Meet Karen Floyd Portraits | The Over 50 Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen Floyd Portraits and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, how does your business help the community?

For most, having professional photos taken as a woman over 50 can be a pure act of courage.

Having to pose for photos when you notice your grandmother’s wrinkles appearing on your own face can be daunting. Stepping in front of a camera might feel like a dreaded task, and the uncertainty of not being quite up for the task can creep in. If you’re not thrilled with the image of the older woman you see in the mirror, the pressure to present yourself online can be disheartening for many. Whether it’s for business, dating, or headshots, getting your picture taken can feel like a “cross your fingers” leap of faith, just hoping for an okay outcome.

At 63, I know that feeling well. Using my systems and processes, I take control of my clients’ fears and guide them into the beautiful photos they are longing for. I get them to relax, to look natural, and have fun! With their insecurities removed, I can bring about the individual looks and personalities of these ladies. We are able showcase their professional successes, personal triumphs, joy, passion and the power they confidently bring to light in maturity.
When we create portraits that highlight the strength and confidence of women over 50 in the business world, it’s like giving them and everyone who sees these photos a powerful, positive, and uplifting experience. A rewarding photo session has the ability to transform the way they see and feel about themselves. It comes from looking and feeling great as mature women and having the proof of these pictures to lock in that feeling! It is a huge boost of confidence, making them proud of who they are, how they look, and that expands into how positively they go about their lives.

These photos can also change how other people think about “age” at work. Others can see and appreciate the skills and contributions of women over 50, making it look like a powerful place from which to stand. These images create a positive shift in how we all see beauty and success at any age.

We are challenge societal norms by presenting competent and attractive mature women who are fully engaged in life. These images help bring about a cultural shift. They foster inclusivity. They elevate the perception of beauty and success. They give younger women a more positive view of growing older, a goal that is worth striving for. As the Virginia Slims commercial used to say, “You’re not getting older, you’re getting better!” So true.

Incredible photographs make the world a more beautiful place

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I run Karen Floyd Portraits in San Diego. I began my professional photography career in 2015 at the age of 55. It is when I hit the age of 59, that I started to feel myself pull back and only wanted to be behind the camera, not in front of it.

“Where are the photos of mom?” families ask. There usually aren’t many, as moms are the ones comfortably taking the photos, not being in them. This lack of photos becomes a problem when they have businesses to market online, speeches to present, new resumes to submit or online dating photos to post. I realized that all women have fears and resistance to having our photos taken and need extra assistance in getting these photos into reality. That is when I became the “The Over 50 Photographer”, specializing in bringing out the best in older women. I know how frightening it can feel, and I know how to remedy all of that resistance to get them to the finish line!

I am most excited this year to be offering full and half day Personal and Business Branding to my services, to offer all of the lifestyle and social media photos that are needed today. There is no better way to market yourself than to have incredible, branded photographs to invite people into your world!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Since I live in San Diego, there are some tourist spots that are not to be missed:

Beaches:
-Coronado beach and the beautiful Hotel Del is a must! Downtown Coronado is just a delight to walk the main street, and the East side has incredible, direct views of San Diego Downtown. The Silver Strand is not like anything else.
-Del Mar/Solana beach are old school towns with a modern flair to them. Great dining and walks on the beaches.

Fun places:
-SeaWorld still holds the power to make a great day for young or old
-Old Town has replicas of how this place was in the very early days. Excellent Mexican restaurants, too.
-Fashion Valley Mall for those who love to recreationally shop. Double floors for twice the temptations. The UTC mall is not far away and is a very modern mall with outdoor activities.
-Seaport Village is such a nice stroll with boats, the harbor, fun eating and shopping.
-San Diego Library is not only architecturally fascinating, but great views and antique books under glass in a refrigerated room

Getting higher:

-There are so many incredible places to view all the sites that are worth the drive up: Mt. Soledad, Mt. Helix in La Mesa, Top of the Hyatt bar offers incredible views of the harbor and Pt Loma.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Sue Bryce, a portrait photographer turned educator. She is responsible for “magazine style photography” for the every day person. She decided to turn “Glam Shots” into modern glamour where women can have photographs taken that look like the celebrities get, hair and makeup, stylish gowns and poses that would make Annie Leibowitz proud. Her photographs were gorgeous and inspiring and went on to change many lives.

Sue’s educational platform has now changed the lives of photographers all around the world, spreading that recipe of love through their cameras. Her big dream has been a true gift to the world. Thank you, Sue, for changing my world, my life !

Website: karenfloydportraits.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theover50photographer

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealkarenfloyd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theoverfiftyphotograher

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/karen-floyd-san-diego-branding-and-headshot-photography-san-diego

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@karenfloyd4256/videos

Image Credits
Some of my over 50 work. Thank you! KAREN