Karen Unland of Seen and Heard in Edmonton

{October 3, 2015}

Today’s feature of Karen Unland of Seen and Heard in Edmonton is one that I have been hoping would become reality for several years now. Seen and Heard in Edmonton is a blog and podcast about blogs and podcasts in Edmonton. I have really enjoyed listening to Karen interviews with a wide variety of Edmontonians about subject matters that interest them.

I met Karen back in 2013 when she was still running Capital Ideas Edmonton with her fabulous team of Vickie and Brittney at Edmonton Journal. The main objective of Capital Ideas Edmonton was and still is* “Business owners helping business owners by sharing what they know.” As a newly-arrived in Canada Business Owner, I was very grateful for the insights that Karen, her team and the guest panelists provided. Then, we started meeting Karen at other events we were covering and learning even more about her gentle yet firm demeanor that reveals a fierce intelligence.

*Sidenote: Capital Ideas Edmonton is now run by the lovely Jeff Samsonow, Sam Brooks and Baillie Scheetz.

So you will not be surprised to read that when she commissioned us for official portrait and marketing images for Seen and Heard in Edmonton, we did a happy dance! Then she went and put the cherry on the proverbial cake by suggesting that we do a “Before” and “After” podcast interview. Of course, I agreed.

The “Before session” interview was an opportunity for her to inform me of a few concerns about being photographed and for me to try and allay said concerns. You can hear the interview here.

Yes, Karen is at a bus stop. Not just any bus stop though; this is the one that closest to her home and so is one she uses whenever she catches the bus. It is not often that a bus stop shelter is included in a portrait session. This just shows how truly “lifestyle” this portrait session was.

I am delighted to confirm that the “After session” interview was with a Karen who had enjoyed her portrait session and you can hear how relieved in a good way she is haha.

The collection of images Karen received was a combination of portraits and still life photographs; the latter lends itself well to use in her marketing materials and the variety of portraits ensures versatility in use for Karen.

Karen emailed this lovely feedback upon receipt of her collection of images:

“I have had so few pictures of myself that I like. As a result, like many people, I hate getting my picture taken. But Funmi and I had a very fun afternoon together, and I think she captured my personality while getting a wide variety of looks and backgrounds. Now I have more nice photos of myself than I’ve ever had before, plus several creative environmental shots that will help my business look good on on the web and on social media. Thank you, FO Photography!”

— Karen Unland, Seen and Heard in Edmonton.

Thanks Karen for making one of our wishes come true!