Photographer Feature: Q&A with Caroline Klaar

Photographer Feature: Caroline Klaar

Hi, I’m Caroline! I am the owner and founder of Klaar Photography, a wedding and family photography studio based in Southern New Hampshire. I am originally from Sweden, and I have been a professional photographer since I was 18—nearly 20 years now (yikes!).

My story with photography started long before I turned it into a career. In high school, I was both a photographer and a journalist for our school magazine, and I knew pretty quickly that visual storytelling was what I wanted to do with my life. In my early 20s, I moved to Boston and earned my Bachelor’s degree in Photography in 2015. Since then, I have been incredibly lucky to build a business doing what I love — and meet so many amazing people along the way.

Outside of work, I’m a wife, a mom to two little ones (ages 3 and 5), and a dog-, bunny-, and chicken-mom. Life is full, loud, and wonderfully messy. We love hiking, camping, and traveling as a family, and we are always dreaming up our next adventure together.

Photographer Feature: Caroline Klaar

What’s your favorite thing to photograph?

People! I have photographed a lot of different types of photography genres in my career, but photographing people interacting with each other in some way is forever my favorite subject. Be it a couple in love, or a family with little kids, I love the challenge of figuring out how to document their most authentic selves best!

What’s your favorite time of day to shoot, and why?

As a wedding photographer, I have learned to shoot in any type of condition and time of day. With that said, I still prefer to shoot during the golden hour when the light is the most flattering. I actually do not mind shooting in daylight though, as long as there is ample shade or have a background that works to be backlit.

Photographer Feature: Caroline Klaar

What’s your favorite type of location to shoot at, and why?

I like to have a lot of space for the kids to run around and be themselves, but that requires good lighting throughout the location so you are not cramped into a tiny area with good light or shade. One of my most recent favorite locations is an apple orchard that is part of a public park and trail system here in Southern New Hampshire. It has gorgeous mountain views in the background, and the golden hour light there is diffused, creamy and perfect!

What keeps you inspired or feeling creative?

Today, I photograph weddings and families throughout New England and beyond. I have had the chance to travel for work and shoot in some truly stunning places — but honestly, the things that inspire me most are often simple things. A beautifully hand-painted tile. The shape of a stairway, or how the afternoon sunlight hits a chair just right will spark new creative ideas for me.

I always feel most creatively alive when traveling or exploring somewhere new. Stepping outside of my daily routine helps me see the world differently, and that’s when the sparks of inspiration really start to fly.

What is one of the most important things you’ve learned throughout the years?

Like many business owners (especially moms), I have learned the hard way that hustle does not equal happiness. After having my kids, I tried to maintain my usual workload while having them home full-time—and I burned out, fast.

With the help of some amazing coaches and mentors, I have realized that being constantly busy is not a badge of honor. I have learned to slow down, prioritize rest, and build boundaries between my work and family life. And the wildest part? I’ve created some of my best work in the past 18 months since making those changes.

Creatively, one of the biggest mindset shifts I have had is learning to see myself not just as a photographer, but as an artist. That shift gave me permission to try new things, make mistakes, and lean into my unique creative voice—without constantly comparing myself to others.

What are the best – and hardest – parts of this job for you?

The best part? Without a doubt, it’s working with my incredible clients. It’s a privilege to document such meaningful milestones in people’s lives and know that those images will be cherished forever.

And on a personal level, the flexibility I have is priceless. I can take summers off with my kids, pick them up from preschool, and be fully present during these busy early years. That freedom means everything to me—and it’s a big part of why I love what I do.

The hardest part? Ironically, it’s how much I love my job. When I am working on something exciting, it is so hard for me to step away and unplug. Creating balance between passion and rest is something I continue to work on every day.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a new photographer?

There’s a little Swedish saying I love: “To make soup from a nail.” It originated from a Swedish fairy tail and means creating something satisfying with almost nothing. That’s kind of how I cook, honestly — but it’s also how I approach my work. I don’t always need perfect conditions to make something beautiful. Creativity thrives on resourcefulness.

And if you’re a new photographer reading this? My biggest advice is:
Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle or end.

Everyone’s creative journey looks different. Find mentors, keep learning, and give yourself grace. You’re not behind—you’re exactly where you need to be and will continue to grow as long as you do not give up!

Photographer Feature: Caroline Klaar

Untethered Family Photography Publication | Q&A with Caroline Klaar | Education and encouragement for family and newborn photographers

---

Photographer Feature: Caroline Klaar