Professional photography became a career for me in 2000 when I worked as a dive instructor and an underwater photographer in Mexico. Those images have been published in National Geographic’s Nature’s Best, Dive UK Magazine, Sport Diver, Scuba Diver, and featured in Sunnto dive computers worldwide advertising campaigns. In 2010 the desire to create beautiful images on terra firma led me back to North Carolina where my business, Karen Doody Photography, specializes in weddings.

In 2019, I created The Wild Doody, my nature and wiildlife photography brand to weave together my longtime passion for wildlife photography, travel and workshop education. The goal is to share my experiences in nature photographing wildlife and landscapes that go beyond the routine while simultaneously raising awareness about the importance of living in harmony with nature.

During COVID isolation, with travel not an option, I revisited macro photography and found a passion which presented new challenges, and joyful successes. An avid gardener, my yard is full of interesting things to photograph and the excitement to capture the beauty of nature on a small, sometimes tiny scale, returned. My macro images of florals have earned multiple Imaging Excellence awards and been featured in national publications.

I earned my Master of Photography, Master of Wedding Photography and Photographic Craftsman through Professional Photographers of America (PPA). I am also a member of the American Society of Photographers, Professional Photographers of North Carolina, Professional Imaging Group of Eastern NC and the Carolinas Nature Photography Association. I was awarded the Imaging Excellence medal from PPA and was named North Carolina Photographer of the year in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Based in Morehead City North Carolina, I am available for workshops, and private photography classes in North Carolina and surrounding areas. I spend as much time as possible in the Smoky Mountains and you will often find me there teaching wildlife workshops. Speaking to photography guilds and organizations gives me yet another opportunity to share my love of the great outdoors. If you are interested in having me speak or teach a workshop, send me an email here.