CONNIE'S TO DIE WARDROBE MADE OUR SHOOT SUCH A TREAT FOR ME!!

"My last birthday marked a new decade and a new me, and I wanted to do something special to celebrate my womanhood and my outlook on life. Thanks to Karina, she has helped capture a moment in time that I'll always remember.

Every woman owes it to herself to be photographed by Karina. She has the amazing gift of being able to capture a woman's inner beauty and let it shine through in her photos. My photoshoot with Karina was one of the most special experiences I've ever had, and I would highly recommend it to every woman.

Karina has an incredible energy about her that is infectious and makes the photo session so much fun. I had only talked to her on the phone once before meeting her, but the moment I entered her fabulous studio, I felt like we had been great friends for a long time. She made me feel completely comfortable in my skin and I really felt that my true self was shining through. Her guidance throughout the shoot empowered me with a great sense of confidence that really showed in my photos (I've now mastered "smiling eyes" and creating maximum cleavage!). The end result was an amazing set of fierce photos (I received digital files less than 48 hours later)! Super sexy AND tasteful, they exceeded my expectations. I love them! If not as a special present for a significant other, all women should do this as a treat for yourself." - Connie Chang

Yelp Review by Connie Chang who is in charge of the Yelp community in the peninsula.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE GIRLS WHEN YOUR TALKING WEDDING PLANNING.

Here we are me (Karina), Leighsa Smyser of Branch Out Flowers, and the ever so lovely Lora Horvath of Save the Date Weddings and Events. We got to hang out outside of a wedding at the Peggy Post Wedding Etiquette Event at the Fairmont Hotel coordinated by the super fabulous Amy Nichols, of Amy Nichols Special Events. Thanks Amy for posting these fun images and to Lora for letting me know about them;) That was a fun night we enjoyed with Djata Grant now with Grisez Events. Congratulations Djata and Alice!

Here we are bonding about wedding terminology. Agreeing that Bestman = Bestwoman (not Maid/Matron of Honor).

BETH MITCHELL. WHAT A COOL MOM!

Beth Mitchell is a relaxed mom who is incredibly grounded and calm. I especially enjoyed our session together. Getting the very first smiles out of 7 week old Francesca was such a joy!!

"Because we wanted to capture each stage of our daughter's development, we decided to have Karina photograph our daughter at age 7 weeks. Our expectation was that the session would end quickly and with only a few usable pictures because of the difficulty in getting a child so young to "cooperate."  Amazingly, this did not happen. Karina was fantastic with our daughter. Not only was she able to capture her little personality, she was also able to capture quite a few smiles - something her dad and I had been trying to do but had not yet succeeded.  Karina has a great way with kids - our daughter loved her.  And, as importantly, she also has a great way with parents, being extremely patient and understanding when we needed to take our numerous feeding and diaper-changing breaks. It was a great experience and now we have phenomenal pictures capturing a precious time in our daughter's life." -Beth Mitchell 

Suki loves to hang out on set when there are babies in the studio.

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

CLIENTS COMING FULL CIRCLE!

The little one will be arriving any day now.

I am very thankful to have clients, like Adriana and Todd, who come back to me, years after I photograph their wedding, to capture their budding new addition to their family! When I greeted Adriana for her Colette maternity session her eyes filled with tears. I had to do all I could to hold in my tears so we could stop her makeup from running down her face for the photoshoot! Her big beautiful smile reassured me that this was a happy cry;) It's moments like these that remind me daily of the many reasons why I love what I do.

Some background on Adriana and Todd's wedding. My photographs of their wedding provided the images forKohl Mansions advertisement for years featuring Paula le Duc's Fine Catering. Here are some images from the Kohl Mansion web site of their wedding.

"Thanks for being so prompt!!! All the photos are so beautiful, I never thought I looked so hot pregnant! It is all you!!! You are amazing, that was not me... at all!!! I would LOVE to be able to give an album to Todd for Valentine's Day! I can't wait to see Todd's face when he sees the little book you are going to put together! I can't wait to do more photos with Todd and the baby!!!! " -Adriana

JUNIOR LEAGUE KICK OFF PARTY AT JULIA MORGAN BALLROOM

Junior League kick off party at the Julia Morgan Ballroom coordinated by Amy Nichols of Amy Nichols Special Events .

It was so nice to see Natasha again from Paula Le Duc Fine Catering out with her fun husband. He took the photo of Amy and I below.

I always enjoy working with Amy. She is consistent grounded positive energy.