Karina Louise

Because every person is different, so is every photo shoot. It is my goal to create pictures that highlight the real you for your dating profile.

Location

One of the most important ways to capture your true essence in photography is to make sure that you are at ease.

Therefore, a relaxed location for your photo shoot is very important. In my experience, the best natural portraits are never taken in a studio.

Therefore, I love finding beautiful, private, locations in nature to take your pictures. We want to create pictures that show the real you, so a comfortable location is key.

Pricing

Package A: $350  – 2-hour photo-session in location of our choosing. 2-3 different changes of clothes. You will receive 8 high-res retouched images ready to post to your online profile or print. This is the standard package, suitable for both social media or business portraits.

Package B: $450 –package A + online dating bio written/edited by professional writer (short interview required for bio)

Package C: $600 Bring a friend, and do your photo-session together. You will both receive 8 high-res retouched images ready to post to your online profiles or print. You will also receive one photo of the two of you together.

Executive Package: $650 for up to 3 employees. Designed for businesses. $100 for each additional employee. The company will receive 4 high-res retouched images per employee ready to post or print.

Booking your shoot couldn’t be easier!

Simply complete the confidential form below or call Karina Louise on 415.606.3464.

In the wake of high unemployment rates (the San Francisco Metro currently boasting around 8%) and an increasingly competitive job market, average people have turned to professional social forums like LinkedIn to network and access information about their industries and opportunities within them. The old saying, “It’s all about who you know,” being the foundation of this new movement towards screen to screen networking, people are coming in droves to create professional profiles, regardless of their industry.

A few important tips about photos in professional forums:

1. Having a photo makes your profile more personable
2. Make sure to dress professionally for your photo
3. Do not take the photo yourself- the camera angle will show this
4. Make certain that your picture is up to date- to avoid surprises during interviews
5. People with profile pictures are 2 times more likely to get contacted

But in a sea of regular faces and regular resumes- all competing for similar positions- how can a person stand out? I searched the web for information about this phenomenon- finding many articles and top 5 lists for LinkedIn like this one from a PC World Article- all discussing ways to make the most of your professional profile. And the one thing they seemed to have in common was their strong suggestion to get professional photographs taken of yourself.

I had already noticed this trend in my work. Along with their casual online dating photos, many of my clients had recently been requesting a corporate photo for LinkedIn and other business networking sites. But one of the interesting things about the San Francisco Bay Area is its casual nature. Very few professionals are actually wearing suits every day to work, but their photo still needs to look professional, and a suit does just that. I advise my clients to still dress professionally, wearing a business suit or other appropriate attire. But I have found that for the San Francisco job market, employers are more likely to be engaged by locations that are fresh and creative. A studio/indoor white background shot can feel rigid and boring. I like to mix it up, using perhaps a brick wall, a modern building, or even some greenery to not only make my client feel comfortable but to create a memorable photo that will get them noticed online.

Please check out my corporate headshots and let me know what you think!

The Key to a Good Photo

In my experience, people receive the most positive feedback from their most natural photos. Too much makeup, bad lighting and unnatural poses produce discomfort for the person being photographed and ultimately for the person looking at the photo. It is easy to spot when someone is genuinely happy and comfortable in their own skin in a picture. It’s in their eyes, their smile and their body language. And a good online dating photo can make a person stand out from a sea of others who seem to be simply trying to impress.

How to Write a Good Online Dating Profile

My clients are always asking for dating profile tips and often complain that the process of writing the 1-2 paragraphs required by most online dating sites is quite daunting. In my experience, people have a hard time talking about themselves. So in addition to providing natural photography, I also offer a package that includes services from a professional dating profile writer. I have received so much positive response from this offering that I recently asked her to explain the main components of a good online dating bio. She provided the following feedback:

“My job as a bio writer is to not only write for the client but to write as them, in their voice. The more I know about who they are and what they want from their lives, the more artfully I can explain that to others to draw them in. To write dating profiles that get the most positive attention, there should be 5 basic parts:

1.      Great Picture

A good or bad profile picture can make a world of difference when it comes to getting responses on your online dating profile.

2.      Attention Catching  Handle

Most online dating sites don’t want you to use your first name to start out so you will need a good handle. Be spontaneous here. Try to avoid predictable screen names that just talk about where you live or the fact that you like dogs. Dig deep and think about your dreams and the things about you that are unlike anyone else. Use these words to create your handle.

3.      Catchy Header

Take a few important things about you, words to describe you, things you find humorous and put it into a headline. While quotes from others might be tempting, they have all been done before and something unique and intriguing is the goal of your headline.

4.      Be Clear

If you don’t know who you are and what you want, this will not only show in your profile but will show in the kinds of people that contact you. Get centered here. Once you know more about this, you can communicate it clearly to others and create the kind of relationship you have been searching for. Clear, positive language is important to getting responses.

