Why Me? - Karrie's Approach and Why It's Worth It
Booking a photographer isn’t just about the press of a few buttons, it’s about who can give you an excellent experience from start to finish.
You might be comparing photographers right now.
You might be asking:
“Why is your price higher than theirs?”
That’s a fair question, and I welcome it.
Because when it comes to choosing who captures one of the most important moments of your life —
your proposal, engagement, elopement, or portrait session — Let’s talk about value.
Before we do though, let’s just get one thing out of the way.
I’ll be the first to tell you that
if your top priority is the finding simply the absolute lowest price, sorry but
I’m not your girl.
And that’s okay. Truly.
Not every photographer is the right fit for every couple, and
if the difference between me and the next guy is going to make-or-break you financially, please don’t book.
But if what you really want is exceptional service, stunning images, and a photographer who actually knows what they’re doing — I’m not shy in saying that I’m worth every penny (and don’t just take my word for it, look at the reviews, ask around to your other vendors, and look at the work for yourself).
But if you care about quality, professionalism, and peace of mind, here's what sets me apart:
🍦 1. Full service, no surprises
You won’t get lured in with a “too-good-to-be-true” session fee, only to be hit later with hidden costs. I offer transparent packages that cover both the shoot AND the finished keepsakes. No confusion. No “gotcha”.
Just beautiful memories in your hands — no DIY required.
For me, most of my clients end up being long term relationships, either in shooting their wedding, or seeing them again on a visit back to the Keys for an anniversary, or later when they start a family and I photograph the kids. I’m not going to risk hurting that relationship by doing a lowball starting offer for the sake of an easy sale. With me, everything is clear up front.
As long as you know how to read (and take the time to review what I send you), then you’re going to know what’s included, what it costs, and what you’ll walk away with.
Yes, some clients do choose to add extras later — but they’re never left doing the heavy lifting to turn digital files into meaningful keepsakes. You’re getting both the shoot and the finished product, not just a “we’ll figure it out later” ambiguous total. And spoiler: once you tally it all up, the total investment is often about the same as those “cheaper” options.
🎥 2. My shooting style is different. On purpose.
You’ve noticed my images have that pop. That vibrant color. The fact that there’s a rich bold sunset in the background AND the people are well-lit in the foreground. That "how did she do that?" glow. I don’t say that to brag, I say that because I get comments on it all the time that clients “can’t quite put their finger on it” but they just feel themselves drawn to my work in some way.
That’s off-camera lighting. It’s more gear. More skill. More (frankly) hassle.
But it gives me total control, so I’m not begging the sun to cooperate. Most photographers skip it. I don’t.
My work looks the way it does because of my lighting. Unlike natural-light-only photographers, I’m not at the mercy of unpredictable lighting conditions. I can make the shot look the way I want, regardless of the sun’s position or cloud cover.
🙈 3. I don’t hide behind filters
I edit true to life. Greens are green 🍃, skies are blue, and your skin looks like...you. I don’t slap a trendy preset on your photos and call it art.
The whites aren’t dull or yellow, they’re crisp and true; the shadows aren’t muddy and bland or overly harsh, they have texture and contrast. The skies aren’t blown out white, they’re the same vivid hues you saw on the horizon that day. Because that’s what Key West actually looks like, and I believe you deserve images that reflect the real beauty of your moment and are classic and timeless, even if it is a little more painstaking on our end.
🤖 4. Posing & direction? I’ve got you.
This one’s big. Most photographers? They’re great with a lens, but have no idea how to guide a couple. I’ve heard it with my own ears, in my own friends, who are genuinely great craftsmen, very technically astute, very experienced, and very creative….but when I hear them nervously say to someone:
“Okay...uh...so….yeah….just do…ya know…what you do.”
I cringe and think “wwhhhhaaat are you doing!?”. Nope. Not here. Just like working a camera, posing is a learnable skill, and one that I’ve worked on my entire career. Mirroring my left to your right, knowing how to deal with different heights, different sized groups, and that one uncle who just can’t be bothered…I’ve got it.
