PHOTOGRAPHY • DIRECTION • DESIGN

Kari Rowe may stand at only 5’3″ but the energy she brings into any room makes her seem to stand taller than most grown men. She is a natural born artist; driven to create moments in time, exudes beauty behind a lens, and truly creates experiences through photography. Through her talent, heart, authenticity and raw, unfiltered personality, she makes subjects feel completely comfortable in front of the lens which is another talent in and of itself.

She is European, Turtle Mountain Ojibwe, Sicangu Lakota (Rosebud Sioux) Oglala Lakota. Currently based out of OR, WA and CA. She travels the world as a visual director, freelance photographer, creative director, designer, indigenous activist, journalist, jewelry maker, visual storyteller and mother.

She spends her days creating global campaigns, has worked with some of the most respected brands in the world and received international acclaim for her photography. Passionate about contributing her visual direction and creative services to work with native businesses, she works through NAYA and NWNC to support small businesses and artists. Her true passion and heart work is documenting untold stories of modern indigenous people.

From a very young age she was enamored with the world of nature and the art of photography. She grew up in the Puget Sound surrounded by cameras, barefoot, and homeschooled in the woods. This upbringing has helped shape her drive, passion and caring approach to each moment she has the honor of creating with whomever she get to work with.

While working as full time photo assistant to Snowboard Photography Godfather, Trevor Graves, she completed the graphic design program at Portland State. Walking away with numerous scholarships and awards, including best final portfolio.

After learning the design tools she needed to usher in the age of digital art, she followed her heart and continued her career as the full time photographer at Nemo HQ in Portland OR.

After 6 years as the in house photographer she became the manager, producer, art buyer, content creator and studio director before embarking on a solo career. 20 years later she is still at it.

Kari’s work appears in the pages of countless magazines, catalogs, websites, zines, installations, galleries, posters, television shows, billboards, buildings, concerts, albums, art shows, contests, news outlets and buyer’s guides.