Sunday - February 18, 2007
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.
"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.
Monday - November 20, 2006
Colette Photography | Belles Femmes, Photography Exhibit "Celebrating Women and their Beauty"
Nitevibe reviewing my photography for my current photography exhibit. Opening night next Thursday, December 7th at 6PM! View images from the event.
Colette Photography Celebrates Women and Their Beauty
Exhibit showing through February 15th
Karina Marie Diaz’s debut exhibit of Colette Photography: Belles Femmes, “Celebrating Women and their Beauty” is a breath of fresh air. She captures women’s vast spectrum of beauty through this personal and moving work. With each photograph you are privy to a woman’s unique process of being in celebration of oneself. From 6PM to 8PM wine and tasty hors d’oeuvres will be graciously provided by Couleur Café. Peruse the “Belles Femmes” exhibit while enjoying beats played by DJ Consuelo and DJ Monte Carlo. Karina’s clients have requested her to travel as far as Cairo, Egypt. Her photographs have graced pages of both National and International Magazines. Realizing her calling to support women in celebrating who they are today is too strong to deny, Karina has launched Colette Photography. (SK)
Date: Thursday 12/7. Time: 6pm, Place: Couleur Café, 300 DeHaro@16th Mapquest your directions.
Tuesday - February 06, 2007
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
Friday - February 02, 2007
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
"Thank you for your timely response and the excellent picture. I am very pleased with the quality--well done!" -Alexandria Hilton
Wednesday - January 31, 2007
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 for Kohl 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
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 for Kohl 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
Saturday - January 27, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday - January 25, 2007
Dava Guthmiler is almost to good to be true
Dava Guthmiler 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 Guthmiler
Two of Dava's favorites from her portrait session here in the studio with beautiful natural light.
"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 Guthmiler
Two of Dava's favorites from her portrait session here in the studio with beautiful natural light.
Tuesday - January 23, 2007
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).
Here we are bonding about wedding terminology. Agreeing that Bestman = Bestwoman (not Maid/Matron of Honor).
Tuesday - January 23, 2007
Rebecca Feeny of Custom Event Group is EXCEPTIONAL AND BEYOND!
I truly can not say enough good things about
Rebecca's talent as an impeccably thorough wedding coordinator and exceedingly
talented visionary of the perfect wedding day in my mind. Not only is her
website beautiful, her sense of the artful flow of the wedding day is elegant,
timeless and fresh all at the same time. Rebecca
Feeny of Custom Event Group will exceed your
expectations.
"Karina is one of a kind. I've worked with dozens and dozens of photographers over the years, and it's so rare to find someone with a lovely balance of obvious talent, generosity, and authentic care and concern for others.
Karina is thorough, in the pre wedding meetings, on site while shooting, and even until every photo is edited and presented to the client. Her energy level is amazing! How does she do it??? Her smile and excited energy are the same at 11PM as they are at noon. Her stamina and love for what she does guarantee that no good shot is missed....her coverage of the wedding day is complete and just beautiful. I stand behind Karina and her work." -Rebecca Feeny, Custom Event Group
"Karina is one of a kind. I've worked with dozens and dozens of photographers over the years, and it's so rare to find someone with a lovely balance of obvious talent, generosity, and authentic care and concern for others.
Karina is thorough, in the pre wedding meetings, on site while shooting, and even until every photo is edited and presented to the client. Her energy level is amazing! How does she do it??? Her smile and excited energy are the same at 11PM as they are at noon. Her stamina and love for what she does guarantee that no good shot is missed....her coverage of the wedding day is complete and just beautiful. I stand behind Karina and her work." -Rebecca Feeny, Custom Event Group
Tuesday - November 21, 2006
Judi Basolo - A beautiful woman with preciously kind enthusiasm
I had so much fun meeting Judi. We share a very
special bond. Our LOVE for our cats. Her adorable Guido
Alberto has his own blog. Meow was the magic word for this shoot at
The Bay
club downtown. I was inspired by Judi's commitment to her work out as
well as to making others smile. If you are looking for a new office or retail
location, or want to explore owning your own commercial real estate, Judi Basolo, is "THE" agent to speak with at
Pacific Union
Commercial
Brokerage.
