Throwback: Vintage Karin

I was cleaning out my storage unit today and I found a bunch of my old photos from high school. I thought I'd share a few vintage shots with you, they definitely made me smile.


I shot this in Merida, Mexico when I was 15. I started taking photos when I was 12, but the trip to Mexico convinced me I wanted to explore photography as a career.


Another from the same trip.


My cousin's wedding in Pennsylvania.


I shot this before prom.


I shot this photo during a journalism workshop at Michigan State University when I was 16. I found these kids playing in front of their house in Lansing.

 

Stormy weather

No more perfect weather in Upstate New York, at least not for the early part of this week. At least I'll be able to break in my rain boots.

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Machu Picchu

It was surreal... and one of very few things I could be happy to get out of bed at 4 am to see! I stood in the rain and and watched the clouds lift revealing the ruins at Machu Picchu. I wanted to scream and squeal, but everyone was so quiet so I just screamed in my own head.


Thank you, thank you, thank you to who ever was passing out the multipacks of ponchos. The color makes the photo.


Look how few people were there! It was amazing and the experience was so enhanced because the ruins were not overrun with tourists.


The guardhouse. What I saw when I arrived early in the am.


The steps where crops were grown.


Whoa... yeah don't get to close to the edge.

 

Guinea Pig for my birthday dinner in Peru

I hope that doesn't offend anyone! I'm usually not much of a meat eater but when I was in Peru last week I had to try one of their specialities: guinea pig. I had guinea pig confit at the the amazing Ciccioliona in Cusco followed by the trout, which was phenomenal. If you are headed to Cusco you must dine at Cicciolina- everything about it was exceptional. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday celebration. I went to Peru mainly to see Manchu Picchu- I have to say that I fell in love with South America. It was my first visit to the continent and I will be going back as soon as possible- maybe to Argentina or maybe Brazil! Peru was breathtaking and compared with Egypt I felt very safe. The people were incredible and sweet- all around just a great trip. I had already started planning my next trip to South America before I had even left Peru! Below are some shots from Cusco, in the next few days I'll post my photos from Machu Picchu.


Me too...


They are so into guinea pig in Peru that they had "The Last Supper" painted by a Spanish artist in the 1500s and Christ has none other than a guinea pig on his plate... This painting was on display at own of the churches in the Plaza de Armas in Cusco.


Inca everything... even cola. It tasted a lot like bubble gum.


Main square, Cusco.


Church, Cusco.


Little cuties in Cusco.


Wandering Cusco.


School kids, Cusco.

 

Finding the sun

I just got back from a week long visit to Miami. I've been getting a ton of work done in airports and on my flights- ironically I get more done when I'm traveling than when I'm in my office! Below are some shots of the lifeguard stations on South Beach. I have trouble (I'm antsy) just laying out on the beach but I can walk (and unfortunately shop) for hours.

 

Egypt: Final thoughts

Egypt was amazing but it was also a lot of work (rewarding, good work- but certainly not leisure travel). This final shot is from the main market in Cairo. Notice all the eyes...

 

Egypt: Part 3

I spent about half of my trip cruising on the Nile. Here are some shots from the cruise and my stops at the towns of Aswan, Esna, Edfu, and Luxor.


Market in Luxor. Almost was robbed here by a guy trying to sell me drugs! Seriously shady but made some great photos.


Luxor.


Luxor Temple at night.


These guys were great. They actually made their business by throwing their merchandise onto our boat then bargaining over the price while we were waiting to go through the lock at Esna.


Man selling galabea's at the Esna Market.


Felluca's sailing on the Nile near Aswan.


Women buying bread at the market in Aswan. Aswan was my favorite of the cities I visited on the Nile.


Temple of Horus at Edfu.

 

Egypt: Part 2

The Pyramids at Giza were a highlight of my trip, of course. Here are a few shots:


Tourists posing for photos.




Police.

 

Egypt: Part 1

My last few days in Egypt were spent relaxing in the Red Sea town of Hurghada. The Red Sea is home to some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world so I spent part of time on the water, enjoying the sun and beautiful reefs.


A crew member on the yacht does his best Leonardo DiCaprio impression.




