Meet Karen Pfluger | Arizona Elopement Photographer

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

Hi Karen, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The entire reason I even purchased a camera to begin with was to document my adventures- traveling, hiking, exploring was a huge part of my life and I wanted to capture it all. When I photographed my first couple, I realized I loved that too. Back in 2016, I told myself I wanted to travel to epic places and capture couples- but I had no idea how to make that a reality. It wasn’t until my husband and I eloped that I realized I wanted to be the exact person I needed when planning my own elopement. I needed someone who could be a resource, help me find a cool location, amazing vendors, give me inspiration and ideas to make my day more intimate. Someone who would capture the moments along with the wall hanging photos. That’s what I want to be for future couples wanting to elope and that’s what brought me to create this business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m an Arizona Elopement Photographer and I capture couples on one of the most special days of their lives. Couples come from all over to say “I do” here in the desert and I help make that happen. I would say what sets me apart from others is definitely my passion. Giving couples a day to remember, creating core memories, and capturing it all truly sets my soul on fire. It’s more than the epic locations, it’s the experience. A day dedicated to the couple and their love, having fun, and exploring is something I’m passionate about and that’s what keeps me going everyday. I used to work a 9-5 job that I hated. I felt like I had no purpose in life and everyday was wasted. Now that I have my dream job- I don’t take a single day for granted. I love each of my couples I get to work with and I’m genuinely excited to meet many more.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would first bring my best friend to Sedona. I photograph many elopements in Sedona because it’s such a great place to elope. I would show her all the epic views, take her off roading, stop at my favorite restaurants, and star gaze at my favorite secret spot. We would take a day trip to the Grand Canyon and ride bikes through the park. Then make a pit stop in Page to explore the slot canyons, lake, and cliff views. Then just before the week is over, head to the Superstitions and give her a dose of cacti and mountains. It would be the ultimate Arizona experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I wouldn’t be able to travel to these epic locations and capture sweet elopements. He holds down the fort back home with our two kids and supports me in every decision I make. While I now have a good work-life balance, it wasn’t always like that. He allowed me to work day and night growing my business. We even moved across the country because I wanted to capture couples here in the desert. He believed in me and if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be a successful elopement photographer.

Website: https://karencastorphotography.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/karencastorphoto?igshid=MmVlMjlkMTBhMg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karencastorphoto?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@karencastorphotography809?si=58y_OaboEgutcEw4