Excited to meet his new sister...soon!

Happy Father's Day!

To all the Daddies out there, Have a Wonderful Father's Day!

To my Pops, I love you with all my heart. I couldn't ask more for a better dad who was always there for me! You sarcraficed so much for us to have a better life here in the U.S. and I am greatful for everything!

To my One and Only Love - I thank you for being the best daddy our little boy can ever ask for. You work so hard and you do so much for us. Know that you are truly appreciated. I am lucky to have you in my life and our boy is happy and proud to have a Daddy like you. YOu mean more to us than words can ever say and we love you so much! Enjoy this day and just relax! May the good Lord always Bless you and our Family!

Love,
Your girlfriend and wife, & son - Carina & our Boy =P

More pictures of this special day to be posted here!



Here is where it all began - the secresacy of trying to making Father's Day Cards. Just a couple days before Father's day we wanted to do something special for my dad and for my husband. All the grocery shopping stops made it possible for me and the little guy to create something simple and special. =)






Papa Happy Father's Day! =)

A Family Company Affair

It's another family fun filled affair with Edisson Southern California. We had the
previledge of getting the family invited to one of these and it was such a blast! From the delicious food, several fun activities; basketball, pole climibing contest, to various kid games of all ages. It definitely made any kid super happy as you can see from the pictures.







And look what I see yonder. Is that what I think it is....yippeeee...My little one was especially excited to go on to one of these.

Daddy has a strategy to share with the little guy. My son was so attentive to every instruction that was given. He really couldn't wait to go through this obstacle. =)

Booking 2010 Weddings!

New Dates!!!

There is so much to blog on here. I admit, I have been missing in action for a while but needless to say, that doesn't been I haven't been busy at all. From weddings to graduation events and more family portraits to shoot - just haven't had the time to share with you all. I know, I'm pretty bad at that. That's why I'm posting all of them here in one lumpsome of sneak peeks. =) I've been working on my new website and blogsite as well. Anyway, just want to announce that my July and August availability dates are almost booked. August is the busiest month for me as each year I have most clients book me way early to have their Holiday portraits done. So stay tuned and shoot me an email if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you. =)




I took this before our family filled event last weekend. I didn't have my equipment with me so that's probably why you can see the obvious signs - but it was one those moments where he was just in a good mood to take pictures...so I had too. =D

Myra & Zal

We're Excited!

So it's been a while now that I've been literally in incognito or simply hibernating and getting that much needed sleep and rest. As it has officially been 15 weeks now into my pregnancy, I'm finally and hoping and praying that these terrible bouts of morning sickness have succumb to it's finality. It's been one nauceuting ordeal but all in all, we are truly excited to become parents for the second time. We are thrilled and gracious to God that He has blessed us this year with another life to love. We can't wait! Images above was my recent ultrasound and so far baby in tummy is doing well. At 11 weeks I had a glimpse of her/him thumb sucking and that was such a pleasant sight to see. I can't believe baby is already doing that at 11 weeks! I don't have the thumb sucking images with me as my hubby still needs to scan it in but I will definitely share with you all friends and lovedones. My next appt. will be in 2 weeks and I can't wait to see baby again. More pictures to come, until then, Have a fantastic week everyone and God Bless! =D

Pre Ceremony & More Sneak Previews

Sneak Peak - Pam & Matthew

Stay tuned for more sneak peeks of the beautiful newlyweds.

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

OH MY GOODNESS! It's been more than a month since I last blogged. I know I know I've been very very bad - For good reason though, atleast I think so. =) From my crazy destination trip in Pensacola Florida and back and forth here in San Diego to tend to family life it's been crazy busy. I have lots of surprises from not only in my personal life but also in my professional career. I'll be posting more of my destination adventures and share more details on what's to come at Carina B Photography. Hope ya'll enjoy them. Have a fantastic day! God Bless you guys and thanks for following up on me and my work. Below is an excerpt that I got from the EEO Observance article on "Women's History Month." Let's celebrate. =)
***************************************************************************









National Women's History Month Celebration

National Women's History Month's roots go back to March 8, 1857, when women
from New York City factories staged a protest over working conditions.
International Women's Day was first observed in 1909, but it wasn't until
1981 that Congress established National Women's History Week to be
commemorated the second week of March. In 1987, Congress expanded the week
to a month. Every year since, Congress has passed a resolution for Women's
History Month, and the president has issued a proclamation.