I don't have a lot of photos of myself, but when I saw this light I had to set up this shot of myself for a friend to take.


My resort in Hurghada. Very Star Wars in my opinion.

 

Coming soon.... Egypt!

I just got home from Egypt late last night! It was a really intense trip. Much more in the next coming days. Just one shot from Giza for now. My head is spinning catching up from being gone for two weeks!

 

Sun - April 20, 2008

Almost forgot- Curacao

In the blur of all the traveling I've been doing in the past several months I almost forgot to post photos from my vacation to Curacao in February. I love the Caribbean: I'd love to take a month or two and just island hop. Every island has such a distinct flavor. I can't wait to explore it more! In May I'll visit Nevis for the first time for Taryn and Alex's wedding- I can't wait!


A decal on the side of a car.


The capital, Willemstad. Curacao is in the Dutch Antilles and still maintains a Euro feel.


One more reason to love the Caribbean: pirates.


The streets of Willemstad.


Love the color in the islands...

Posted at 01:24 PM     Read More  

Wed - February 27, 2008

Curacao is looking pretty good at the moment...

I'm snowed in, working, and I've just started editing the photos I took on vacation in Curacao. I wish I were there now... more pics tomorrow. Isn't it surreal?

Posted at 12:59 AM    

Tue - February 26, 2008

I *heart* Jet Blue

I'm back in town for a few days before heading back to the Caribbean for Jed and Liz's wedding in the Dominican Republic (I can't wait guys!). Curacao was incredible. I'll be posting some photos soon. I just wanted to write a quick post about Jet Blue and how thankful I am to Sergio, Carlo, and Matt at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago for getting me out of Chicago before mother nature dropped a foot of snow in Chi Town. I fly Jet Blue whenever possible and it's left me quite spoiled. The planes are new, the people are kind, and the flights are always comfortable. I had the unfortunate experience of flying United (worst. airline. ever.). To make a long miserable story short they cancelled one of my flights on the way to the Caribbean and they cancelled one of my flights on the way back home, the last of which left me stranded in Chicago with a huge snow storm looming. The soonest they were going to be able to get me out of Chicago was Wednesday (I was originally supposed to be home Monday!) and they were rude, nasty, made no efforts to place us on other airlines that were flying out, and offered no compensation for the incredible inconvenience caused by the cancellations. I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown and about to rent a car to drive 8 hours to get home when I saw a sign for Jet Blue. I knew they fly to Rochester via JFK, so I approached the ticket counter and Matt and Carlo got me on a flight standby. As I waited at the gate Sergio told me he would do his best to get me on the flight and that I was a priority. Even if that wasn't entirely true they made me feel like a priority. A crew member gave up his seat for me and Jet Blue got me home! I nearly cried (and anyone who knows me will tell you I'm not a crier) when he gave me my boarding pass. Can you believe that customer service? You guys blew United away. I love you Jet Blue, I'll never cheat on you again.

Posted at 05:11 PM    

Sun - February 17, 2008

Taking off (again)

I was asked last week if I even had a home... This remark was in response to the aggressive travel schedule I've been enjoying and will continue to enjoy in the coming weeks. I have an apartment, of course, but I haven't seen much of it lately! Travel is really important to me so I wanted to make sure before my wedding season is in full swing that I see some parts of the world that I've been eager to experience. This week I'm going to Curacao with my mom. We haven't had the chance to take a trip together since I was a teenager, so I'm really looking forward to it! I will have e-mail access and will be checking it regularly but I will not have cell service. Check out the map below showing Curacao's location. It's going to be 88 degrees there! I can't wait.

Posted at 09:14 PM    

Fri - February 15, 2008

Got immunizations?

I'm prepping for some exciting international travel in the coming weeks. Yesterday I went to the dr to get all the necessary shots. Polio??? I needed a polio booster!! Yikes... I also stopped at the bank to pick up a bit of foreign currency, tipping is very big in one of the countries I'm headed to. Below is a photo of the cash- can you guess where I'm going?

