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

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.

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.

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)

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 Francisco Bay Club







The Bay Club July August Magazine Cover

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

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