Today we’d like to introduce you to Carissa Imel of Dolphin Soul Creations. .
Hi Carissa, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My passion is capturing the beautiful soul of all things through photography. I have always shared a connection with animals, especially dolphins. Every animal has a story to tell, and it takes time and patience to truly understand them. I hope to inspire others through my art by having anyone that looks into the eyes of the animals to be overcome with a sense of happiness, relaxation or have their minds transported away from reality.
My parents have encouraged me in all forms of art ever since I was a little girl, be it photography, painting, scrapbooking, jewelry making, and more. Fortunately, I found someone to marry that enjoys being just as creative as I and always up for an adventure. I have had great friends mentor me in photography, and I want to continue expanding!
My husband and I love to grab our cameras and find new areas to photograph. I love living in a state that has a plethora of opportunities year around to take in nature, at lakes, oceans, parks, and more. Our favorite locations are the FL State Parks, Sea World, Zoo Tampa, Busch Gardens, and Wild Florida Park. I am very fortunate to have all the opportunities to make connections with so many different species of animals at my local zoos. The work that zoos and organizations are doing to protect the conservation of all animals is astounding, and I would never have the chance to see them in the wild. By showcasing my photography, I am able to educate many people on the animals and organizations, along with giving back. With every sale, I give a portion of my sales back to the organization that I photographed the animal at.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road less traveled always seems to be the road I find myself on! Struggles are one way of putting it, but also lessons learned at every curve. I have encountered severe health issues, car accidents, family trauma, loss, and more. The dark tunnels of life have tried to consume me at times, but I know there is truly light at the end of them, and I will come out of it to continue forward even though I might not know the path ahead.
Every time something has occurred, I always thought this is it; I can’t take anymore and really question everything. Having the support of my husband, family and being strong enough to admit when I absolutely needed help was the best thing I could ever have done. We are always programmed to not talk about our problems, especially mentally, but we all face it and need to know it’s ok to speak up.
I have been through so many different obstacles, but I do my best to not spend much energy talking about them because I don’t want them to Define me. If I am talking with someone that has gone through something similar, I will try to share ways that helped me get through it, but many look at me in disbelief and constantly then ask the questions, “How are you still smiling? How are you still going?”. I share how I find things to look forward to and how I do my best to keep my mind focused on creative outlooks instead of negativity. Art has a true power of healing, and there are so many variations to try. Even when I couldn’t physically photograph, I had all those memories to look back over and strive to return to in an effort to create even more.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Any opportunity I have to photograph animals, I seize that moment. Everyone knows me to either have a camera on hand or to find me interacting with animals. Friends began asking me why I wasn’t selling my work; the thought hadn’t even occurred to me. I simply did it because I loved it, and I loved sharing the moments. I used to always compare myself to others, never thought I was good enough, but decided, why not just try!
One of my proudest moments is when I entered a Call to Artists at ZooTampa and was accepted to be a vendor! I couldn’t believe it with all the other amazing photographers out there, but I was told what set me apart was just how much I cared about their animals. I took every chance to learn as many facts about them to include with my prints and to offer enough variety for anyone to find a photo of their own favorite animal. I was so thrilled to be there before covid hit, but then I was involved in a severe car accident, and my husband was injured at his job, so it’s been a slow recovery, but we are doing everything to get better!
When I am set up at local craft fairs and events, I can’t help but enjoy sharing fun facts about the animals pictured or give context about the animal or the photo; just something that gets people involved and educated. After all, it’s not just a photograph of an animal to me; it’s a way to bring awareness and understanding! Anyone that looks through them will learn what happened in that moment so they can feel as though they were with me when I captured it and know that their contribution is going to not only help me and my small business but to continue to help the care and protection of those animals.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I love to make unique creations, including paintings! During the holidays, I make personalized carved fake pumpkins, ornaments, and more!
Photographing animals is my passion, and I absolutely love capturing pure moments of my subject, all the while challenging myself to find ways to photograph them. My work involved capturing portraits, including families, their newborns, high school seniors, weddings, cars, and pets. Along with various techniques of light painting and double exposure.
You may have already seen my photographs across Central Florida! One of my top highlights is being the official Paw-tographer of Royal Rags to Riches! We enter the dogs into many fun photography contests and were chosen by Nutri Chomps to have my photograph featured on the side of Chase Briscoe’s #98 Nascar Xfinity Race car at Talladega Speedway in April 2019!
I used to be a photographer for Discovery Cove, ZooTampa, A.P.E.S. Place, Leesburg Humane Society, and Fused Glass Frenzy. Currently, I photograph for JamArt Framing & Gallery, Rags to Riches Designs, Royal Rags to Riches, Lil’ Bit of Life Ranch, and Peaceful Pastures Ranch! I hope to continue this adventure and meet many more amazing people and animals along the way!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dolphinsoulcreations.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dolphinsoul_creations
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dolphinsoulcreations
Image Credits
Dolphin Soul Creations