5.      The Invitation

An important ending to any bio should be the beginning of your in person conversation with an interested other. Enticing someone to contact you by creating a conversation point or by directing them as to how you would like to be approached creates an opening and a sense of urgency for a person to take that next step and reach out to get in contact with you.

Quotes from Bio Writing Clients

“Oh my, I am so happy that I’m speechless.  You said what I wanted to say in so much better ways! This is IT.  Loved it.  I love the way you wrote the essay as if it’s coming from me, as if you’ve known me for years.   Thank you so much!  Can’t tell you enough how happy I am.” Su

“Thinking about it more, I love what you have. I’ve already posted it on my profile and I already got a few matches from it!” Chris

Check out our Bio Writing Services (Package B).

Because Melissa and Natalia and I share  philosophies about self love and real beauty, I am excited to team up with them. For complete information about this giveaway click here!

I also debuted my first little promo video this week. It sums up my definition of real beauty and explains why I love my job so much! Please check it out here: Real Beauty

“How do I get women to respond to my messages?”

This week Maya explains what to do once a woman actually sends you a message online.

Dating Do: RESPONDING

“RESPOND. RESPOND. RESPOND. Women love to know that you are listening and paying attention-to their words, their signals, and their feelings.  In your first email, along with what sparked your interest, let her know you read the section of the profile that refers to what she is looking for.  In other words, read that section, and let her know where you stand.  Do you measure up to her requirements?  This can also be a way to add humor and show your strengths.  For example, she might write she is looking for a man that is financially successful and a great dancer.  You may have two left feet, great rhythm, and a rockin’ income.  So when you write her tell her about that.  She will give you kudos for being honest and for taking a moment to listen and reflect on what she is wanting.  Example:

“I loved your profile. I am a yes to everything you are looking for, especially the part about having achieved success in the world.  I currently work as a project manager at Yahoo and enjoy it.  Unfortunately I probably fall short of your dancing requirement.  I started taking salsa a couple of months ago and I just nailed the basic step! What’s your favorite type of dance?”

Dating Don’t: BRAGGING

Don’t speak too highly of yourself!  While it is good to highlight your strengths, if you sound arrogant, self-important, or overly confident is a turn-off to most women.  Example:

“I definitely meet all of your requirements-god smiled when I was born.  I am unstoppable and highly intelligent.”  

When a man brags about himself and has nothing to do with a common interest or topic brought up in her profile it is a sign to a woman that you may lack an ability to understand or “get her world.”
Remember, she wants to hear from you, that is why she has created an online dating profile in the first place.  She wants to get a sense you care to read what she wrote, can reflect on it, and you are curious about her. I wish you luck with contacting her!”

To ask a dating question or for more information about Maya Diamond, you can find her online at: www.mayadiamond.com

“How do I get women to respond to my messages?”

My friend and industry colleague, Maya Diamond, MA, is a Bay Area dating and relationship coach. She specializes in helping guys and girls get what they want out of dating. So, on behalf of my male clientele, I asked her for her thoughts……………………………………………………………………

“Fellas, let’s face it, getting that first date can be hard.  Sometimes you might email 50 women and only get a couple of responses, or even worse, none.  You see a woman online who looks attractive, shares similar interests, similar lifestyle, and if you could just share a cup of coffee with her she may realize how amazing you are.  But she is just not emailing you back!

How can you stand out from the other guys who are emailing this fabulous woman?

Dating Do: GET CURIOUS

When you write her, mention what about her profile stood out for you.  What sparked you?  Women get excited by your excitement.  This is where you could write a compliment about her work, a picture that drew you in and made you wonder where it was taken, or a similar interest that you feel like you might have fun sharing.  Example:

“You seem great.  I love that picture of you by the beach, looks like it is in Jamaica? Seems like we both share the love of travel and nature.  Would love to get to know you more over coffee sometime.”

Dating Don’t:  AVOID BEING GENERIC

Don’t write a generic email that you have sent to 100 women that has nothing to do with her profile or the connection that you might share.  Example:

“Beautiful profile. I work in business advertising and would love to meet up for a drink sometime.  Cheers!”

Although this is a relatively nice message to receive, every woman who receives it knows, it could be a generic email that has been sent to many women.  Women want to feel special! They want to feel like they are the one and only.  A generic email does not engender this feeling.”

To ask a dating question or for more information about Maya Diamond, you can find her online at: www.mayadiamond.com

But what does photogenic mean?

According to the dictionary, the word photogenic has 3 definitions:

1. Attractive as a subject for photography.

2. Producing or emitting light.

3. Caused or produced by light.

Most of us think of the first definition when discussing the word- we think of people who look good in photos. But as a portrait photographer, I find it interesting that two of the three meanings have to do with light because even and especially when it comes to taking a good photo of a person, lighting can make or break how good someone looks.

