The Art & The Artist
Creating a Legacy
As the years spin by at a frightening rate, one thing becomes clear: I want to make a difference in people's lives. I want the people around me to feel a little better about themselves because of what I create for them. And I want it to outlive me. Looking back on my 30 years in photography, that's always been the joy I've received from my craft. To know that the portraits I've created, the moments in time I've captured, have been meaningful to the people in them and their families. And hopefully, those portraits have become an important part of their legacy, and therefore mine, as well.
Credentials
On January 14, 2014, Karen was awarded the Master Artist Degree by Professional Photographers of America. This distinction, added to her Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman Degrees, makes her one of just a handful of photographic artists to hold all three degrees along with being a Certified Professional Photographer and Adobe Photoshop Certified Expert. With the addition of her recent Imaging Excellence Award, Karen is now one of the most credentialed photographers currently working in Michigan.
Awards
Professional photographers take pride in their work. They strive to produce the finest images possible. To mark their progress, photographers enter competitions and compare their work with that of their peers. Achievements are marked by the awards received from professional organizations.
Karen consistently wins awards for her work. Her accolades include the Fuji Masterpiece Award, Kodak Gallery Award, International Photographer of the Year, Electronic Imager of the Year, Michigan Top Seven, Court of Honor, Judge's Choice, and many Best of Show awards. She has earned the distinction of being an Elite Plus member of Professional Photographers of America and earned PPA's Imaging Excellence Award. Most recently, Karen earned a gold medal in PPA competition for her restoration work. Additionally, she is past president of Professional Photographers of Michigan and Jordan River Arts Council
Karen Walker Receives National Award
Karen Walker was presented with the Professional Photographers of America's (PPA) National Award at the Great Lakes PhotoMax convention held March 4th and 5th, 2023 in Troy, Michigan.
The National Award is the highest honor granted by Professional Photographers of Michigan (PPM), a PPA Affiliate. The award recognizes those whose support for photography goes far beyond any regular expectations or contributions.
"Receiving this award is a tremendous honor, and I am grateful for the recognition," Walker commented. "I feel privileged to be in the company of such accomplished individuals."
On hand to present the award was PPA Past President Helen Yancy, PPA Director George Joell and PPM board member Adam Carroll. In his remarks, Mr. Carroll noted Walker's many contributions to the association including serving six years on PPM's board of directors.
First made available in 1958, the award recognizes those who generously contribute their time and talents to the service of their profession, their affiliated organization, and their fellow photographers. Selections for the award are determined by the recipient’s peers, adding to its distinction and value.
Walker was also a featured speaker at the annual convention, where she shared her knowledge of photo restoration techniques, a specialty of the photography business she established in East Jordan in 1992. She is the only Certified Professional Photographer in Northern Michigan to hold the degrees of Master Photographer and Master Artist as well as Photographic Craftsman. More of her work can be seen on her website, karenwalkerstudio.com.