Oh, hey there.

I’m Karee Schnoring.

Did you think my name was Ruby Smith?

Fair assumption.

My business’ name was actually derived from two of my greatest loves: My daughter Ruby and my son Smith. (We've since added a third babe to the mix – a sweet, wild-haired little girl, Lola. Still workshopping how to incorporate her into my business name!)

For the past five-plus years, I have been lucky enough to stay home with my children. My days have been filled with playing dress-up, changing diapers, making snacks (so. many. snacks.), and scoping out the best parks in the Sarasota/Bradenton-area.

Being a mom to my three littles is the most important job in the world.

During these years of early motherhood, you could say that I’ve taken A LOT of photos, and as my children have continued to grow older, I really came to understand the immense importance of capturing the various stages of your children and family. It truly seems like my oldest’s chubby, cherubic baby cheeks transformed into the more defined features of a beautiful little girl overnight, and I swear I blinked and my son turned into a crawling and cruising machine in a matter of minutes.

I have always been a lover of photography though.

Growing up, I could often be found with my camera nearby. As Editor-in-Chief of my high school yearbook, I learned the basics of photography and continued to grow that knowledge as a journalism major at the Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri (Go Tigers!). Post-grad, I lived and worked in New York City, moved to Kansas City to pursue a career in advertising and public relations (and to be closer to my now-husband Kyle), and eventually ended up teaching high school English and Yearbook. It was during my time teaching others that I really found my stride as a photographer and my love of photography truly blossomed.

As a mom, I knew that I needed to pursue that passion now more than ever. IYKYK.

Photography gives me a creative outlet that is so complementary to being a mother while also being an entirely separate entity that is all my own. After being tapped by friends and family to capture some seriously special moments, I decided to take the leap and transform my hobby into a true business and creative pursuit.

Insert Ruby Smith Photography. ☺️

I am a natural light photographer based out of Sarasota, Florida. I live for capturing authentic, emotive moments that make your heart happy. I would describe my editing style as vivid, bold, and reflective of the real beauty that is present in life’s real moments. I chase the light and live for the rich, vibrant colors in the world around us.

If you’re looking for photos that make you instantly smile, I’m your girl.