LAURA IS PURE JOY.

Laura is a commercial real estate agent. This photograph was taken for her business portrait.

'Everyone has unique expressions and features that make you so distinctly you.  Most often it's hard for even your loved ones to describe although they try because they are preciously defining.

Lifestyle photography is Karina's gift.  She has this amazing ability to capture your expression, feelings and the moments when your emotion shines through. 

In one session she was able to guide and pull out of me exactly what I wanted to communicate.  A rare talent and a delight to work with, I would recommend her to anyone who doesn't want to be disappointed!'  - Laura

ELYSE NAPOLITANO IS A PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL COACH

Elyse Napolitano is a Personal and Professional coach with the zeal to get you where you want to go. I love the wonderment and inspired curiosity in her expression, filled with limitless possibilities.  As if she is saying... what's out there for you?  I'll guide you there if your ready.

zeal n. Enthusiastic devotion to a cause, ideal, or goal and tireless diligence in its furtherance.

"Karina is a passionate, perceptive artist. Her photos captured a depth of emotion and intensity I didn’t even realize I was experiencing! Working with her is more like working with a coach than a photographer – who are you being from moment to moment? What do you want to reflect? What is it to be intentional about the image you project? These are the questions that underlie her photo studies and as such, the experience of being photographed by Karina is deeply moving." -Elyse Napolitano

A COACH WITH CLASS

Alexandria Hilton of Bellissima Consulting was a pleasure to meet. Her regal elegance is complimented by her uplifting spirit.

"Thank you for your timely response and the excellent picture. I am very pleased with the quality--well done!" -Alexandria Hilton

DAVA GUTHMILLER IS ALMOST TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

Dava Guthmiller is the founder of Pow.wow, an inviting and resourceful women's networking group fueled by the power of fabulous women. Her talents are many and you can see it all here at Noise 13. Noise 13 is Dava's visual branding design studio that can take you all the way from identity to interior design. Her talent and her team will take you were you want to go. Dava is the real thing and I can't get enough of her.

"When Karina told me about her portraits of women sessions it took my trust in her to get me to make an appointment. I'm a social butterfly, but I'm not used to being photographed. I usually don't like photo of me anyways. But believe me, taking half a day off work to get your makeup done and photos taken really feels like being spoiled. Which we all need once in a while. I have to admit, I love me photos and I will go back again. Karina is wonderful at finding the beautiful woman in all of us." - Dava Guthmiller

Two of Dava's favorites from her portrait session here in the studio with beautiful natural light.

BUSINESS LOCATION PORTRAIT FULL PAGE IN BRENTWOOD AND DISTINCITVE LIVING MAGAZINES

Brentwood Magazine and Distinctive Living Magazine come out in the LA area. It's nice to see my business portrait clients getting great usage from their images. You can learn more about Michael's Blackbird Winery here.

GRISEZ EVENT DESIGN, ENTHUSIASM, VIBRANCE AND TASTE!

Alice Grisez and Erin Wood of Grisez Event Design impress me with their incredible energy. They clearly take care of each wedding as if it were their own, a very special quality that I cherish. They go the distance to create a wedding day that particularly expresses who you are as a couple and this is one of the many things make them shine as wedding coordinators.

"Meeting Karina for the first time was like meeting an old friend for an afternoon filled with laughs and heart to heart conversation! Karina is more than just a photographer, she's dedicated to making you as beautiful and real as you can be for the camera. She want's your true essence to shine through into the camera. She's so easy to be photographed by, letting you drop your guard and have fun with the whole process. Karina went so far as to style my hair, give me tips on what to wear and makeup choices in order for me to look my best while constantly fixing my hair along the way. It was like having a personal beauty assistant and a photographer all rolled into one person! She is so much more than I expected from a photographer and I can't imagine how else it could be done now. When you want to look as good as you can for an image that will be set in time, and you can't afford to look anything less then your best Karina is the photographer you need. I can't say THANK YOU enough to Karina for all her hard work and genuine efforts in making me look and feel as good as I did that day!" -Warmest regards, Alice Grisez

"Speaking first-hand, having your picture taken by Karina Marie Diaz is like nothing you've ever experienced before. She has the ability to personalize every photograph she takes and has a way of putting your personality into every single one. You can tell she loves what she does because she puts so much passion into making you feel special and getting that perfect shot. You leave feeling confident about yourself and knowing that you will have breathtaking photographs. Karina is truly amazing behind the lens!" -Erin Wood

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

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

WITH AMY'S GUIDE...

...Amy Nichols Special Events shows her dedication to helping brides and grooms to have the best possible wedding, down to every last detail! I couldn't resist capturing these adorable shoes she got in Spain recently. Visit Amy's Guide... to all things bride and find an interview with me about your wedding photography. (coming soon)

"When you meet Karina Marie Diaz you can't help but know she's a true artist. Her photographs are breathtaking and she captures the spirit and character of her subjects beautifully. She is an absolute pleasure to work with - gracious, thoughtful and always smiling!" -Amy Nichols

JULIA NOTTEBOHM IS A WEDDING COORDINATOR WHO DESERVES THE TITLE...

With her natural grace and attention to detail her weddings reflect this. Capturing her calm and kind nature in her portrait was very rewarding for me. Julia Nottebohm is a true delight.

"All of my brides rave about Karina and the work she does. She is talented, professional and really takes the time to listen to what it is you want. Karina has the ability to convey who you are through her pictures ....and she is sweet and wonderful and FUN! I think she's the cat's meow!" -Julia Nottebohm

And my favorite because it's so funny! "It's not magic- It's Karina ;)" -also coined by Julia Nottebohm