Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Fabiola Torres.
Hi Karen Fabiola, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and got married shortly after graduating from college. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and, years later, a Master’s degree in School Counseling. Along the way, my husband served 25 years in the U.S. Navy, we raised two wonderful children, volunteered in our communities, and I even spent some time teaching.
Military life meant moving often—17 times, to be exact. It was during our first assignment in Japan that photography found me. What started as curiosity quickly became a passion as I traveled throughout Asia, experiencing new cultures, people, and ways of seeing the world.
When we were later stationed in Pennsylvania, I completed a professional photography program through the New York Institute of Photography and connected with an incredible group of women photographers from Puerto Rico who became mentors and friends. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to turn a passion into a profession.
I opened my photography LLC and, after moving back to Japan, officially launched my business in 2014. During those years, I photographed everything from births and weddings to family portraits, travelers, events, and military ceremonies. Photography became more than creating images—it became a way to document meaningful moments and human connection.
After our second time living in Japan, we moved to the St. Johns/Jacksonville area of Florida. Today, I divide my time and business between North Florida and Puerto Rico, especially the beautiful west side of the island where I grew up.
I’m a lifelong learner and continue investing in workshops, retreats, conferences, and courses. Some highlights include the Aftershoot Retreat in Peru, Congreso Nómade in Argentina, Illuminate Photo & Video Convention in Puerto Rico, Clickin Moms workshops, and educational programs with photographers from around the world. Every experience teaches me something new—not only about photography, but about people, cultures, and storytelling.
My photography style leans toward storytelling, editorial, and emotive imagery. I’m inspired by real moments, genuine connection, and the unique stories each person brings. I believe the best photographs are the ones that help us remember how a season of life felt, not just how it looked.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to photograph and travel in places including Florida, Puerto Rico, Spain, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Macau, Hawaii, Malta, Portugal, and Austria. Every place, every family, and every couple has shaped the photographer—and person—I am today. For that, I’m incredibly grateful.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
That’s relative…I am grateful for all the experiences and life, but yeah, sometimes moving that much could be challenging: creating a home, looking for friends, schools, a house, beginning my business in a foreign country where the dynamics are so much different from what I was used to, while being away from family with my husband deployed… I preferred to focus on how much I learned and experienced. I love the fact that I met so many people from around the world, and years later they find me, or we meet for photos again. Love that my “kiddos” grew up as citizens of the world. Grateful!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a photographer who specializes in documenting people and their stories in a way that feels genuine, relaxed, and meaningful. My work focuses primarily on couples, families, elopements, intimate weddings, and travelers who want more than just a few pretty photos—they want to remember how this season of life felt.
My style blends storytelling and editorial photography. I love creating images that are beautiful and intentional, but never at the expense of authenticity. Rather than stiff, traditional poses, I guide my clients into experiences and interactions that allow their personalities, relationships, and genuine selves to shine through.
What I’m most proud of is the experience I create for the people I photograph. Many clients tell me they were nervous before their session but ended up having fun, feeling comfortable, and truly enjoying the process. That means as much to me as the final images.
What sets me apart is that I’m not just looking for a perfect photograph—I’m looking for connection, emotion, and the little moments that often become the most treasured memories. My background in counseling, my years of travel, and the people I’ve met along the way have taught me to pay attention to what makes each person unique.
Being invited into some of the most meaningful moments of someone’s life is something I never take for granted. Whether it’s a family vacation, an anniversary, an elopement, or an ordinary day that deserves to be remembered, it’s an incredible privilege to help preserve those memories. Knowing that these images may one day become part of a family’s story is what continues to inspire me every time I pick up my camera.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I’m proud to be a Latina boss, mom, wife, and traveler, and I feel incredibly lucky to create photographs that become memories people can return to—images that make them smile, laugh, cry, and remember.
I love creating *with* people, collaborating, networking, and learning from other creatives. And when I’m not behind the camera, you’ll probably find me watching crime documentaries, getting hooked on a Korean drama, or reading about Feng Shui. A little bit of everything keeps life interesting!
Pricing:
- Portrait and family sessions begin at $525.
- Elopement photography begins at $625.
- Sessions are fully customized, so collections can include digital images, fine-art prints, albums, and other heirloom products.
- I work with clients to create an experience and collection that fits their story, needs, and the way they want to remember it.
- My brand is experience focus, so I like mentioning that sessions are customized rather than putting too much emphasis on pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.karenfabiolaphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenfabiolaphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenfabiolaphotography/
- Other: https://the.fotoapp.co/karenfabiola
