MPA: Why do you love photography?
KD: I love everything about photography. Photography combines both technical skill and artistry, and every photographer combines these things in a different way. Photography compels me to explore, to get out of my comfort zone and to create. It challenges me to master the technical aspects while also tapping into my creative side.
MPA: Your favorite thing about MPA?
KD: I knew right away on my first photo tour that I was hooked. I thrive on learning from the instructors and love being surrounded by other talented photographers. Each person sees different things and captures unique images based on their own creativity. We can all visit the same location and walk away with different images. That inspires me!
And, my favorite thing about MPA is the true community the McKay’s have created. The motto, “Photography, Travel, Friendship and Adventure” is a way of life for the whole MPA team and for their clients.
MPA and PEN have provided me with an invaluable support system that encourages me, challenges me and fulfills me. I love being around people who appreciate nature and travel and other cultures, the same as I do. Not only have I advanced my photography skills, I’ve made true friends.
MPA: Your favorite trip or course with MPA?
KD: Every trip is different and amazing and carefully planned by MPA. I loved my first trip which was to Alaska where we hiked a glacier, rode the dogsled and photographed the aurora. But, my favorite trip has to be the Arctic where we had incredible encounters with polar bears. Being in a zodiac with a polar bear swimming just yards away was incredible!
MPA: Your aspirations as a photographer / artist?
KD: My goal is to gain as much technical and artistic skill as I can and to always keep growing. Photography helps me tell the stories of my travel experiences which I’m working to publish through freelance travel writing. (Read my article about photo tours, with a quote from Ally McKay HERE!
I am also really motivated by the image review offered through PEN and I hope to enter images into the PPA competition in the near future.
MPA: Where do you look forward to traveling next?
KD: As I read this, I’m packing for McKay’s Yellowstone in winter tour, including Animals of Montana, which everyone says is fantastic. I’m also really looking forward to Mongolia where we’ll be photographing the eagle hunters.
MPA: Any other info you want to share about yourself or your work?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kari_dahlstrom_photography/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KariDahlstromPhoto/
Portfolio: https://karidahlstrom.zenfolio.com/f510796787
