Today we’d like to introduce you to KAREN ZELLE.
KAREN, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My photographic journey began in 2020 when Missouri and much of the world was in pandemic lockdown. Having received a camera for my birthday that year from my family, I began spending time on the weekends hiking and taking photos of the natural world. Becoming a nature photographer was a progression that came from spending time outside as a Missouri Master Naturalist and a docent for the Endangered Wolf Center. I quickly became addicted to the feeling of euphoria that comes from creating art with nature, your eyes, your spirit and a camera.
Since 2020, I have studied the art form and worked to improve my skills. Classes at the Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis Community College, Bryan Peterson School of Photography and many online offerings have helped me grow as a photographer and introduced me to other genres such as astrophotography, portrait, architecture, and street photography.
I began to really feel like a photographer in 2021 when a Facebook friend receiving cancer treatment told me that my nature photos brought her peace. She was at a doctor’s office and saw photos from the Foundation of Photo/Art in Hospitals (https://healingphotoart.org) and suggested that I contact them. They accepted my photo of native grasses at sunset. That photo is now hanging in healthcare facilities in Nepal and India as well as in the CURE International Children’s Hospital in Zimbabwe. That experience helped me realize and appreciate the healing power of photography.
In addition to shooting regularly with my sister-in-law and fellow photographer, Diana Zelle, I joined the Missouri Nature and Environmental Photographers (https://monep.org) and the Women in Focus St. Louis (www.womeninfocusstlouis.com) photography groups. These groups provide education, group photo outings, exhibition opportunities and camaraderie.
As I’ve improved, I have been fortunate to have opportunities to exhibit and sell my work. 2024 brought a solo exhibit at the Missouri Department of Conservation – Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center and group exhibits with Women in Focus St. Louis at the Webster Groves Library and Grafica Fine Arts Gallery. My photos have been included in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 Missouri Department of Conservation Natural Events calendars.
I work as a services manager and volunteer coordinator for a wonderful non-profit called Shepherd’s Center (www.shepherdscenter-wk.org). We help mature adults stay independent and vibrant in the community with services and programs. Recently I have begun taking photographs for that non-profit’s publications.
My photos can be found on my website at karenzellephotography.com, on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/karen.zelle) and Instagram (@karenzelle), Blue Sky (zgal.bsky.social) and Threads (@karenzelle). I love photography and the endless stories that can be told via the lens.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey of desired excellence in any art form presents struggles. I’m analytical so I spend a lot of time thinking about my motivation for improvement and where I want to take my photography. What defines photographic excellence and do I have confidence in the photos I produce?
Having discovered a love of photography in my 60’s, I worry that I won’t have the time to become the photographer that I want to be.
In spite of the challenges, I find photography a magical way to spend time alone and with others that leads to a deeper awareness and appreciative of the world.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve worked with mature adults since 2009 in hospice, adult communities, volunteer coordination and non-profit services. I am currently employed by the Shepherd’s Center of Webster/Kirkwood/Affton region.
Shepherd’s Center is a volunteer-based, organization that provides programs, services and engagement opportunities for adults 55 years and older. We measure our impact on their lives in terms of active community engagement, extended independence and personal fulfillment.
I oversee the service area clients and volunteers. Our services include transportation to medical appointments, phone pals and check-in calls, tech tutoring, simple home repair, resource help and seasonal yard work.
I’m most proud of my relationships with our volunteers and the clients we serve. I communicate well, listen actively and support those with whom I work. With a growing mature adult population in the St. Louis region, the services we provide, such as free medical transportation to medical appointments by volunteer drivers mean proper medical care for our clients. In addition, our volunteers help reduce social isolation that can plague older adults living alone.
What does success mean to you?
Success comes from being satisfied with your life choices. For me, success is being productive, worthwhile, helpful to the community and planet at-large, challenged and supported by those I admire and care about. Success is being a valuable human on planet Earth.
In my opinion, I am a success. I have a career that I enjoy, helping mature adults in the community. In addition, I volunteer for organizations that encourage the love of nature and educate others about conserving those resources. I find joy and challenge as a photographer. In addition, I’m fortunate to have wonderful family members, friends and coworkers who challenge me to be the best person I can be.
Contact Info:
- Website: karenzellephotography.com
- Instagram: @karenzelle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.zelle
- Other: Blue Sky -@ zgal.bsky.social