During Women's History Month, we celebrate the courage, foresight, and
resolve of women who have strengthened our democracy. America has been
transformed by strong women whose contributions shaped the history of our
country. Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the
Atlantic, and she inspired generations of women to follow their dreams.
Physicist Chien-Shiung Wu helped advance our knowledge and understanding of
the world through her achievements in atomic research. Harriet Tubman
fought racial injustice and opened doors for more Americans to participate
fully in our society.

Today, women are continuing this legacy of leadership as entrepreneurs,
doctors, teachers, scientists, lawyers, artists, and public officials. They
are also providing guidance and care to their loved ones and strengthening
America's families and communities.

This year's theme, Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet, encourages the
recognition of the important work of women in the on-going "green movement"
and to acknowledge women in communities, states, and throughout the country
including; scientists, engineers, business leaders, writers, filmmakers,
conservationists, teachers, community organizers, religious leaders, or
others whose lives show exceptional vision and leadership to save our
planet.

More Album & Tradeshow Displays

More Senior Shots

Sorry for the delay on these due to my recent family emergency. Here are some more Senior shoots. I love seniors that reflect their sport or activity for their school. I really enjoyed shooting Janells family. So sweet to work with. I especially liked the outcome of the first image here. Doesn't this remind you of some magazine. I applied a creative touch of brown to achieve that magazine photo look.

Family Shoot & Senior Session

When Janell contacted me to do a family shoot and senior session for her son, I was so excited to do one as it has been a while doing family sessions. I've been so busy booking weddings for 2009 lately so it's refreshing to do these type of sessions.

At Home

Hello Everyone,

It's been awhile being on here and sharing some of my latest work with you. I have been a very bad blogger lately and much of it was ALL for a good reason. The beginning of January was as crazy as I didn't expect it to be. With 2008 photography session rates coming to an end, alot of you wonderful folks out there took advantage of my latest rates and specials before it will all come to an end THIS MONTH. =) With all the craziness, in between shooting and booking wedding sessions, in the mindst of it all was tending to family and especially to my little one. As most of my family and friends have been informed, last week my family had encountered one of the most frightening ordeals we had ever faced. We really didn't see this one coming and as much information as me and my husband fed our brains on a daily basis with what sick toddlers go through and any other ailments this ordeal was one we were not prepared for. Luckily my husband was the calm one and handled it terrifically. Anyway, my son was sick with a fever last week and had his temperature up to 103 degrees - that was the highest it had ever been. As close as we monitored it during the nite and as we anticipated to have it combatted down by morning - as most fevers do - my son had a seizure by 4:30a.m. By the time we got to the emergency room, doctors had diagnosed it as "Febrile Seizure." Going through it as a parent is horrifying and it is something we don't ever want to go through again. Right now though, he is doing well and I am at home taking care of him. Reading up and educating more about Frebrile Seizures makes me at ease but since the episode is still so fresh in my mind, it's hard to get over it at this point but we all must have to be strong as parents. As far as my work, I will be updating more on this blog for my latest shoots that I have not had the opportunity to share with you due to my current family emergency. For those who have booked appointments with me this week and next week, I thank you for your understanding and appreciate you for postposting our sessions and appointments with me in February. Thank you for your time and God Bless.

In this image, just enjoying time out at the beach with the family as Sunday yielded a very sunny and beautiful San Diego. This was taken by my Canon Powershot pocket camera. ;-D



In this image, just enjoying time out at the beach with the family as Sunday yielded a very sunny and beautiful San Diego. This was taken by my Canon Powershot pocket camera. ;-D

Happy New Year & I will be back in the office next week!

Happy New Year Everyone!

