Personal Branding and Business Portraits for Amanda Acker
Spring and Summer mini sessions in Pittsburgh’s Mellon Park.
I had a very inspiring client whose story I’d like to share. Coming from a past of drug abuse, homelessness, and being a formerly incarcerated person, Amanda Acker has broken through and was able to let the good things into her life. Amanda is now on a mission to inspire and motivate people who have had a difficult past. Her core message is that we are stronger than we think and can have the life we imagine regardless of our past.
High School Senior Portraits for Morgan Snyder
Spring and Summer mini sessions in Pittsburgh’s Mellon Park.
Morgan wanted a variety of portraits to choose from for the yearbook and to make her senior year special. Mellon Park is beautiful in any season and Morgan got it all with the colorful flowers, warm weather and a bright sunny day.
From Pennsylvania with Love - February 2022 edition
New Nikon camera with Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 again.
I had to bring this lens again into the woods as the light conditions were perfect to capture the sunshine reflected in every single icicle on the the branches. In my eyes the sparkly winter wonderland wins over the bright-colored fall foliage we enjoy in Western Pennsylvania
I wanted the snow fairytale and I got it and now it’s gone sadly. I must say judos to Joyka who patiently waited for me stopping every five minutes and completing our morning hike only by lunchtime that day.
If you would like to lend me your dog to test this camera’s boundaries, please reach out. :-)
Testing Nikon’s focus tracking in combination with an ultra-wide lens
I continue testing my new Nikon camera - this time with Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 on.
It was the last day when we could enjoy the light reflected from every single surface - leaves, tree branches, snow flakes before it all melted away. I thought that I needed an ultra-wide lens to capture the overall atmosphere of the ice kingdom while it lasted.
What I also love about shooting wide is this wonderful feeling of a participant in the scene, not a distant observer.
If you would like to lend me your dog to test this camera’s boundaries, please reach out. :-)
Testing Nikon’s focus tracking with a hyper-active dog playing in the snow
I decided to test my new Nikon camera with all my lenses. This time I have Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 on.
Love this lens for its versatility. I can start shooting Joyka when he’s quite far away and keep zooming in until he bumps his head on the lens cap (he does this quite often actually). Wide angle shots give the feeling of presence, as if you are part of the scene. Zoomed in shots offer a nice separation from the background. Both options are available within milliseconds by turning the zoom wheel on the lens all the while the dog is closing up on me.
The only downside is the aperture that wouldn't go wider than f/4 but then again, when the background is not completely obliterated, it offers great for story telling.
Regardless of the distance from the subject or numerous distracting objects around it, the camera locks its focus dead on Joyka’s eye with an amazing sharpness!
If you would like to lend me your dog to test this camera’s boundaries, please reach out. :-)
Testing Nikon Z9 focus tracking: dog on the run
I am getting to know my brand new Nikon Z9 camera and its outstanding focus tracking abilities, this time with Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 on.
Joyka is finally cleared for unlimited physical activity, so we are back to daily hiking. This Golden loves to run fast. Anyone who ever tried to photograph a dog galloping at you knows that it’s not easy to get your photos in focus. But not with the Nikon Z9! This camera tracks not just Joyka, but his eye with admirable determination. Every single shot. Wow!
If you would like to lend me your dog to test this camera’s boundaries, please reach out. :-)
A Golden Retriever on a hiking trail: Winter
As we are anxiously watching the snowflakes outside, bracing for the snow storm, a few positive winter photos are in order. Our Golden Retriever Joyka loves winter and all winter activities - hiking, playing with snowballs and especially “helping” to shovel the snow out of the driveway.
Sarah’s Family Portraits
Most photographers offer a rain date in case the weather isn’t ideal for perfect sunset photos. What if your family’s schedule is so packed that there’s no space for an alternative date and it’s pouring with rain on the shoot date despite all “sunny” weather forecasts? I have a whole collection of photoshoots when we seriously considered postponing the session, then went ahead regardless of the “lemons” the universe gave us and made beautiful, bright, and colorful portraits just because we felt like it.
Diane’s Family Mini-Session
“Our shoot was scheduled on a bit of a dreary day, and a few of our subjects just weren't feeling it. Karina was well prepared, upbeat, and she really listened and made the shoot fun. When she sent proofs, I was floored. So bright and happy! I wanted them all, but we ended up choosing about half. Excellent experience - thank you!!”
- Diane H.
Carol and William’s 55th Wedding Anniversary
I love photographing extended family sessions as I strongly believe that grandparents play a huge role in the lives of their grandchildren.
Alima’s Family Session
“Karina is full of amazing ideas and if you are not sure what to do for your photo session, she will give you clear guidelines and suggestions so you won’t be lost.“
-Alima H.
Winter Wonderland Action Dog Photos
Here in Pennsylvania, winter offered some perks... finally. After miserable ice rain at night came broad sunshine in the morning and I couldn’t resist taking my 70-200mm lens for a hike. The reflections in the icicles were spectacular. And as always, I ended up taking photos of Joyka. He’s my best hiking buddy and gets all the attention.
Jumpin’ for Joy in the Snow
Why else are snow days great for besides playing snowballs all day instead of school? If you have a dog that hikes with you every day, like Joyka does with me, such days offer a welcome break from scrubbing all that mud from your dog and your hiking boots. Actually, you can even use that old granny’s method of winter rug cleaning on your dog. Make your pup roll in the snow and then brush it all off. Believe me, Joyka’s coat gets a couple shades lighter after such treatment.