Better Know A Blogger: Karla Garcia of Ohh Snap
"I plan to follow in Bill Cunningham's footsteps...."
In everyday life, Karla Garcia enjoys brisk business as a wedding, lifestyle, and fashion photographer. On her blog, Ohh Snap, she still gets behind the lens, but this time turns her eye to the street. Garcia documents the city's street style in a wider range of locales than many in Miami. Rather than just sticking to, say, the downtown hipster scene or the fashion-industry lunch circuit, she finds sartorial inspiration everywhere.
When and why did you start your blog? What gap in the local blogging scene were you hoping to fill?
Karla Garcia: I first started my blog in 2008 when I bought my DSLR camera and started shooting. My first intention with the blog was to document my growth as a photographer and share all things Miami that interested me. A few years later, I realized my initial blogging venture had no specific direction and I needed to find a niche more true to my interests. I decided to relaunch in August 2011 with more of a focus on fashion and design. I guess I was looking to fill the gap of a lifestyle and fashion blog, yet curated with a photographer's perspective.
How and when did you get interested in photography, and when did you get interested in street style photography in particular?
I went through a big break-up and bought a fancy camera to keep me distracted. I figured it was the best way of turning a negative into a positive and I always loved taking pictures. I eventually ended up focusing all my energy into teaching myself how to shoot and it all evolved from there on. I got interested in street style photography through reading fashion blogs.
I love the way blogger girls share daily outfit inspirations with scenic backgrounds, but I know my strong suit is in being behind the camera. So, I found a way to convey my style by capturing other people I find interesting via street style and under my "Ohh So Sartorial" blog posts, which then landed me a contributing photographer role with Refinery29.
When you photograph someone else, what kinds of thing tend to draw you to their outfit? What do you look for?
I'm usually very drawn to details. A simple outfit can be brought to life just by adding bold colors, textures, and accessories. I also like to find subjects whom just be looking at their outfit, you can learn a bit about their character and personality.
Where are your favorite places to find your subjects?
I love scouting for fashionable people on South Beach or in the Midtown/Wynwood area, but any area or event that is populated with a large crowd works great.
What's your favorite new fashion trend?
I'm officially obsessed with maxi skirts! They are so comfortable and it's so easy to dress them up or down depending on what mood you're in. I also love the neon trend, when done right, of course.
What trend do you wish would die?
Bandage dresses. I'm not a fan of these; I just don't think they're fashionable or stylish and are only flattering on five percent of those who wear them.
What do you think of the local fashion blogging scene? From the outside, it seems like it's getting a lot more cohesive and friendly.
I think it's awesome that the Miami fashion blogging scene is flourishing. I've been following bloggers from California and New York for years now and I'm proud to see our city starting to become another staple in this scene. We have a lot of talented designers, stylists, writers, and photographers who need a platform to share their work and a blog is the perfect way to do so. Not only is it making our city more notable, but it's a great way to join forces with fellow creatives.
What's your ultimate goal for the site?
I love being able to inspire other people through my work. There are a lot of great blogs brewing in Miami, with pretty blogger girls doubling as stylists and models in their own posts. But the element of capturing street style from the perspective of a photographer is pretty fresh. I've noticed this while shooting subjects on the street. Miami is not used to the Bill Cunninghams of the world. They are taken aback by being asked to snap a pic of what they are wearing. I plan to follow in Bill Cunningham's footsteps, have my photography serve as inspiration and have my blog recognized as one of Miami's top street fashion sites.