I coach you. Clearly. Confidently. Kindly.
And I do it fast — because golden hour waits for no one.
Karrie Porter back in the day as a young photographer just getting started
🎓5. Experience that matters
I’ve been a professional photographer for 24 years. That means:
I’ve shot in every scenario and condition imaginable.
I’m on a first-name basis with most of the venues in town.
I can pivot, troubleshoot, and deliver—even when the plan changes.
And while most industries are used to seeing people revel in their multi-decades of experience, photography is not one of them. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do, but this is objectively a TOUGH way to earn a sustainable living, so MOST people don’t make it. They dabble for a while, do it for fun, make a little extra cash, and then find their “real job”. With that in mind, what happens to your images when your newbie photographer decides this life is not for them? Will you be able to call them 10 years from now because your USB has been replaced by some newfangled tech and you can’t access your photos anymore? Longevity isn’t just a “feather in the cap” point of pride, it’s a consideration that has real consequences.
🕙 6. Not to state the obvious, but this is my full-time career
Many photographers juggle this line of work with day jobs, which can limit their availability and attention. I’m fully invested, every step of the way. I’ve taken countless last-minute calls from frantic couples whose part-time photographer flaked or double-booked. While mistakes can happen to any of us, working with someone who is full time means you’re getting someone you know is not going to be so careless with their reputation (and therefore, livelihood) to treat your shoot with blatant disregard.
I’m not moonlighting. Not squeezing you in between Zoom meetings.
While I will of course will have days that I’m not immediately available, you can still rest assured that if I’m not shooting, I’m at my desk, on the phone, answering emails, making shoot plans, fulfilling orders, and editing images.
🎯 7. Specialization
Most photographers are pretty general in their approach to their different genres of shoots. Event? Portrait? Headshot? They’re one and the same to them…pick up camera…aim at subject. “Ug”
I, however, treat any genre that I’m photographing like a specialty, and take the time to cater my approach, my offering, my posing, my locations, my deliverables, and my communication to that type of shoot. This is why with me you will always get:
Custom shoot plans ✅
Location schematics ✅
Contingency strategies ✅
I’m not just gearing up and hoping for the best. I' have a strategy for each type of shoot.
👨👩👧👦 8. I work with incredible people
While I don’t need an extra set of hands at every session, I have relationships with amazing colleagues when the shoot warrants extra support. Whether it’s logistics, gear, or backup shooting, I’ve have a circle of support and creative input that I trust — and you benefit from that.
Further, I have a dedicated editor who has been with me for years and knows my style and preferences, and a retoucher who's been with me even longer. Between myself and those that I trust, we make sure your shoot goes off without a hitch.
🖌️ 9. Retouching is included
Other photographers treat retouching as an upsell. I consider it part of the job.
Beaches have ugly seaweed sometimes. Parks have trash cans. Hair gets messy. People photobomb. I fix it — because your otherwise perfect moment shouldn’t be ruined by something that none of us could control. And even if it’s cosmetic in nature (midsection or arms not looking as trim as you wished?), I’ve still got you covered.
So, here’s the deal…
You can get a steak at iHop on a plastic plate plopped down by a gum-chewing waitress, or you can have a night out at Prime with a top notch chef and excellent service.
Both feed you.
But they are not the same.
And when it comes to your once-in-a-lifetime moments?
You shouldn’t settle for “edible”.
In summary, yes you’ll find photographers at different price points, but what I bring to the table in value, experience, professionalism, style, and included services, go above and beyond in comparison to others.
You’re getting a full-service package that includes not just the shoot — but the story, the art, and the finished keepsakes ready for your wall, website, or album.
If you want to chat more, shoot me a message
Karrie Porter Bond is a professional photographer based in Key West, Florida with over 24 years of experience bringing out the smiles of her clients, infusing a lighthearted approach to education of her fellow photographers, all with a cheeky and playful sense of humor in her communication, and an incredible eye for lighting, creativity and detail in her work. Learn more HERE