This year has been pleansantly fantastic and I can't believe Christmas has already passed. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a very lovely Holiday Season. I just want to thank you for all your support, your business, and your friendship. I hope you celebrate tonite with a big ole' bang for the New Year. Please Please please be safe and God Bless!

Happy New Year!

Carina =D

Below are a wrap up of some of my projects...these are just a sample of my wedding flush mounts I'll be adding to my display for my 2009 wedding tradeshows. Enjoy and Happy New Year!

The Photographer's Prayer

The Photographer's Prayer
Oh God, as I bring my subject into focus and prepare to make each portrait, nerver let me forget that I'm creating treasures for some family, a keepsake for loved ones. Make me sensitive to the qualities and virtues of others, that I may draw out into the light the beautiful radiant belongings of their hearts.
Help me to be an artist, collecting the beauty of every soul, the glow of youth, the gentleness, the laughter or tears of each life that is precious in Thy sight. Deeper than a means of livelihood, give me the perspective to see my photographer's art as a service to others, making life richer and more memorable.
And, dear Lord, between the lights and shadows, the ups and downs and the rolling years, keep me from getting out of focus or off center, so that my life and work may be framed with dignity and colored with contentment ...
AMEN
Author Unknown



I added a different touch of photo retouch...which do you like most?



Hope everyone had a Merry Merry Christmas and wonderful holiday season!

God Bless, Carina

On Leave & 2 more days til Christmas

Merry Christmas!

More Holiday Pics - On Leave for the Holidays

Hope you guys are enjoying the holidays so far. Unlike some of you guys, I am waaaay behind on my "shoppin' for gifts." Each year, I make an effort to make sure that what I get for the other person is something extra meaningful and special to them - whether it's something I made unique to each person or something from the store. Please be safe out there and Happy Holidays and Merry CHRISTmas! =)

On Leave for the Holidays

Hello Everyone,

I will be on leave from December 19th thru the 31st. Please feel free to send me emails as I will be checking them periodically. You may also call me on my business cell phone during this time if you'd like to make an appointment. If I don't answer right away, please don't hesitate to leave me a voice message. I will definitely get back to you at my earliest convenience.

I will continue to update my blog on current projects I am working on and keep you up to date on what I'm doing. This time, I'll finally have the time to post and share some great family Christmas portraits of my loved ones. I'll strive to post something on here each day during my break - we shall see. Hope you are enjoying the pictures that I share. In the meantime, enjoy the Holidays and please find time for yourselves in the coming days whether it be a time of reflection or just simply spending time with friends and family during this special season. Have a Merry Merry CHRISTmas, Be Safe and God Bless!

Carina =)

Jenni & Jason Engagement Fun Pics

I can't wait to show off more fun pics of these two. These two were such a blast to work with and as you can see with the pictures - it surely shows.

In the meantime, I am having bit of a computer malfunction so please bare with me if you are trying to view or order your pictures on line. This week should go smoothly for me compared to last week. Last week, I met with my doctor to see what was wrong with my pinky toes...the 60 mile cancer walk really took a toll on my pinky toes and if you are not wearing wide fitted sport shoes - ultimately you will get the biggest blisters of your life (okay, it does seem like it). When you're in that much pain =) it sure does seem like it. Luckily by Thanksgiving the water filled pinky toes seems to be wearing down and that along with the pain. Today it's back to normal and I feel like this pass Holiday weekend, I took a good well rested leisure time to just relax. So please be patient as this week, I will respond and get your orders out. I truly appreciate your understanding. Have a great week. I'm back to work, pain free, yaaay.

