Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Garbarino.
Cara, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve been a photographer for more than half of my life. My stepmother was a photographic icon in Chicago; she was a pioneer of the fine art, black and white film, wedding photography movement. What she was doing was considered really wild back in the late 80s and 90s when wedding photography was all color formal backdrop portraits. She was taking brides outdoors and throwing them in the middle of Michigan Avenue and in alleys – people thought she was crazy. She put a camera in my hand when I was 7 years old and by 13, I was assisting her on corporate and commercial shoots. By 19, I was earning my living as a photographer. I attended college on a dance scholarship and was pursuing a career as a professional dancer while I supported myself as a wedding photographer.
Somewhere along the way, I felt a stronger pull toward the camera. After a decade in the wedding industry, I found myself craving something more. I have always adored the Hollywood glamour portraits of the 30s and 40s, I have been obsessed with George Hurrell since I first saw his work in a coffee table book my mother owned. Using his work as inspiration, I decided to open a studio dedicated to women’s glamour portraits- but with a contemporary twist. The Atelier is the evolution of that initial concept. And what a journey it has been. In my wildest dreams I could not have imagined that this simple portrait concept would end up becoming a photographic experience so much fuller, so much more powerful, and intimate, and enriching then I could have ever anticipated.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was lucky that when I opened The Atelier I had been a professional in the industry for eight years, so my network was strong and I had tremendous support from peers and colleagues. I was also lucky because nepotism provided me with my first opportunities, but man did I have to prove myself and pay my dues – two-fold because the expectations were so great. My advice would be to never forget that there is always an opportunity to learn, to be better. I have been a professional photographer for 18 years and I am still learning every day; I take workshops, go to seminars, talk with peers about equipment and lighting, bounce ideas off of friends about marketing or pricing, there is always something to improve upon. The second you think you know it all you stop learning. I would also encourage women to find their “WHY”. I spent a ton of time developing my brand identity and figuring out who my client was; what did I want the experience to mean to them, beyond just taking beautiful photographs? Most importantly, I thought hard about WHY that was important to me. Once you discover the purpose and the motivation behind your work, it makes it so much fuller.
What should we know about The Atelier? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Atelier is photography studio specializing in contemporary women’s portraiture and boudoir photography. What sets us apart is that we are 100% invested in your experience. We only take one shoot per day and our sessions have no time limit, so there is zero pressure to perform against a ticking clock. We are there to be your guide, your cheerleader and your trusted friend (for however long it takes!) until we are confident that we have the best possible shots. Our sole focus is providing an unforgettable day and creating the most beautiful images you have ever seen of yourself. It’s not your job to “be photogenic” or “good in front of the camera”, we are experts at this and will guide you through the entire experience. We take the stress out of having photos taken! There is so much laughter and joy and empowerment – it truly is a celebration. Women leave on a high with confidence levels through the roof, before they have even seen a single image! I am constantly blown away by the stories, strength and magic of the women that walk through our doors, and I feel so honored to be chosen to capture their stories and beauty.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
The biggest barrier we face is ourselves. You have to block out the noise. I am one of the lucky ones. No one ever told me I couldn’t do something because I was a woman, so I never thought that I couldn’t succeed. But that is not the case for everyone. Our girls need mentors. They need champions. They need examples. So, go for it ladies! Keep pushing that bar higher. Also, it is up to us to educate our kids. As a mother of two boys, I know my husband and I will do our part to ensure that our boys grow up respecting and championing strong women.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theatelierchicago.com
- Phone: 312-465-2349
- Email: info@theatelierchicago.com
- Instagram: theatelierchicago
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theatelier/
Image Credit:
The Atelier
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