About Us

I’m known for my clean, crisp, contemporary style in both portraiture and in commercial imagery. My sessions are professional, yet fun and easy going. I take the time to connect with my subjects making them feel comfortable and relaxed, which allows me to capture natural expressions and genuine personality.
I shoot on location or in my San Juan Capistrano studio.

How We Got Started

I started my journey in photography in 1980, working as an assistant to several notable commercial photographers in LA. I had the pleasure of working with some of the best photographers in the world, learning lighting techniques, visual design and production management. I went on to work as a costume designer for music videos and commercials.
I stepped back from photography to raise my family and returned to this profession as a portrait/commercial photographer in 2009.
I truly enjoy this profession because of its unique opportunity to meet and become friends with so many interesting people while creating beautiful, artistic images!

The products and services we offer

Products & Services
I’m known for my clean, crisp, contemporary style in both portraiture and in commercial imagery. My sessions are professional, yet fun and easy go...
High School Senior Portraits by Karen Reuter Photography
Believe-it-or-not, summer is the best time to get your child's HS Senior Portraits taken! Kids are more relaxed and have more spare time than they...
Recommendations Given (17)
"Michael is a super hard working, caring, authentic and honest businessman who genuinely cares..." Read more "Michael is a super hard working, caring, authentic and honest businessman who genuinely cares about his community. It is a pleasure working with him and his publication, Lifestyle Magazine, Laguna Niguel. "
"Brandy Elloie, of Health Market Insurance Agency, is wonderful to work with, super knowledgable..." Read more "Brandy Elloie, of Health Market Insurance Agency, is wonderful to work with, super knowledgable about the various health insurance options, and extremely helpful with her great recommendations and advice. I've been using her services for over four years and am completely confident in my recommendation of her as a health insurance specialist!"
Recent Activity

Karen from Karen Reuter Photography Answered this on March 08, 2019
Social Media is a great way to market your services, especially your niche! (more) Social Media is a great way to market your services, especially your niche!
1 Reply

Karen from Karen Reuter Photography Answered this on February 21, 2019
ABSOLUTELY! But unfortunately, I learned the hard way. Like many moms out there, I took tons and tons of photos of my kids alone and with their friends and cousins. Their antics and silliness captured my interest and was super fun to shoot. I wanted to remember every milestone and “first”... (more) ABSOLUTELY! But unfortunately, I learned the hard way. Like many moms out there, I took tons and tons of photos of my kids alone and with their friends and cousins. Their antics and silliness captured my interest and was super fun to shoot. I wanted to remember every milestone and “first” so that I could virtually re-connect to those little ones long after they grew up. It wasn't until my Aunt suddenly and unexpectedly passed away that I realized my mistake in focusing only on the kids. I had sorely, too few photos of my much-loved aunt, and I wish like heck that I’d included her in the photo-stories that I’d told of my kids. I learned – the hard way, but now I make certain that I tell the whole story of our family and friend gatherings by including the adults in my photos!
1 Reply

Karen from Karen Reuter Photography Answered this on October 01, 2018
Making sure my information was out there, either by word of mouth, social media, donations to charity events, or just plain pinning my card up at Nekter! (Yep, I got one of my best clients that last way!). Marketing is a full-time job!!! (more) Making sure my information was out there, either by word of mouth, social media, donations to charity events, or just plain pinning my card up at Nekter! (Yep, I got one of my best clients that last way!). Marketing is a full-time job!!!

Karen from Karen Reuter Photography Answered this on September 21, 2018
I haven't found paid ads to generate revenue at all, however, they have expanded my follower base in Social Media, which should result in additional sales in the future. (more) I haven't found paid ads to generate revenue at all, however, they have expanded my follower base in Social Media, which should result in additional sales in the future.

Karen from Karen Reuter Photography Answered this on June 20, 2018
Viewers like IG because it's quick and more entertaining than a website. I think IG posts capture initial interest and should lead the viewer to pursue more information from your website. An IG post can also grab someone's attention who wasn't really looking for your particular business at that... (more) Viewers like IG because it's quick and more entertaining than a website. I think IG posts capture initial interest and should lead the viewer to pursue more information from your website. An IG post can also grab someone's attention who wasn't really looking for your particular business at that moment. Because the post was intriguing, the viewer is more likely to visit your website or consider your service.

Karen from Karen Reuter Photography Answered this on May 21, 2018
This requires a two part answer. First, I think my genuine interest in producing beautiful imagery creates value and desirability in my work. I am continually working to improve my skills as a photographer.  I can't see a day when I feel that I know it all and no longer require effort in... (more) This requires a two part answer. First, I think my genuine interest in producing beautiful imagery creates value and desirability in my work. I am continually working to improve my skills as a photographer.  I can't see a day when I feel that I know it all and no longer require effort in perfecting my photography and retouching abilities. As good as I become, I know I can be better.  My clients can see my determination to create the very best images for them; be it portraits or images for their marketing. Secondly, is my genuine concern for my clients’ comfort and enjoyment of the whole process. Posing for a portrait can be uncomfortable! It's unnatural and can make you feel really self-conscious. I totally get that!  So I work to help my clients relax and enjoy themselves. From the moment we meet, be it on the phone or in person, my goal is to develop a trusting, friendly relationship so that on the day of the shoot, it's all about having a great time while creating beautiful, genuine portraits!

Karen from Karen Reuter Photography Answered this on May 21, 2018
My clients are my best resource for referrals, without a doubt. (more) My clients are my best resource for referrals, without a doubt.

Our Recognition

We're highly recommended by locals on Alignable

Highly Recommended

By 5+ Local Business Owners!