Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Agurto.
Hi Karen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born to refugees from El Salvador who fled to the States during their civil war. My childhood wasn’t exactly a happy one, and the cycle of trauma the generations before me experienced, including that of my parents, was passed along. My parents were creatives who didn’t truly have the chance to pursue their dreams. They were faced with working multiple jobs, night shifts, a failing marriage, learning the ropes of a new country, and raising three kids on an incredibly tight income in Los Angeles and later in the Bay Area. My version of running away from all of this was a determination to succeed so that I could be completely independent. I followed the traditional college path and worked my way into a special education teacher position post-graduate school.
Growing up, I undeniably had a creative heart – I was a singer, dancer, writer, sewer, scrapbooker, and drawer. I also had a connection to the outdoors and, in college, spent my weekends adventuring in the Sierra Nevada mountains with my German Shepherd, Simba. During the pandemic, everything I was running from caught up to me, and I plateaued. I realized all of my accomplishments were a checklist of what I thought was success but didn’t truly fulfill me or have anything to do with my passions. That year, an opportunity (that honestly feels like the universe at its magical work) quite literally fell into my lap, and I had the exact amount needed to purchase a Fujifilm XT3.
I started off curating unique photo concepts for other creatives until I stumbled onto an elopement content day in Joshua Tree National Park. The world of adventure elopements spoke to my soul. I dove into related photography courses, learning as much as possible, leading to the launch of my elopement photography business, Karen Agurto Photography.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My wounds are the core inspiration for my photography business: To ensure every couple I work with feels seen, valued, and heard when it comes to planning an elopement day truly authentic to them. But it took years of multiple therapists and self-reflection to remove myself from the inherited/familiar survival mode to believing I could achieve my dreams. It took a long time to acknowledge my own voice, that I had learned to quiet down when I was a child. The road to healing never really ends, so it’s a continuous work in progress well worth the effort.
Even now, I sometimes struggle with the infamous and totally shitty Imposter Syndrome. With a big sprinkle of self-doubt. It’s really common in entrepreneurs and creative minds, so I know to ride the wave and let it pass.
Finances were a huge struggle, too. My worst moment was in college when I was surviving on credit card debt, and Bank of America was piling up the ‘insufficient funds’ fees on debit account. I thought I had just enough to buy my dog and I two cheeseburgers for $1 at McDonald’s, but when I went to pay my card was declined. My determination for independence meant I was willing to drown if it meant I didn’t need to ask for help.
I’ve worked through learning how to ask for help, as well as the financial scarcity mindset since then.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an elopement photographer based in California. I specialize in nature-inspired elopements that heavily focus on the couples’ experience. I use a documentary approach with a bit of editorial to capture supernatural moments but also make space for the portraits with my guidance. As an introvert, I avoid making it feel like an all-day photoshoot and let it be the amazing adventure every elopement is.
There’s so many elopement photographers out there that capture beautiful images, but the gallery really isn’t the most important part of a wedding – the experience is. Your emotions and memories are tied to your wedding photos, so I prioritize ensuring every eloping couple’s experience is just what they dreamed of. You want to look back on your photos and remember the damn good day you had and all the amazing feelings that were felt.
The combination of my outdoor expertise/passion with the art of photography allows me to confidently guide my couples along their elopement journey in nature. What really sets me apart from others is my personal history and how it fuels the way I approach elopement photography. I want to encourage all eloping couples that their thoughts are valued, their dream elopement can totally be brought to life, and no idea is too far out of reach. I want couples to believe they can have an elopement day that honors and celebrates them in a way that feels most true to them – without having to dismiss themselves for the experience of guests.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Your wounds follow you throughout life and seep into everything you do. Therapy, healing my relationship with my parents, gaining self-confidence have tremendously updated the blueprint for my life. The most important part of being not just a business owner but in a position where you carry great responsibility on such a special day – is to get in touch with your WHY. Dig deep to learn about yourself and what drives you. I believe everyone benefits from therapy! Self-love is taking care of your mental health, and you’ll only get so far by neglecting it.
Believe in yourself and take risks. Through risks we learn what we are capable of, we find new adventures, and we reach new heights we didn’t even know were possible. Invest in yourself and your skills! Take photography courses, watch YouTube videos, practice your art in styled shoots and second shooting. When the self-doubt gremlin comes creeping in, know you’re not alone, and all creatives have their own. There is a client for every single artist out there. Find your corner in the world!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://karenagurto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenagurtophoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenagurtophoto
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/karenagurtophoto