"Oh how I smile thinking of this gifted compassionate woman with a talent that you must see for yourself. You'll never believe what it took for her to achieve the perfect cover photo and the end result was testimony to her miraculous eye for perfection while allowing the 'real me' to shine through and show my San Fran smile. I'm still smiling just thinking of the special photo shoot and yes, it's true, a miraculous "meow" brought this smile to the cover. Francesco Scavullo and Karina would make a dynamite duo! Mille grazie mi amica for creating a special moment for me." - Ciao, Judi (Guido's Momma)
"Oh how I smile thinking of this gifted compassionate woman with a talent that you must see for yourself. You'll never believe what it took for her to achieve the perfect cover photo and the end result was testimony to her miraculous eye for perfection while allowing the 'real me' to shine through and show my San Fran smile. I'm still smiling just thinking of the special photo shoot and yes, it's true, a miraculous "meow" brought this smile to the cover. Francesco Scavullo and Karina would make a dynamite duo! Mille grazie mi amica for creating a special moment for me." - Ciao, Judi (Guido's Momma)
Sunday - November 19, 2006
Wedding and Vendor Referrals
I have had the opportunity to work with these
incredibly talented vendors. Please tell them I referred you. Wishing you an
incredible wedding!
I highly recommend these wedding venues as well as vendors and I am also recommended by them.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WEDDING VENUES
San Francisco City Hall
I highly recommend these wedding venues as well as vendors and I am also recommended by them.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WEDDING VENUES
San Francisco City Hall
BAY AREA WEDDING VENDORS
Wedding Coordinators:
Event
Solutions
Lighting:
Everything Audio
Caterers:
Taste Catering
Dan McCalls
Florists:
Floramor
Branch Out
HAWAII WEDDING VENDORS
Wedding Coordinators:
Lighting:
Everything Audio
Caterers:
Taste Catering
Dan McCalls
Florists:
Floramor
Branch Out
HAWAII WEDDING VENDORS
Wedding Coordinators:
PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Children's Parties:
Life Coach:
Sunday - November 19, 2006
T H A N K Y O U !!! ... with candied moonbeams, sparkeling rainbows and the darlingest dew drops.
A huge THANK YOU to the talented people that have
made this upcoming show Thursday, December 7th, at 6PM at Couleur Cafe,
possible. Your ongoing enthusiasm and smiles have always meant so much to me.
I feel so incredibly lucky to receive your kindness. And I'm taking it all in
and it's filling me up with tons of yummy. Ok so I'm sentimental and mushy- who
else lives to photograph weddings and babies for 8 years with renewed enthusiasm
each time?
Terri, Pete, Terri.. Pete-Why two names? that is so confusing. BTW: your voice is just perfect! I'm telling you it's a gold mine that voice of yours. I look forward to it every time I see you. I could not have dreamed of a greater welcoming to having this show. Thank you for believing me and loving my work the way you do. Nothing but smiles for you as always. Couleur Cafe. Thank you for introducing me to Eric. What a team you guys make!! My French is very slowly coming along.
Aria Zuloaga for being a solid woman in my life and a good friend. She is consistent, beautiful and an exceptionally talented painter. She inspired me to have the show at Couleur Cafe. I'll never forget our great times in Bonair. oh and she can dance like nobodies business - did I just write that? - well it's true.
Paal and Hegge for staying with me and letting me sleep on the couch without an excuse for once! If you had not been here to edit with me and ya ya ya in Norwegian to this wacky idea of mine it so would have never happened. Get lost more often in San Francisco why don't ya. How do I link to my favorite guy cousin from Norway?? Cruise the Lego site. My lovely Paal is all about the Lego's. It's that creative entrepreneurial bloodline us Smith-Meyers have in common.
Of course Kara.. for listening to all my production chatting. I love that I can always count on you for sound business advice. "Josie and the pussycat", thank you for educating us Norwegian folks about American cartoons. And for anyone else who is out of the loop. "mom there is a cartoon josie and the pussycats-it's a girl band and josie is the lead singer and they dress up like cats and they used to guest star on scooby doo-read up on your americana. Josie is named after the artist's wife who drew Archie comics and his French wifes name is Josette so they called her Josie for short in america." Josie, thank you for connecting the dots and having such great ideas! I am having with-drawls form you already.