I think it’s true that some people just have an easier time getting good photos, but I also think it’s true that a beautiful portrait can be taken of anyone. I love shooting people who are “not photogenic.” One of my greatest joys is when a client tells me before the shoot that they look terrible in pictures and then afterwards, they are excited and surprised with how great they look in the photos. Finally seeing a good photo of themselves is a priceless experience and I am honored to be the one holding the camera.

“The state of being photogenic may or may not necessarily be related to one’s physical attractiveness in real life. Models are usually described as photogenic. The bone structure of their faces may represent something that is not generally pretty or may be even unattractive or frail looking, but when photographed; their features can turn into something that is physically attractive.”

~ Quote from Wikipedia on the definition of Photogenic

I am thankful for the years I spent traveling the world, taking pictures, meeting new people and expanding my world view. But most importantly in this time, I got to know myself, realized the things that intimidated me (like getting my photo taken) and started pushing beyond my fears and limitations.

I am thankful for the opportunity to move to the Bay Area and start my own photography business. I had made a true commitment to trusting the universe and it came through for me in the form of good ideas and good connections to make my dreams into reality. Realizing that I loved love and I loved capturing the best in people through photography was just the beginning. But I am so very thankful for all of the things that fell into place to make my passion into a profession.

I am thankful for you. Each and every person that I have met along the way, each and every photo I snap, feeds me. This process brings so much love, wonder and energy to my life. I get to attend the most interesting events, meet the most amazing people and spend individual time with humans that I would never know if it wasn’t for this business. I am thankful for all the people that make up my portfolio, read this blog and that I will meet in the coming year.

This year, my heart is full of gratitude. What are you thankful for?

As a photographer I get to see some pretty wonderful things. I want to take you behind the lens of my life.

Picture Title: “JUICE BOX” Diversity| Innocence| Refreshment

Always meeting friends and colleagues for coffee?

When is the last time you met up for a juice box?

Picture Title: “SEE NO EVIL” Intuition| Commitment| Reality

In work and in love the truth is always there. It is our choice whether we are ready/willing to see it. Open up to what is real, uncover your eyes!

Picture Title: “REACH” Opportunity| Energy| Response

Every day we are faced with chances to expand- our friendships, our romances, our careers. And with each interaction and each decision comes an opportunity to grow. Pushing past our perception of our limits is the very definition of growth. Today, let’s step out of our comfort zone and reach!

Picture Title: “KNOCKING OPPORTUNITY” Awareness| Symbolism| Expression

The enjoyment of life is a matter of perspective. For this reason, love can be found everywhere. Seeing the best in people and moments can make each day an event. What can you do to make your ordinary day extraordinary?

Picture Title: “THUMBS UP” Experience| Acceptance| Enjoyment

Wise people will often say that the more they know, the less they understand. So perhaps true enlightenment comes from us accepting how little we really know. This picture reminds me that no matter how my life goes and no matter how long it will last, enjoying it is up to me. Are you giving your life the affirmation and encouragement it needs today?

Picture Title: “LOUD” Living| Dreaming| Expressing

There is a time for everything. A time to dance and a time to rest. A time to catch and a time to release. But this picture reminds me that there is a time to be quiet and a time to scream. Don’t let it all just build up- feel your life along the way, every day. So whether you are outgoing or shy, whether you consider yourself weak or strong, try to find a way today to do something out of the ordinary. Live. Out. Loud.

This week’s Weekly Shot is about hope.

Picture Title: “MAKE A WISH” Honesty| Belief| Release

What does it take to create the life you want? Sometimes we are so busy making things happen we forget to make wishes. But in the absence of birthday candles, we still have the power to ask for our dreams. Stop today, preferably somewhere beautiful. Take a moment to be clear with yourself about what you want. Make a wish, believing it will come true and then let the outcome go. You will certainly be amazed at what happens next…

Picture Title: “BLANK CANVAS” Crossroads| Possibility| Desire

Life is all about the journey, not the destination. But what if your path currently has you standing still? What if you don’t know where to go next? Maybe it’s time to seize the uncharted territory and write your own map. Or perhaps it’s time to simply enjoy the view…

“WONDER” Simple| Exciting| Discovery

It is easy to see our world through a clouded lens of experience, fear and damage. But children are blank slates, seeing the world as new and fresh, colorful and wild. Take some time today to notice a child noticing the world and allow a little wonder in.

“SHARE” Laughter| Warmth| Support

Whether you share an inspirational sentiment via email with someone or share a laugh over a cup of coffee, remember today that you are not an island because we are all in this together!

“DARE” Original| Authentic| Individual

If beauty is in the eye of the beholder than perhaps we should dare to be beautiful. Dare to see things differently. Dare to be comfortable in your own skin. Dare to be you.