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Hi! I'm Karen and I love tacos. Is there a taco addiction support group? No?! Haha, it's time for a little introduction. If you are new around here, you should know that I am a wandering homebody. I love adventuring to new cities, and hanging out on my parent's country home watching the corn grow. I love unique coffee shops and local restaurants, but I'm still a sucker for Starbucks and Chick-fil-A. I love chorizo tacos with all the unique toppings, yet still don't mind a taco supreme from Taco Bell. I love shooting in the big city and also on your family farm. I love people and all the hustle and bustle of the wedding day, but my calm spirit brings a peace and trust to my couples on their special day. How about you? Can you relate to any of these seemingly contradictory things? Tell me about it in the comments. #karenshoufler #travelweddingphotographer #wanderinghomebody #wanderlust #homebody #midwestweddingphotographer #midwestwedding #illinoisweddingphotographer #chicagoweddingphotographer
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Time marches on and this moment is gone and that moment is gone, but photography steps in and says, 'Not this one. This moment stays.' -Mary Marantz This is why photography matters. This is why I feel so honored and fulfilled to do this job. Photographs preserve memories. Our brains are overloaded with information, the daily to do list and just life in general. We forget. We think we will remember those precious curls of our 2-year old daughter. We can't imagine forgetting that moment on our wedding day when Grandma shed a single, precious tear as she saw us for the first time as a bride. But we forget. That's why I remind myself before every session and every wedding that this matters. Taking photographs is taking that moment, that memory, and saving it to be remembered for years and generations to come. @marymarantz is a renowned wedding photographer who travels the world with her husband Justin photographing weddings and educating photographers. But the thing that I find most fascinating about her is her beautiful way with words. In fact, she is so gifted in this way that she has a book coming out next fall. Her words always get me right in the depths of my soul, so I can't wait for her book. #weddingphotographer #photographymatters #karenshoufler #travelweddingphotographer
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Find the person that knows how to make you laugh with just a look. #karenshouflerbride #karenshouflercouple #illinoisweddingphotographer #illinoiswedding #engaged
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This industry can be lonely. Entrepreneurship often means countless hours sitting in a home office trying to figure things out that you didn't even realize you would need to do as a business owner. You dreamed of following your passion and spending all of your time getting paid to do the thing you are most passionate about. Then you realized that you had to deal with taxes, marketing, responding to emails, and all of the other mundane tasks that are required to run a business. At some point, you realized how lonely you are. All of your previous friends have moved on because you've spent all your time getting this business off the ground. Nobody understands what you do every day. I've been there! But you know what?! Taking time to make connections and friendships in the industry is possible. I might even argue that it's vital, and not for the reasons you are thinking. Sure, industry connections and collaborations are good for your business. But, industry FRIENDS are about much, much more. Whether you reach out to a local group, join your local chapter of The Rising Tide Society and attending their TuesdaysTogether meetings, or going out of your way to invite a fellow entrepreneur out for coffee, you need friends! Don't know where to look and just need a little encouragement today? Comment here! I'd love to connect. Or DM me if that feels more comfortable. #entrepreneur #momboss #communityovercompetition #makewavesmonday #karenshouflercmb #creativemomboss