Julia Knottebohm is always excited about my projects and happily offer's a helping hand. What could be better? Her incredible calmness is always a joy to be around. Because her father is a photographer we have a special connection and it is so fun to get to know her better as the years go by..that's funny;)
Rebecca Whitworth, the goddess of Le Sanctuaire. She is an incredible manifester (my own word) of all things fabulous! Like the wonder woman costume from Victoria's 40th Birthday, I meant Pirate Party. Arrr.. I have met such truly good people through her generous sharing of friends.
DJ Consuelo and DJ Monte Carlo. Senor DJ Consuelo it's been a long time-- and your lookin mighty fine as usual. Stay away from that al(bleep) site. I am so excited about having senor DJ Consuelo play. He's kind enough to squeeze me in before he's of to spin at Sushi Groove South. You can hear him play around town at The Clift-Redwood Room, Frisson, The W, The Tunnel Top, Azul, The Dragon Bar, and at Couleur Cafe December 7th at 6PM.
Sam Khedr created NiteVibe in 2000 and I believe that was the year we made it to winter music Conference together with Laird and a posse to Miami. He is an incredible person with just about the best energy around. Anyone who can know that much about nightlife in SF and be on the edge of all things dj related and parties abound for that long just plain rocks. He always has a smile on his face. I am so happy for his success and encourage anyone who likes to get their groove on to check out his site, if you haven't already. With an average of 516,865 viewers a month he has a collected some serious fans.
Laird for being such a good friend through and through. Thank you for the turntables and mixer-wouldn't have even known where to begin. Not to mention he has the best humor and laugh of anyone in San Francisco. Laird for Mayor! I love you forever even though you still won't give me photo credit on your site after like 6 years of usage;) Finally, credit for those photographs at least on my own blog. hee.. but really..I mean really that is my red ball and those are my butterfly wings!!
Terri, Pete, Terri.. Pete-Why two names? that is so confusing. BTW: your voice is just perfect! I'm telling you it's a gold mine that voice of yours. I look forward to it every time I see you. I could not have dreamed of a greater welcoming to having this show. Thank you for believing me and loving my work the way you do. Nothing but smiles for you as always. Couleur Cafe. Thank you for introducing me to Eric. What a team you guys make!! My French is very slowly coming along.
Aria Zuloaga for being a solid woman in my life and a good friend. She is consistent, beautiful and an exceptionally talented painter. She inspired me to have the show at Couleur Cafe. I'll never forget our great times in Bonair. oh and she can dance like nobodies business - did I just write that? - well it's true.
Paal and Hegge for staying with me and letting me sleep on the couch without an excuse for once! If you had not been here to edit with me and ya ya ya in Norwegian to this wacky idea of mine it so would have never happened. Get lost more often in San Francisco why don't ya. How do I link to my favorite guy cousin from Norway?? Cruise the Lego site. My lovely Paal is all about the Lego's. It's that creative entrepreneurial bloodline us Smith-Meyers have in common.
Of course Kara.. for listening to all my production chatting. I love that I can always count on you for sound business advice. "Josie and the pussycat", thank you for educating us Norwegian folks about American cartoons. And for anyone else who is out of the loop. "mom there is a cartoon josie and the pussycats-it's a girl band and josie is the lead singer and they dress up like cats and they used to guest star on scooby doo-read up on your americana. Josie is named after the artist's wife who drew Archie comics and his French wifes name is Josette so they called her Josie for short in america." Josie, thank you for connecting the dots and having such great ideas! I am having with-drawls form you already.
Julia Knottebohm is always excited about my projects and happily offer's a helping hand. What could be better? Her incredible calmness is always a joy to be around. Because her father is a photographer we have a special connection and it is so fun to get to know her better as the years go by..that's funny;)
Rebecca Whitworth, the goddess of Le Sanctuaire. She is an incredible manifester (my own word) of all things fabulous! Like the wonder woman costume from Victoria's 40th Birthday, I meant Pirate Party. Arrr.. I have met such truly good people through her generous sharing of friends.
DJ Consuelo and DJ Monte Carlo. Senor DJ Consuelo it's been a long time-- and your lookin mighty fine as usual. Stay away from that al(bleep) site. I am so excited about having senor DJ Consuelo play. He's kind enough to squeeze me in before he's of to spin at Sushi Groove South. You can hear him play around town at The Clift-Redwood Room, Frisson, The W, The Tunnel Top, Azul, The Dragon Bar, and at Couleur Cafe December 7th at 6PM.
