We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen Trejo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up in LA, I always showed interest in the arts. My parents would buy different cameras for me on my birthday. Sadly, I don’t know where those are. (I’ve moved so much. I’m sure that’s how I lose things.) Ironically, my parents wouldn’t let me major in anything art related so I became a youth care worker. They were proud I was working with refugees. But I knew I was pursuing their path, not mine. I enrolled at FIDM and it was life changing. Creativity comes natural to me. I don’t struggle in it. It is my realm.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I was working in the fashion industry when I picked up my camera to take product photography of my small business. Sewing my own products became unmanageable and extremely difficult so I gave up. Fast-forward years later, I made the choice to prioritize my small business because I had given birth to my daughter. With my background in sociology (working with people) and the experience I gained in the fashion industry, it makes me a strong photographer. However, the flexibility of a photographer schedule also allows me to raise my daughter and to be present. This journey has not been easy because I moved to Indiana without knowing a single person or a potential client. Call it hard work or call it luck, I pursue my career like my life depends on it. I also pour into my client’s projects and I go up and beyond. I know that probably sounds very cliché, but it’s very true. I fly constantly back to California because I refuse to give that up. The biggest lesson I’ve learned in my career is that if you treat a session like a transaction, then you will be treated like a transaction. For the most part, I really dive into a client’s story and I break down the details of the project. Photography is not vanity, it’s someone’s precious story. It is my job to care about my client’s session because for example, they’re celebrating their child’s first year of life or last. I get to celebrate a couples union, I get to celebrate someone’s birthday, but I’ve also had to mourn with a client during a memorial. I run this small photography business like I would a family and as a social worker (haha),

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First of all, I’d get a sitter!

Monday we’re driving up to Lake Michigan and we’re camping out.

Tuesday we’re driving back early to Indy so we can catch Taco Tuesday and maybe a little bar hop.

Wednesday, I got to take you down to Brown County. Let’s do a little shopping and sightseeing. You’ll fall in love with the foliage.

Thursday let’s take a flight to Los Angeles but let’s start in Orange County. The Beachcomber is a charming lunch spot. Let’s lay out & dip in the water.

OMG it’s Friday! Wanna go salsa dancing in downtown? Yup!

Saturday, what a hangover. Grab your robe, let’s have a spa day at Glen Ivy.

Sunday we’re flying back to Indianapolis. We’re going to cook at home and enjoy each other’s company. You’ll fall won’t want to leave!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I haven’t gotten to my destination without the support of those who have helped me get here. I’d like to give a huge shoutout to; My fiancé. Every time I want to quit, he pushes me to pursue even more. My parents. They really fuel me in everything I do. My future In-laws encourage my work and they take great interest in my photography. Claudia Thompson has been a great mentor & friend throughout our childhood, motherhood & professional career. I’m not sure where she is in the world, possibly still head of design at Marciano. Jessica was my mentor throughout the early years in the fashion industry. Meghan Linn was also crucial in my story. She helped film my entrance video which is still available on YouTube. There are so many other people I have to shout out but to keep it short, I’d like to finally thank Sonia, Edgar & Jeff. No idea is too crazy. Without these people, I’d be truly lost.

Website: https://karenjtrejo.myportfolio.com/contact

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karentrejophotography/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@karentrejophotography?si=xLgdz0Rdmty3I4PM

Image Credits
Karen Trejo Photography (self portraits)

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