Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Rios
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Oh boy! Art has always been something I’m super passionate about. Photography has been part of my life since I was a little kid. My dad gave me my first camera when I was 12, a Ricoh KR-5. He said he gave it to me because it had my initials (KR for Karla Rios), but honestly, the camera didn’t even work. He just wanted to keep me busy until he could get me a real one.
I was so determined to make that camera work, and after a lot of trial and error, I actually got it working. When I finally did, my dad surprised me with my very first digital professional camera. I’ve kept it ever since, and I still use it for some of my work today.
My style has always been about street photography, capturing cool angles or candid moments in everyday life. I’ve always been into film, cinematic photography. But when I moved to Miami, I found a whole new world I never thought I’d be into.
Miami, and my job at that time, introduced me to the workout scene; matching sets, girls moving in sync like they’re dancing, and gorgeous studios. I was hooked. That’s when I decided to dive into something new: Yoga and Pilates photography.
It started as a fun hobby, I was even scared to expose myself and my work at the beginning, but it has grown into my main project, which makes me so happy. Now I get to combine two of my favorite things: film and yoga. The wellness community has been amazing and very supportive. I’ve met incredible people and built a lot of connections just by showing up or collaborating for free at first.
Big shoutout to my girl Kiely Priscilla! She connected me to so many clients, and I’m so grateful for her. Through her and her community, I’ve gotten to know so many people, and my work has grown in ways I didn’t expect.
Not gonna lie, it’s not always easy. Some people don’t see all the work that goes into it. But at the end of the day, I can’t picture myself doing anything else. Photography is my thing, and connecting with people through it is what makes me happiest.
Alright, 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?
Like I said before, it hasn’t been easy. There’s so much competition! I had to do so much free work and collaborations at the beginning, and I still do sometimes! Some people don’t realize the effort behind it. As photographers, we invest in better equipment, put in our time, and work hard, but it doesn’t always pay off.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My name is Karla Rios, and I’m from Lima Peru. I run a photography page called Karlafilms, where I specialize in Yoga, Pilates, and event photography here in Miami. I’m passionate about art, film, and cinema, and I love being able to channel all of that into my photography.
While most of my work focuses on Yoga and Pilates, I always remind people that I do more than just that! I absolutely love creating any type of artistic photoshoots with the amazing people I meet along the way! Creative individuals I can team up with for new and unique projects!
Looking ahead, I’m excited to showcase more of my skills and share some of my personal projects that people haven’t seen yet. Photography is my way of telling stories, and I can’t wait to explore and grow even more.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see myself having enough clients so I can quit my 9-to-5 and and having the time to create different, and new things. Honestly, it’s ridiculous how much time we give to our jobs only to feel strapped for cash at the end of the month. I wish I didn’t have to worry about that and could just focus on doing what I love and meeting amazing people. That’s my dream.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://karlafilms.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlafilms__/
Image Credits
Karla Rios
