From her boutique studio in Loenen aan de Vecht, Karen Kaper has built an impressive career as a freelance luxury photographer over the past 27 years.
Thanks to her professional expertise and warm, personal style, Karen has become a sought-after choice when it comes to capturing the genuine emotions and unforgettable moments of wedding ceremonies.
In conversation with Mimi, she talks about her passion and gives valuable tips on the subject of weddings.
Working from her boutique studio in Loenen aan de Vecht, Karen Kaper has built a distinguished career as a freelance luxury photographer over the past 27 years.
Renowned for her professional expertise and warm, personal approach, Karen has become a sought-after choice for capturing the genuine emotions and unforgettable moments of wedding ceremonies. She sat with Mimi to share her passion and tips when it comes to weddings.
1. Tell us a little about yourself: How did you get into wedding photography – was it love at first sight?
My journey into photography began at a young age, growing up on different continents thanks to my father's work. This nomadic life gave me a special sense of cultures, people, and visual storytelling.
I then studied photography, graphic arts, and design in England – that's where my passion was finally solidified.
Wedding photography, in particular, was a natural choice for me from the very beginning – the energy, emotions, and beauty of each celebration captured my heart. It truly was love at first sight! It's almost like a fashion show...
Tell us about yourself: how did you get into wedding photography – was it love at first sight?
My journey into photography began in my early years, having grown up across different continents due to my father's work. This nomadic lifestyle gave me appreciation for culture, people, and visual storytelling. I pursued my formal education in Photography and Graphic Art & Design in England, where my passion truly took form. Wedding photography, in particular, felt like a natural fit from the start – the energy, emotion, and beauty of each unique celebration captured my heart. It was, indeed, love at first sight! It's like a fashion show...
2. What do you love most about your job – the big emotions or the small, quiet moments?
Both play a crucial role, but if I had to choose, I would say: It's the small, quiet moments that remain in my memory the most.
The fleeting glances, nervous hands, a proud tear on a parent's cheek - these moments carry so much emotional depth and often go unnoticed.
They are what give a wedding its soul. I try to capture precisely these expressions, which say more than words ever could.
What do you love most about your job – the big emotions or the small, quiet moments?
Both play such a vital role, but if I had to choose, I'd say the small, quiet moments are what stay with me. The subtle glances, the nervous hands, a proud tear on a parent's cheek – these are the moments that carry deep emotional weight and often go unnoticed. They give a wedding its soul. I strive to capture those expressions that say more than words ever could.
Mimi and her husband Philipp photographed by Karen Kaper / Mimi and husband Philipp, photographed by Karen Kaper
3. Let's talk about bags! You've been to many unforgettable weddings. Do you have any tips for choosing the perfect wedding bag as a guest?
Absolutely! The perfect wedding bag should be both stylish and practical.
I love bags that are classic and timeless. Choose an elegant color or tone that complements your outfit without stealing the show.
Let's talk about bags! You have attended unforgettable weddings! Do you have any tips to pick a good wedding bag (as a guest)?
Absolutely! The perfect wedding bag is both stylish and functional. I love bags which are classic and timeless – Choose a sophisticated color or one that complements your outfit without overpowering it.
4. It's often said: The smaller the ceremony bag, the better! What essentials would you recommend bringing to a wedding reception?
Yes – when it comes to wedding bags, less is definitely more.
My must-haves for guests: A compact powder and blush; lipstick or gloss for touch-ups, and of course, mascara; tissues (you never know when the emotions will overwhelm you!), mints, and a small bottle of perfume; my cell phone; sunglasses, and business cards!
We often think that for ceremony bags, the smaller, the better! What essentials would you recommend to bring to a wedding party?
Yes – less is more when it comes to wedding bags. My must-haves for guests: A compact powder and blush; Lipstick or gloss for touch-ups and for sure mascara; Tissues (you never know when emotions might sneak up!), Mints & small perfume; Your phone; Sunglasses and business cards!
Discover Karen's world here