Sam Khedr created NiteVibe in 2000 and I believe that was the year we made it to winter music Conference together with Laird and a posse to Miami. He is an incredible person with just about the best energy around. Anyone who can know that much about nightlife in SF and be on the edge of all things dj related and parties abound for that long just plain rocks. He always has a smile on his face. I am so happy for his success and encourage anyone who likes to get their groove on to check out his site, if you haven't already. With an average of 516,865 viewers a month he has a collected some serious fans.
Laird for being such a good friend through and through. Thank you for the turntables and mixer-wouldn't have even known where to begin. Not to mention he has the best humor and laugh of anyone in San Francisco. Laird for Mayor! I love you forever even though you still won't give me photo credit on your site after like 6 years of usage;) Finally, credit for those photographs at least on my own blog. hee.. but really..I mean really that is my red ball and those are my butterfly wings!!
Saturday - November 18, 2006
Colette Photography | Belles Femmes, Lingerie, Maternity and Nudes
Colette Photography is a place for women to celebrate their beauty!
www.ColettePhotography.com
Why did I name this new exciting addition to my business Colette Photography?
"Colette was a thoroughly modern woman: frank in her desires, fierce in her passions, forever reinventing herself."
"THERE ARE NO ORDINARY CATS"
-Colette
"IF I CAN'T HAVE TOO MANY TRUFFLES I WILL DO WITHOUT."
-Colette
I came accross her name with my french tutor, Marion that I adore. We were brainstorming ideas for names for this new concept of creating a place for woman to celebrate themselves freely and enjoy the exploration of their honest beauty. I told her I had always LOVED the name Colette. She said "Oh, well she was the first famous female writter in France to use her own name. She was a pioneer of her time and broke new groud for women in expressing their wants and desires." -but in French of course. I was hooked and the more I learned about this incredibly brave and bold woman the more I thought, what a great match!
Nothing makes me happier than supporting women to realize their dreams in life through celebrating their beauty. This year I have photographed over 60 women so far. I have been increidbly moved by their responses to the expireince of having their Colette portrait sessions and the wonderful impact it has had on their lives. Please review the Testimonials section of the site for samples.
I was delighted to find out, silly as it may be, that I was born 100 years after Colette. There is something fun in that for me. I hope you will also be inspired by her ability to create change by being true to herself and honest about what makes her happy.
French novelist Sidonie-Gabrielle
Colette
January 28, 1873 – August 3, 1954
Aquarius for anyone interested.
January 28, 1873 – August 3, 1954
Aquarius for anyone interested.
France loved their audacious, outspoken Colette. Colette was named a member of the Belgian Royal Academy and the French Legion of Honor. She became the first female president of the Academie Goncourt and, upon her death, the first woman in French history to be accorded a state funeral. To her dying day, she was a robust woman of remarkable energy. Lusty, soulful, stylish and smart, Colette is the Ultimate Parisienne. Her pioneering boldness surpassed perceptions of who a woman can be and will forever mark a turning point in history. Read more about her life in the Colette Section of the website.
Friday - November 10, 2006
Karina Marie Diaz Photography is The San Francisco Bay Club Best In Class Member
It is an honor to be featured as the Bay
Club Best In Class. Visit Colette
Photography enjoy a place for women to celebrate themselves and their
beauty.
Tuesday - October 31, 2006
Visit Karina at the NOVEMBER 16th Holiday Charity Event
I'd love to see you at this event. Why you
should attend?
1. It's a good cause! Learn more here Hamilton Family Center.
2. You know you want to learn all about my newest photography business "Colette Photography". Site to launch November 16th just in time for Holiday gifts. Give the gift of a portrait session or have the portraits taken and a book made of timeless beautiful images of yourself: You can book a session now by calling the studio at 415.543.3100.
3. I have spoken with SFactor and invited them to join the event and they are in. So in case you've been wondering about those Sheila Kelly workouts nows your chance.
... event website link here.
1. It's a good cause! Learn more here Hamilton Family Center.
2. You know you want to learn all about my newest photography business "Colette Photography". Site to launch November 16th just in time for Holiday gifts. Give the gift of a portrait session or have the portraits taken and a book made of timeless beautiful images of yourself: You can book a session now by calling the studio at 415.543.3100.
3. I have spoken with SFactor and invited them to join the event and they are in. So in case you've been wondering about those Sheila Kelly workouts nows your chance.
... event website link here.