Jenni & Jason's Engagement Shoot

And there's plenty more of these...stay tuned...so lovely these two. =)

It's finally here - 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk - Wish me luck. =)

The day is finally here. In just a couple hours, in the crack of dawn, early Friday morning at 5:30a.m. I will be at the 3 day breast cancer walk camp site to register and get situated with our carry on bags. Last nite, I had time to pack in all the essentials and reviewed all items on my packing list. The key to packing for this special event is to carry light and only bring things that you are really going to use. I will be posting some pictures on here for this great opportunity to find a cure for breast cancer and to spread the awareness. I'm so excited! =D

Breast Cancer is in 5 days. =)

Pictures taken by Stephanie...thank you for these...our training is in full motion! =) These girls are so amazing especially when it comes to training for the walk. These were taken a few weeks ago by my dear friend, Steph, who is also our Team Captain (of Gerri's Girls). They started early at the crack of dawn, no seriously early Saturday morning and after doing 9 miles walking the beautiful beach scenary against the Silver Strand, San Diego, I then met up with them around lunch time to
train and continue the walk back to the finish line. As we walked back, we managed
to stop mid section at this very quaint, tiny little snack shop. Not only did we hit the bathroom for a break =) but also managed to get those delicious 'push up' sorbet. That was so yummy and it suited perfectly with the hot weather that day. Arriving at mid section, we actually had walked 4 miles by then but you really don't realize walking so many miles when walking with a group of people. By the time we reached to the finish line, the girls had put about 18 miles that day and I approximately did 8 miles. I really enjoyed walking, talking and laughing with these girls and am so looking forward to this 3 day walk. It is finally here believe it or not. Exactly 5 more days, this Friday November 21st, my journey begins...I pray that this walk will help save someone and aid in spreading the breast cancer awareness. Wish me luck you guys and please please pray for me. I still have a few more things to pack with me as this 3 day brings camping experience as well. Have a great week and stay away from the fires. Bless those who have lost their homes/lovedones. You all are in my prayers. Lastly, thank you from the bottom of my heart to those who have donated and supported me. Although I am not quite there yet in reaching my goal, I am optimistic, that with your support and with the grace of our loving God, I will be able to raise the remaining $248. Again, thank you so much! God Bless and be safe. =)

Justine Family Portraits

And there is plenty more to see of this beautiful family. For those who have emailed me or called me, thank you so much. Please be patient as I am currently away on a mini family trip to Los Angeles. I will get back to you shortly on Monday morning, November 10th. Have a blessed day.

Here's what we've been waiting for....more Holiday Card Samples

Holiday Gift Cards! Enjoy them now!

Take advantage of my 2008 rates right now by buying a gift card for you or for your loved ones. Give someone a token of your love with these especially that the holidays are upon us. The gift cards apply for my current portrait rates and wedding rates. Yes, that means you buy these now and schedule future 2009 photo sessions. How terrific is that?! About to reveal more goodies for my mini Christmas Session in November, we shall see. So check right back. Have a blessed week! =)

Family Portraits - Pi Family

I had the pleasure of shooting another wonderful family portraits with the Pi. Sunny contacted me and mentioned she wanted some beach shots in San Diego. I was happily obliged to do so. Her little girl was so cute, Kelsey was calm and happy as long as mommy and daddy was close to her and interacting with her. I couldn't get these shots if it weren't for them. Thanks so much again and it was all my pleasure. Beautiful family, beautiful beach, the weather was perfect in the early morning - what more could a photographer ask for. =)

Sample Christmas Cards

Stay tuned for more as I will be listing the prices with these christmas cards, included with a free photography session. The Holidays are here. =D

Holiday Gift Cards - Get them now! =)

Get these lovely Gift Cards now to retain the 2008 Session RATES and Specials (listed on my website). Just the perfect gift to give to your loved-ones especially for this coming holidays. Stay tuned for more news and offers. Almost done withe Holiday Greeting Cards. I will be putting a special for mini sessions with Holiday Greeting Cards included. Mini Sessions will be held at a specified location.

More Featured Couples & Custom Photography Article

I've been meaning to post these a looong time ago but with the cancer charity work I've been doing, and recent fun weddings and juggling family life as well - my schedule seems to simmer down a bit for this month. Please enjoy these for now. Aren't they sooo cute - Adriana and hubby. =)

In the meantime, I also have a great article to share...please read on. You can
find the full article at http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com/information/.

WHAT IS CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHY?

