Tuesday - May 13, 2008
How beautiful is this sweet client! Her fiance will love his new black book!
See more of Karina's photographs here at www.ColettePhotography.com
Friday - March 14, 2008
"Karina has forever changed my perception of myself." - With Love, Laurel
Laurel is a complete gem!
"Karina's ability to elicit emotion and beauty in women is evident in all of her incredible boudoir photos. Yet, when the moment arrived for my own shoot, I felt nervous, perhaps clumsy, and...as though I did not deserve to engage in such an experience. Karina has forever changed my perception of myself. My photos are bold, soft, fierce, sexy, and yes, absolutely stunning. What could be more powerful and beautiful than a total self reinforcement? Karina: You are an inspiring artist and I am so grateful to have forever captured this moment in my life, as a result of your open energy, guidance, and acceptance." - With Love, Laurel
Sunday - February 24, 2008
Connie's to die for 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.
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
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.
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.
Wednesday - July 26, 2006
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
"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
Tuesday - July 25, 2006
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
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
Sunday - July 23, 2006
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
"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
Saturday - July 22, 2006
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
"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
Friday - June 09, 2006
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
“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
Friday - June 09, 2006
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