Posted at 12:31 PM    

Mon - February 4, 2008

Miami: For work and pleasure

My tolerance for Rochester winters is waning so I took some time to visit relatives in southern Florida, check out Miami, fill up on vitamin D, and to work remotely in the comfort of 78 degree weather. It's been just about ten years since the last time I visited Miami and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. There's something to be said for the sun elevating the mood of a population! It was a nice break from winter.


South Beach.


I loved the architecture in South Beach and the cocktails at the Delano weren't bad either.


Mojito at the Mandarin Oriental in Miami (the spa is rocks, not to be missed).


My shadow...


Ft. Lauderdale Beach.

Posted at 12:41 AM    

Wed - January 23, 2008

Mary's Preggo!

My dear friend (and talented photographer) Mary is expecting in late March! We had lunch today followed by a photo shoot at my loft. Thanks Mary, for being such a great, patient model. I think she looks pretty hot, don't you??

Posted at 11:43 PM    

Thu - January 10, 2008

More from Vegas...

After the Kanye West show I spent the day exploring Vegas. I have a few New Years Resolutions: I'm in decent shape but this year I want to get toned up (not buff like female body builder buff, just get a little more definition in my muscles) and I overall just want to take the best possible care of myself that I can. To me that means more yoga, more organic foods in my diet, and remembering to savor everything I experience. Below are a few snaps from Vegas.


The strip...


The Venetian.


The fountains at the Bellagio.




Unreal... Vegas was like a theme park for adults. The perfect spot for New Years.

Posted at 12:15 AM    

Wed - January 9, 2008

New Years Eve with Mr. West

Ok, so I've got a little crush on Kanye West (I'm a sucker for a well dressed man)... What better man to spend New Years with? New Years Eve day I flew to Vegas to see Kanye perform at the Palms Casino. Easily this was the best New Years of my life. This was my first trip to Vegas and I have to say it was the perfect spot for New Years. The show started at 10:30pm and ended around 1:00am, so I counted down with Kanye and as 2008 began he went straight into "Good Life" and the place went crazy. I was on the floor it was so much fun! I'm not a huge sports fan but even I could pick out Kobe Bryant, Grant Hill, and Rick Fox out of the crowd. Kanye West is truly a gifted performer. 2008 is going to be phenomenal- it was a great start to my year!

Posted at 12:48 AM    

Fri - December 7, 2007

California Dreamin'

I just took a little vacation to San Francisco. I hadn't been there since I was a teenager! I fell in love, it's such a great town!


Mural in Haight-Ashbury.


Chinatown.


My hotel lobby in Japantown.


Alcatraz.


Downtown.


Mural in Russian Hill.


Mmmmm.... cake at the Ferry Building.


Another shot at my hotel, I loved that place.

Posted at 02:43 AM    

Fri - October 12, 2007

Back in the Big Apple

I headed back to New York for another multipurpose trip this week! I celebrated a friend's birthday and shot some portraits in Central Park. For Sarah's birthday we had incredible sushi, a great homemade cake by Jen, and then hours (yes, hours- my feet still hurt!) of dancing at Cain in Chelsea. The DJ was playing such great music I didn't want to stop dancing! I know Sarah was thrilled with her birthday celebration, it was such a fun time! Below are some shots of the club, later I'll post some photos from my portrait session.






Cain has an African Tribal theme, here's the DJ at work.

Posted at 08:46 PM    

Sun - October 7, 2007

Heart Gallery

Two weeks ago I photographed a teenage girl for the Heart Gallery exhibition that will be held at the Strong Museum of Play in Rochester November 2-30. I am not authorized to post photos of the teen on the web but her photo along with many other teens and children in the area who are in need of adoptive families will be on display at the exhibit. For those of you not familiar with the Heart Gallery it's a national effort (over 30 states participate and it's growing!) to pair children with adoptive families. Professional photographers from the community are chosen to photograph the children and the end result is an exhibition of the photos. It's an incredible concept and I've been thrilled to be involved in it for the last couple years.

When I was photographing the teen I happened upon this saying on the wall. I thought it was really sweet. (Ok, I'm a sap!)

