About the photographer
Karen Thuermer has worked her entire life as an international business writer for various print publications. Her camera is always in tow while on assignment, although her photographs are not always of business topics. She is always an accomplished artist who has received various awards for her oil paintings and photography and frequently exhibits at the Art League Gallery in Alexandria, VA. Her camera of choice is her Nikon D-90, but also finds her I-Phone is often most readily available for that immediate shot. But more than equipment, she believes photography begins with composition, light, and the unique perspective of one’s eye. “Sometimes the perfect photograph presents itself, and you must shoot it – regardless of whether or not you have your best equipment at hand,” she says.
Browse photos
- Previous photographer Al Teich
- Next photographer Ellen Toomey
Karen Thuermer: Electronic images
That's my brother!
This photo was taken while visiting a school in Tanzania. The children walk five miles to attend class, yet are
so full of life and joy. Some are real characters as this young chap demonstrated when I photographed him and who I
will suppose is his sister. Look at how silly he is in front of the camera, yet mature she appears. You can just
read their minds! The children are dressed in their "school uniforms" -- very shabby hand me downs. Their
shoes are worn. Yet their enthusiasm was electric!
More about this photo:
https://kthuermerphotos.smugmug.com/
Vietnam Holy See
Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh, Vietnam, about 60 miles northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, is a major site for
Caodaism, a religion that was founded at the end of 1926. Experiencing many turbulent waves during over
three-quarters of a century, the Cao Dai Holy See has turned into a pilgrimage site for nearly 5 million believers
around the world. Caodaism is a syncretistic religion which combines elements from many of the world's main
religions, including Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, Hindus
When visiting this unique place, I was able to walk along a catwalk looming above the interior of the temple.
I shot numerous photos of worshipers who were chanting throughout the morning. Caodaism is the third largest
religion in Vietnam behind Buddhism and Catholicism. To this Western, the experience was surreal and other worldly.
My photos do not come close to the experience, which included strong visuals and sounds.
More about this photo:
https://kthuermerphotos.smugmug.com/
Time Tells
This photo was taken at the American International School in Geneva, Switzerland. The photo has been
photoshopped to highlight one particular student. As a note, I rarely use photoshop.
This photo was taken at the American International School in Geneva, Switzerland during a media tour to
highlight "quality of life" in Switzerland. The goal of the tour was to demonstrate the benefits of
companies locating to Switzerland and what the country has to offer families that come to live there. During the
visit, the teacher gathered a group of students who performed a song and dance routing for us -- obviously
pre-rehearsed. As is the case with children, however, there is always some character who is defiant and does not
want to participate. I chose to highlight him in photoshop not only because he is center to the photograph and his
stance is quite different from the other children in the photo; he also made me wonder what sort of character he
might turn out to be. Will he be a future trouble maker? Leader? Scientist? He obviously enjoys going against the
grain and is a free thinker. It's fun to imagine! But I'll never know!
More about this photo:
https://kthuermerphotos.smugmug.com/
Water Sticks
Photo taken of a pond in Wisconsin. This photo has been on display at the Art League Gallery in Alexandria, VA.
I decided to enter this photograph because it shows the artistic side of my photography. In this case I was
interested in the bright colors of the reeds against the black water of the pond. I also found the pattern of the
reeds to be quite abstract. Most people would not even notice -- let alone take a photo of something like this. But
I find it fascinating as I find all repetition of patterns in nature interesting. I like noticing the world around
us, especially that offered by nature. It's fun and makes me appreciate our fragile world.
More about this photo:
https://kthuermerphotos.smugmug.com/