In a world increasingly dominated by metrics and measurements, it’s easy to become fixated on numbers. Whether it’s the weight on the scale, the size of our clothes, or the age on our driver’s license, these numbers can often feel like they define us. But let’s take a...
My Health Journey: Part 3
“You look great!” Since sharing my newest photos showing me in a smaller body, I’ve been receiving a lot of compliments, one of them being “you look great!” When I receive this compliment, I know that nothing but good intentions are behind it from the person offering...
My Health Journey: Part 2
I’ve been so hesitant to share about this journey because for me it truly is not a weight loss journey at all, it is a mental health journey. I didn’t set out to lose weight. My weight loss has been natural because I just eat less now. But no one can physically see...
My Health Journey: Part 1
Early in 2023, I photographed a client who had told me about a moderate weight loss that she had recently had, but what she said next was what impacted me the most: she said she was finally able to shut down the voice in her head that was always telling her she was...
What if we’re not “Barbie perfect”?
Each year, as part of the magazine I create for the Embrace Your Beauty Project for Fierce and Fabulous Women Over 40, I write a Letter from the Photographer. Looking back at the year, it seemed fitting that the topic of the letter would be Barbie. This is the letter:...
On dreading walking the dog
I had been looking forward to going to the park with my husband and son and for a personal walk. Just as we were leaving, my husband suggested that we also take one of the dogs.I instantly felt a shift in my mood.My excitedness turned to DREAD. I cherish my personal...
Chunky thighs
The other day, I had to run to the store to grab a few supplies. As I got out of the car, I realized that the shorts I was wearing had ridden up in the middle, and I walked a few feet as I pulled the shorts back down. As I've gained weight over the past year, I've...
Power to Change Story
The Power to Change the World by First Changing Ourselves In the not too distant past, things that people would have said about me are that I was… Cold Standoffish Abrasive Perfect* (that sounds like a good descriptor, but we’ll talk more about that in a minute) Fast...
You Don’t Need a Headshot. Wait…what??
Two seconds. That’s how long a typical user will spend on your website or social media platform - unless something captures their interest. You have two seconds to make a connection. You have two seconds to tell a compelling story. What’s one thing that will hold...
The Words We Say to Ourselves Have Power
Today I want to talk to you about a topic that’s very near and dear to my heart. As a portrait photographer, I specialize in photographing women and we, women are so incredibly hard on ourselves. We say lots of negative things to ourselves. And being a portrait photographer who specializes in photographing women is not always the easiest thing. Over the past couple of weeks, this topic has popped
Sharing our Stories
My name is Karianne Munstedt and I am a portrait photographer for women. I am starting a new series where I'm sharing my stories. It all stemmed from this quote by Iyanla Vanzant: “It's important that we share our experiences with other people. Your story will heal...
WHEN I REALIZED THAT I CAN DO ANYTHING
ON MOTHERHOOD and BUSINESSI haven't shared my birth story with many people. Those who I am friends with on social media saw pictures of me going into the hospital, but days later, there were no birth announcements. I received lots of texts asking if everything was OK....
HOW I MANIFESTED A CAR…and MORE
As of yesterday, I am the proud owner of a new-to-me Volvo wagon that will be the perfect family vehicle once baby arrives. And the absolute most exciting part about getting the car is…I manifested it. Sounds weird right? It still does to me a little too. But get...
THOUGHTS BECOME WORDS BECOME ACTION
Yesterday was World YWCA Day, and I attended a luncheon hosted by our local YWCA. Keynote speaker Patricia Russo from the Yale Women’s Campaign School was there to encourage women to run for political office and one statement that she made really resonated with me. It...
EXISTING IN PHOTOS WITH MY MOTHER
AS A PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER, I AM CONSTANTLY STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF EXISTING IN PHOTOS; ESPECIALLY OF EXISTING IN PHOTOS WITH YOUR MOTHER. YET, WHEN I STARTED THINKING ABOUT PICTURES THAT MY MOM AND I EXISTED IN, I COULD THINK OF VERY FEW. SO I WENT THROUGH ALL...