THE BEST SAN FRANCISCO PRIVATE PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Susan Bryne creator of Smarter Body Pilates is an exceptional woman. Capturing the life she embodies in this photograph filled me with happiness. But this says it best. Susan loves pilates in the same way that I love photography and we feel equally inspired to share it with others. I hope you will get the chance to meet her and learn from her as I have. And I haven't even taken pilates yet!

"I can't thank you enough for all your time & fantastic energy!! Oh my god. I never imagined I could look so good. The way you styled my hair looks incredible. I can't believe the photos. You're truly awesome to watch in action - an amazing artist!!" -Susan Bryne

JENNIFER IS THE MOST INSPIRING...

...17 year old I have ever met! It has been a blessing to have her working along side me in the office during the past six months. This testimonial brought tears of joy to my eyes.

One of Jennifer's favorite photographs.

"As I go about my day I see pictures of perfect models, and beautiful celebrities; and I think to myself gosh I wish I could have photos like that of myself. Well Karina made it happen. Her magic brings your inner most desires to life. Now I have gorgeous images, which I only ever dreamt of before. Karina's ability to capture your personality in a single photo makes for the saying "a picture is worth a thousand words". I was left speechless after seeing my photos. Each image is unique in that they clearly portray a part of who I am. I can't thank you enough for being such an inspiration and excellent role model. You are the absolute best-!!" -Jennifer Zazi

THE RITZ CARLTON SAN FRANCISCO - PRETTY AND SOME PINK

Photographer: Karina Marie Diaz, Lifestyle Photographer
Venue: The Ritz Carlton San Francisco, Marianne M. Arata
Florist: Floramor, Laura Little Testimonial on Karina
Bridesmaids Hair: 77 Maiden Lane Salon

STACEY ROCKED MY WORLD...

...with her wicked taste and passion for loving the life she lives to the fullest!

"Upon meeting Karina, it was obvious she had an innate gift for making someone feel completely comfortable in their own skin, in addition to bringing out their inner and outer most beauty... her energy is fantastically vivacious and made the shoot all the more exicting!  This is by far one of the greatest things I could have ever done for myself and would recommend it to ALL women...especially those who feel only model type bodies can be portrayed or pictured as beautiful...this is the perfect opportunity to see how that is NOT the case!  Karina's amazing artistic talent and genius knack for detail reflected back to me aspects and qualities of myself I was never aware of... I felt more confident and sexier than ever before and was able to carry that feeling with me even after the session ended...Who wouldn't want to experience that!! My deepest and most heartfelt thanks Karina!!" -Stacey

A DEAR AND SWEET WOMAN WITH A KIND...

...and genuine heart. I love meeting women like this. The beautiful Lisa Towell.

"I have never had a photo shoot of myself before, and couldn't help feeling like this was a fairly frivolous (and extravagant!) thing to do.  I couldn't have been more wrong.  Not only did Karina take some wonderful pictures of me, but the whole experience of doing this for myself was unexpectedly rewarding.  Karina was fantastic to work with -- I was apprehensive about my ability to 'perform' for the camera, but her down-to-earth, funny, and non-intimidating style helped me to be myself and actually enjoy being photographed (something that usually sends me running for cover!) I enthusiastically recommend scheduling time with Karina at your earliest opportunity.  You will have a lot of fun, and love seeing yourself through her eyes in your portraits." -Lisa Towell

THE LIFE OF YOUR DREAMS...

Catherine Houdek is a life coach and I was thrilled to photograph her portrait recently! The name of her company. Shaped Reality says it all.

"I had the most fantastic time with Karina.  She helped me choose clothing options (from the large variety I brought along) that would best highlight me.  She made me feel very welcome in her space and she guided me with the best facial expressions, smiles, body postures etc.  We chatted and laughed throughout the process, and I am THRILLED with the results.  I would not hesitate in recommending Karina to anyone.  Ladies, give yourself this gift and let Karina capture your natural essence and beauty - you won't regret it!" -Catherine Houdek

CELEBRATING MY BIRTHDAY WITH FRIENDS IN COSTA RICA

This trip was all about spending time with my girlfriends and experiencing "Pura Vida. Pura Vida means pure life. I was gradually more and more enchanted with this saying that can mean a variety of things from good friends, hello, goodbye and many other interpretations. Most of all it means what it says. I love the saying so much I think I'll keep it going here in SF with my close friends. I was very surprised by the differences between Mexico and Costa Rica. This trip was a genuine vacation from being cold, commercialism, TV, cell phones and basically life in SF. It was incredible and I have learned so much about myself as well as gained insight into a culture that has always been intriguing to me.

Some moments that caught my eye.

I love clouds and flying! From five years old on I flew back to Norway for the summers and I believed that if I jumped into the clouds it would be the softest landing beyond anything I had ever experienced. Softer than a down comforter and my huge white cats fur. This was taken from an eight seater flying from San Jose to Quepos. I love small planes. I always sit right up front and watch the pilots master each and every dial and switch. This was my favorite cloud formation.

Every young mother seemed to want an American name for her child. Leonard along with his mother and father live here in this small room without a door. Children's hide and seek is universal. I adored playing with Leonard and talking with his mother. Somehow they have a TV. Although they are about a 30 minute drive from the main road and then an hour drive to anywhere with food they did not have a car. Her husband wound up the horses for us to go horse back riding and look at the properties for sale.

Just about everything not already sold to a European or a an American "Gringo" was for sale and the prices were pretty steep! The time to buy was 5 years ago at least. The locals call themselves "Ticos" and this means native Costa Ricans. They call the Nicaraguan's "Nicos".

These eleven year old students were so much fun. They warmed my heart with their honest and open kindness with each other. Juan Luis in the middle is almost too darling for words.

Kassandra Perez with her neighbors dog. She is ten years old and bursting with creativity.

Her smile is alive with tropical life.