Posted at 03:24 PM    

Thu - September 13, 2007

Vacation to Croatia and Montenegro

I had a break from weddings in mid September so I decided to hop on a plane to Croatia! It was an incredible trip! A lot of people have asked "Why Croatia?" I didn't have a lot of time to work with, so I thought Europe would work well, I also planned the trip very impromptu so I didn't want to go somewhere that required a visa (which I would have to apply for), I wanted to go somewhere new for me, and I wanted to go to a place that was having nice weather. Croatia and Montenegro ended up being perfect! Plus much of the food is Greek and Italian influenced- which was heavenly, of course! Additionally the tourist season had slowed down in Europe but the weather was still great! For $10 I grabbed a bus to Montenegro and later decided to spend the night there because it was so beautiful! I had a blast, here are some shots:


Zagreb, Croatia's capital.


The view from my hotel room's window in Zagreb.


The view from my hotel room in Dubrovnik.




I have this shot of Dubrovnik on my wall. Dubrovnik was so beautiful it was surreal.








Montenegro.


Budva, Montenegro.


Found this church while wandering Dubrovnik.

Posted at 11:22 AM    

Mon - September 3, 2007

Home sweet home!

Some of you know I'm from Michigan (Kalamazoo, yes really!) and in August I made a long overdue trip home to my parent's home near Traverse City. It was a great, restful trip. Their house is right on Lake Michigan in the picturesque little village called Northport.




Traverse City is known as the "Cherry Capital".


My sister's dog.


The village at sunset.


My sister's neighbor. Look at those eyes!!

Posted at 10:56 AM    

Wed - August 1, 2007

Going solo

Some of you know I worked for the last three years as a staff photojournalist for the Democrat and Chronicle newspaper. Today was my last day! I'm really excited to cultivate my freelance career and to enjoy the flexibility that working completely for myself will afford me. It's going to be such an exciting 2007-2008 season! I already have 6 destination weddings on the books in the next 8 months so keep checking the blog for some beautiful shots starting with my Puerto Rico wedding this coming weekend! The attached photo is me and some of the other photographers at the paper during my farewell lunch at Dinosaur BBQ. The photo is by Max Schulte.


That's me on the right with my hand covering my chin. I've got a lot to be happy about!

Posted at 05:24 PM    

Thu - June 21, 2007

Sunrise

I'm not often awake at 4:30 am but this morning I was wide awake and watched the sunrise. I couldn't resist shooting the view from my living room.

Posted at 05:48 AM    

Sun - May 13, 2007

Can't resist posting...

Flying home from my parent's home in Traverse City, Michigan I have a layover in Detroit where I had to pass through the coolest airport tunnel (to travel from one terminal to the next) I've seen in all my travels. I've been through this thing 10 times and it never gets old. It plays soothing ambient music and changes color as you walk through it. It's wild!

Posted at 11:36 PM    

Mon - March 26, 2007

Costa Rica and Nicaragua

I just returned home from an amazing vacation to Costa Rica and Nicaragua! I highly recommend Costa Rica as a honeymoon destination and for those who are feeling adventurous and looking for something off the beaten track Nicaragua was incredible as well. I'm back and rested, ready to start the wedding season soon!


Sunset at Tamarindo Beach.


San Carlos, Nicaragua.


San Carlos, Nicaragua.


San Carlos, Nicaragua.


Waterfall in La Fortuna.


Lake Nicaragua.


Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna.

Posted at 12:54 PM    

Sat - December 16, 2006

Ben and Meg's wedding in Negril, Jamaica.

December 9 I was in Negril to photograph Meg and Ben's wedding. It was an absolutely perfect day. Planning from out of town can be tough for a lot of destination wedding brides but Meg and her family did an amazing job on all the details. And what an incredible party! Here's some of my favorite shots from the day, of course there are hundreds more. Check back later for details on online ordering.

Posted at 09:33 PM    

Mon - June 5, 2006

Where has Karin been?

Some of you who regularly visit my blog may have noticed I haven't updated my blog in a few weeks. I have been on vacation in Greece. It was incredible and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a honeymoon spot or to just take a vacation. Here are a few shots I took while visiting one of the most beautiful places in the world!


Santorini.


The view from my balcony on Santorini.


The walkway to my hotel on Santorini.


Another view of the sunset from our balcony.


Santorini.


Athens.


Athens.

Posted at 04:39 PM