Karen Parker was born in Gloucester and is a country girl at heart. Photography has always fascinated her, although her earlier years were spent in advertising and publishing.
As a former advertising manager of The English Heritage magazine, it is little wonder that Karen creates stylish images 'more art than photograph' and is accustomed to providing the kind of superior service that once made Britain great.
After a period of study at Westminster College, London and time spent in galleries & museums admiring the inspirational works of Stubbs, Claesz, Ruysch and Vermeer. Karen knew that if she could combine digital technology with traditional sensibilities, she could create pet portraits that would be truly unique – highly detailed, incredibly realistic but with an classic style.
Art that was not only unique but deeply personal and would command attention, even in the most stately of homes.
It was then that she won the highly respected title: 'Kodak Pets Photographer of the Year' and her stage was set.
Once commissioned Karen dedicates herself to creating images that will reflect an animal's true nature. She will then skillfully retouch portraits by hand before personally printing each image using specialist inks & papers. There is no finer British pet photographer and no finer bespoke service.
Karen Parker's pet photography has now evolved and is in great demand; her studio work is sleek and contemporary, whilst her location work is at times, more than a little reminiscent of those beloved old masters.
Titles held
2000 Kodak Pets Photographer of the Year
2000 AGFA Digital Portraits Photographer of the Year
Exhibitions
2009 IPG/Terry O'Neill Awards
2001 BIPP Int Photography Awards
1999 BIPP National Print Exhibition
Awards
2009 Open Ad
2002 Kodak Portrait Award - Winner
2002 Kodak Portrait Award - Winner
2002 Kodak Portrait Award - Gold
2000 AGFA European Portrait Awards - Finalist (Colour)
2000 AGFA European Portrait Awards - Finalist (Digital)
2000 AGFA European Portrait Awards - Finalist (Mono)
1999 Fuji European Portrait Awards - Finalist