SO SERENE...

...Kirsten Krohn Marriage and Family Therapist.

"Karina's passion for what she does, and her mission to take beautiful photographs of women and have them appreciate their own beauty really comes through when you meet her. I truly truly enjoyed working with Karina to get the perfect portrait for my website. I was most worried about what to wear and her decisiveness and expertise gave me complete confidence that we would get some beautiful photos. Karina made the whole shoot fun, relaxed and natural, well as natural as one can feel while being photographed. I loved that she paid attention to where each piece of hair fell. For me it is this kind of attention to detail that creates truly superb photographs. She also found out what elements were important to me in order to feel like a photo of myself is really fantastic. In the end what more can you ask from a photographer than that she know her trade, she tell you how to make yourself look the best possible, and she make it all fun and relaxing at the same time." -Kirsten Krohn

WHO IS MICHAEL J. POLENSKE?

The man behind Blackbird Vinyards is equally intriguing, kindly intelligent and delightful. Today I had the honor of photographing Michael J. Polenske managing director of Quellos.

"Karina has a way of working her magic that both puts you at ease and arouses all of your senses simultaneously. She has the rare gift of being able to construct a great picture and bring out the best in her client while making it all fun and memorable. Over the years I have sat through a number of photo shoots, never have I been so comfortable, or so excited about the end result of the process. Best of all, I have a made a new friend!" - Michael J. Polenske


Over the past few years it has always been a treat to giggle with Christine as we discover the next San Francisco Bay Club Magazine cover shot together. Love you Chrsitine!!

“Professional, on time, and a joy to work with…Karina has a way of drawing out personalities and really bringing people to life. In short, she makes my job a lot easier!” - Christine Blake, Marketing Director, The San FranciscoBay Club

The Bay Club July August Magazine Cover

PATRICIA ARAUJO IS AN EXCEPTIONAL PAINTER

Being from Colombia, Patricia Araujo Valencia has a unique perspective on San Francisco Architecture. Her color palette evokes a refreshing calmness just like her wonderful presence.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my portrait session. Being photographed by Karina is a delightful experience. She created a comforting environment and was attentive to my every need allowing me to explore my true nature. She is the perfect blend of creative, professional and FUN! Karina, I admire your thoughtful creativity in bringing all of these elements together for me to have such a unique and positive experience being photographed. With deep gratitude, I thank you for the wide variety of stunning photographs you captured for me. I continue to relish my photographs and celebrate myself. Sign me up for my next session!!" -Patricia Araujo

HER SOFT, QUIET, PEACEFUL MOMENT.

Becky.

“Few people can find their true calling, however Karina found hers with photography. There is so much involved with a photo shoot and it is inspiring to see how much effort and love Karina put into me looking and feeling unbelievably sexy! This was a great self-esteem booster! She didn’t let a moment slip by without adjusting a slight head turn, shoulder angle or another position. I have too much amazement to put into words how hard Karina works. I am in awe of how deeply dedicated she is to supporting me in enjoying myself and how I look TODAY! With the camera in her hand, there was nothing else in the room but ME! I was able to see where I am shy in my life and where I am not…she pulled it out of me by making me feel special and relaxed. I enjoyed every moment of it, and I am sure my husband will love the photos I am surprising him with, of his beautiful wife for our 5 year anniversary! I would recommend this to any and every woman!!!” -Becky Yops

TALK ABOUT TRADITION!

I have been attending The Mountain Play on Mt. Tamalpais in Mill Valley, for 22 years with my family. Three's a charm! My third time seeing Fiddler on the Roof. But, I loved it of course because I LOVE MUSICALS! I can't wait for The Sound of Music to come again. You could not ask for a better setting than this to relax in the sun, laugh, clap and enjoy a yummy picnic. With over 4,000 people gathered together in the most beautiful outdoor Greek theatre nestled into the trees and a view over looking the San Francisco Bay, I often wonder why I do not make it to my favorite mountain more often?

2006 - Fiddler on the Roof
2005 - Oklahoma!
2004 - My Fair Lady
2003 - Annie
2002 - Bye Bye Birdie
2001 - Oliver!
2000 - Funny Happened on the Way to the Forum
1999 - West Side Story
1998 - Hello Dolly
1997 - South Pacific
1996 - My Fair Lady
1995 - Guys & Dolls
1994 - Fiddler on the Roof
1993 - The Music Man
1992 - Oklahoma
1991 - Wizard of Oz
1990 - Anything Goes
1989 - Brigadoon
1988 - South Pacific
1987 - King & I (75th Anniversary)
1986 - Peter Pan
1985 - The Sound of Music
1984 - Fiddler on the Roof

I was around my niece Emma's age when my family began this tradition.

We always eat the most incredible BBQ chicken in the world on a long table in the garden. We were lucky enough to have Kara with us this year and yet again she was making me crack up!! (laugh a ton)

Kara's favorite quote of the day: Karina to her father "You can laugh it's OK". It stills kills me thinking about it. He can be a very serious Norwegian man and she even got him to laugh out loud! No one can resist her contagious laughter. (I should have her laugh come in now;))

KARA CAN ALWAYS MAKE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD...

...we are talking belly laughs here non stop

"Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered who am I looking at and what happened to the girl I use to know?

Everyday I feel as though I am hosting a masquerade party, concealing and camouflaging my true identity, allowing no one to see the real me! So to find a person that can expose your genuine authentic colors and reveal your inner imagination has been one of the greatest gifts and most empowering endeavors that I urge every person to experience.

Karina’s poetic photographs gracefully captured the ballerina I once knew, the morning person I use to be and the girl that laughed until her nose wrinkled.  The elegant, yet vibrant pictures that Karina playfully crafted, not only mirrored my most cherished childhood memories, but also reminded me of the type of girl I used to be and the kind of women I know I am." -Kara Barker