo album.

Whether it's a milestone birthday bash, a silly couples shoot, an intimate city hall wedding, or a professional corporate event, I'm here to capture the energy, the laughter, and all the little details that make it special.

Let's turn your memories into beautiful photos you'll love to look back on.

Model Portfolios, Headshots for Actors

Ready to land the part? A great headshot and a strong portfolio are your most important tools. They tell your story before you even walk into the room, showing casting directors and agents exactly who you are and what you're capable of.

Whether you're a seasoned actor or an aspiring model, I'll work with you to capture a portfolio that is authentic, professional, and unforgettable. Let's create the images that get you noticed and help you book the job.

Writing Services

Do you find yourself staring at a blank page, unsure of what to write? Many people do. Crafting a compelling story for yourself or your business can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

I offer a writing service designed for individuals, artists, and businesses who want to communicate effectively but feel challenged by the writing process. My goal is to make sure your message is clear, professional, and ready to promote your brand with confidence.

Here are some of the writing needs I can help you with:

Short Bios & Introductions: A concise and impactful summary of who you are.
Social Media Copy: Engaging text for your Instagram posts and other platforms.
Press Releases & Newsletters: Professional writing to share your news with a wider audience.
Ghostwriting: I can write articles, blog posts, and other content for you, in your voice.
Product Descriptions: Clear, compelling text to describe your products.
Travel Itineraries: Detailed, easy-to-follow plans for your travels.

Having this content prepared and on hand is an invaluable tool that ensures you're always ready to promote your business professionally.

Licensing

For a fee, you can license my photography to use in your projects.

R.O.C.A.-Registry of Creative Arts

Are you an artist with a captivating story and an incredible body of work?

I've spent my career traveling the country and discovering remarkable artists—and now, I want to share your talent with a wider audience. Join the Registry of Creative Arts, and let's bring your art and story to the world.

Client List

ACC-American Corporate Council Foundation, DC

IKEA, PA

Stamford Arts Association, CT

Twisted Circus, ATL

James Lataker, Painter

Jacques F. Vallée, Author

Paola L Harris, Journalist

DIY GIFT KITS-Creative Director

Wisdom of the Womb,CO

Flatiron's Elementary Spring Auction

Flatirons Elementary School, yearbook

CALLAHAN, a Feature Film in post

production (Behind the Scenes Photographer)

Meka Oku Choreographer, NYC

Sclarandis, NYC

VSFNYC.COM flowers, NYC

Jax and Dean, NYC

American Corporate Counsel , D.C. & NYC

NYC Public Schools, NYC

TCPalm-Newspaper, FL

Boulder County School District, CO

Colorado University, Boulder CO

SMITH Designs, NYC

Depreta Designs, NYC

Kali Simba Designs, NYC

Sukeina Designs, NYC

Pellecchia Design Studio, NYC

Roberta Collier-Morales Art Studio, CO

Invisible NYC

Salon A.,NYC

Borth Promotions, NJ

Little Black Birds, GA

Montclair Film Festival, NJ

Thelonious Monk Institue of Jazz, NYC

Minority Corporate Counsel Association, DC

R.A. Travel, NYC

Integral Care Pediatrics, NJ

Author Alexei Auld, NJ

MY MODELS appearances on;

America's Next Top Model

Project Runway

NylonMagazine

Teen Vogue