Kara O’Keefe is taking the scenic route

Newfoundland pharmacist Dr. Kara O’Keefe has created her ultimate career pursuing two life passions: helping others live healthier lives and showing others the beauty around her. O’Keefe got her first camera at the age of 16 and took to photography straight off the bat as a way to express herself. Later she struggled between pursuing pharmacy school or becoming a photographer until her mother advised her that she could do both. Today O’Keefe is a full-time pharmacist at Family Drug Mart in St. John’s, NL, one of two pharmacies owned by her father, as well as an accomplished photographer, published nationally and internationally in various media outlets. She has worked closely with Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism on various contracts and sells an array of her beautiful photos via calendars and holiday cards on her website.Read: Second Act: Mixing politics and humour“I had a few people start asking if I could sell my photos back in 2016 so I started selling them at markets and it has grown from there,” says O’Keefe, adding that the uptake in sales on her calendars in particular has been especially surprising. “I could step away from pharmacy and sustain myself from photography, but I don’t want to do that because I get a great sense of balance from doing both and being a pharmacist is very fulfilling for me.”The self-taught photographer spends about 20 hours a week on her photography business and says her favorite subject matter is her home province. “I love taking pictures that are native to Newfoundland and part of our culture,” she says, noting that this includes all the brightly coloured houses and natural wonders, including puffins and whales.O’Keefe’s plan for the near future at least is to keep the status quo as she pursues her two passions. “One is very person-focused as I deal with patients, and the other allows me to express myself and my home,” she says. “Both bring me very different sources of happiness.”See more of O'Keefe's photography here.Read: A ferry to the pharmacy: new documentary features pharmacist with a unique commute

Kara O’Keefe is taking the scenic route

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