Karen De Luca
Karen De Luca
Photographer/ Art Director
Orlando, FL
Q What do you do?
“Hello! I’m Karen, a photographer, art director, and producer.”
Together with my partner Chris, I co-own Studio De Luca, a full-service photo & video agency dedicated to helping visionary brands vibrate higher. Our mission is to create inspiring visual experiences that elevate and differentiate our clients’ brands. Some of our clients include New Era Caps, Groovy Butter, Paraiso Creations, Bubble Skincare, Intentionally Blank, Strike Gently, and more!
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
From a young age, I've been immersed in the arts, with a passion that's guided me through every phase of my life. While in college, I started working for a fashion brand, where I helped produce lookbooks and directed content for social media. I also began shooting and styling photo shoots, later transitioning to a marketing and art direction role for a fragrance brand.
The pinnacle of my creative journey came in 2019 when my partner Chris and I founded Studio De Luca. This venture allowed me to turn my lifelong passion into a full-time career. My story has been a blend of creativity and determination, all culminating in the rewarding experience of running Studio De Luca.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Standing out in photography requires a blend of authenticity, innovation, and a deep connection to my values. When I work with a client, I delve into the heart of their brand, transforming its unique essence into a vivid visual narrative. Each photo becomes a world in itself, co-created with my clients to radiate their distinct brand narrative.
Moreover, I'm not primarily focused on "standing out" with my work. Instead, I create from a place of authenticity and joy, aiming to produce something both beautiful and uplifting. This approach translates into vibrant and engaging visuals that resonate with viewers on a deeper level, forming connections that go beyond the superficial.
Q What are you working on right now?
I am finishing up ilovecreative’s 3D Design Blender Course and currently in pre-production for some super exciting client projects :)
Q What’s your style?
My style is a reflection of my personal journey and values. It's a blend of self-expression, and joy, guided by my love for plants, consciousness expansion, and color. My neuro-divergent brain has, in many ways, enriched my perspective, enabling me to see things from different angles and to embrace a more intuitive, less conventional approach.
As for taste, I lean towards vibrant, colorful, playful and dreamy aesthetics.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I would love to have more time to dedicate to learning 3d design.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Time is a whirlwind when you're balancing the demands of running a creative business with the
joys and challenges of parenting a lively toddler.
The desire to pour myself into every project and the realization that there are only so many
hours in the day can be a real tug-of-war. I want to do more, create more, and learn more, but
the duties of parenting never end. Being there for my daughter and managing the daily
adventures of toddlerhood are vital parts of my day and life.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would hire someone who could help me with running my business’s various social media channels and writing content.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Oh, the wisdom we gather along the way! If I could hop into that time machine, I'd go back to my early days in the corporate world and sit down with a younger, less secure version of me. The conversation would probably go something like this:
“You feel pretty out of place in this corporate world, but trust me, that's not where your story ends. The conventional path isn't for you, and that's more than okay. You have this incredible well of creativity inside you, just waiting to be unleashed. And guess what? It's going to flourish in ways you can't even imagine right now. For now, trust your journey, believe in yourself, and keep listening to your gut.”
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
This may seem totally unrelated to my business, but I would love to talk to a permaculture expert. My garden is more than a hobby; it's my sanctuary where I unwind, clear my head, and recharge my creative batteries. The intertwining of growth in my garden and growth in my business fascinates me.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I'm on the lookout for opportunities and projects that resonate with my core values of self-expression, joy, and making a positive impact. Working with brands that are pushing culture forward, embracing diversity, and standing for something meaningful is where I feel most at home. From fashion to wellness, food & drinks to accessories, I'm drawn to projects that celebrate authenticity and have the power to make a difference. So, if you're a brand looking to grow, let's get our hands dirty and cultivate something beautiful together!
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey. Yet, connection and collaboration bring a joy and vitality that make the process so much more enriching. My ideal collaboration thrives on this sense of community. I'm drawn to like minded creatives and entrepreneurs who understand that we grow stronger together, sharing ideas, supporting one another, and uplifting those around us. Whether it's through shared values or a desire to shift culture, these connections infuse my work with a sense of purpose and delight.
Q What is your rate?
So many variables go into determining a project’s final rate. Here are some of the key variables I take into consideration when creating an estimate –
Usage & duration: How and where the images will be used – think magazines, billboards, social media platforms, etc.
Complexity: More intricate shoots require more planning, time, and resources, which all feed into the final cost
Set Design & Props: Creating the perfect set may require specific design elements, custom builds, or rentals, adding to the overall budget
Duration: The length of the shoot, be it a half-day or multiple days, impacts everything from talent fees to catering.
For more insights, take a look at Studio De Luca’s Intake Form, linked here, and you’ll see all the info we need to build a quote.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Check out my website at www.studiodeluca.me and send me an email at hello@studiodeluca.me :)
Q Who is a creative you admire?
My life coach, Lana Pribic, has been a game-changer in elevating my work. Through her coaching, she's helped me dismantle numerous limiting beliefs and fostered a path for self-love and personal growth. Her guidance has helped me approach my creative work from a place of joy instead of fear.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Staying creative is all about nurturing the artistic soul and never letting the well run dry! Here's my recipe for keeping my creative juices flowing:
Embrace Nature: Connecting with plants and the outdoors fuels my inspiration. Nature is a creativity incubator.
Experiment Constantly: Whether it's new photography techniques or dabbling in other art forms, I'm always playing with fresh ideas and seeking inspiration from different mediums.
Lean on Community: Collaborating and connecting with fellow creatives and entrepreneurs sparks joy and fresh perspectives!
Invest in Self-Care: A healthy and well-rested me is a creative me. From eating well to just taking a chill day off, self-love keeps the ideas blooming.
Stay Curious: Whether it's diving into permaculture, exploring psychedelics, or listening to tons of podcasts, I'm always learning and absorbing from various fields.
This member profile was originally published in February 2020, Updated October 2023.