The photographic art you choose to place on your wall is ultimately the result of the vision of the photographer. This vision, coupled with what you wear to your session, the environment, the lighting, even the mood the subjects are in at the time of photographing creates the work that you will want to proudly display on your walls forevermore.

Your first step in the process is more about determining who you are, who your family is and then seeking a photographer that reflects your style. For instance let’s say your family is extremely outdoorsy and loves playing on the beach. You start determining what style you like, browse through photography website portfolios and determine if any of the styles exhibited there would be a good fit with your life and family style. You have already determined that you should probably seek out a beach type photographer (that is if you live near a beach) and then begin narrowing the field down a bit.

Finally after a bit of internet research, you have narrowed it down to two photographers who do what seems like solid work, the sort of outdoor beach look you desire. It is now time to ask yourself: Do you like photographer A’s style over photographer B’s style? Is it because the people in the images of A’s style are having a great time and it seems very caught up in the moment vs. B photographer more posed, looking in the camera images? If this is a case, you probably like LIFESTYLE photography or perhaps even take it a step further and define your desired style as a PHOTOJOURNALISTIC photography style. The photographer you probably should choose is photographer A because their style is very similar to the style you desire.
What custom photography ultimately is all about is choice and experience (as in THE experience). Custom photography is about finding someone who will photograph your family, give you devoted 1:1 attention without worry of the next ‘in line’ or the feeling of a crowded portrait studio. A custom photographer will typically show you a fairly extensive gallery culled to only show the good images that meet the photographers’ creative sensibilities. Often the images are fully edited images-color corrected with blemishes and undereye circles removed. Custom photographers are also known as boutique studios, offering a range of products and unparalleled service. Think Lexus vs. Hyundai, think Nordstrom vs. WalMart.
Custom photography should have you, the client and your experience in mind.

Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?

Digital technology is brilliant. The digital revolution has brought amazing flexibility and amazing amounts of control for the photographer, the hobbyist, the professional, the amateur. With flexibility comes a price though. Camera equipment is still considerably more expensive when you factor in its’ lifespan, the need for additional resources for processing those images, the time it takes to get a usable image and the effort that goes into all of this.
Even though you pay $1.99 for a print at your local drugstore and paying for film is pretty much a thing of the past (although you still pay for memory) you may be wondering why you may pay upwards of $40, 50, 70, 90 for a custom photography print. Some photographers hear this statement every once in awhile:
"How in the world can you charge $60 for an 8×10 if it costs me less than $2 to print at the local drug store?"

The answer is multifaceted and has a lot to do with the time, aforementioned equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer, expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.

TIME of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:
Approaching it from a time standpoint, for instance let’s imagine if you will that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love and that is travelling an hour to your on location session. TIme break down:
• session prep time (30 mins - 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks + vehicle checks)
• one hour travel time TO session
• 15-30 minutes prep time at client’s home
• 90 minutes-2 hours with client photographing subject
• one hour travel time FROM session
• 30-45 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer
• 30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images
• 2-5 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images
• 1 hour prep time getting ready for ordering
• 2-3 hours time with client for ordering images
• 1 hour sorting through and checking order
• 30 minutes-1 hour prep time for delivery
• 30 minutes-1 hour getting order shipped
• any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, quality issues
As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 13 hours to 19 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to your session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for 12-19 hours complete time for your session.

COSTS of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:
Regarding equipment costs, a good quality professional camera with a selection of good optical quality lenses and digital storage mediums and computer set up can run from $10,000-$30,000 costs dependent on the photographer. Even though you can purchase a really good quality digital SLR for about $2100 there are still other costs related to photography. A good lens for portrait photography can run up $900 to $2500. A dependable computer system with software loaded for business and creative usage can run $2500 to $8000 dependent on the photographer.

...You can read the full article at http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com/information/.

Fight the Ultimate Fight - Win against Cancer!

Hello Friends and Family,

Sorry to bother you guys at my blog, but for most of you, it's the only email I have.

As all of you know by now, I recently lost my aunt, Shirlita Balan from Sarcoma cancer this past July 2007. She is one of the reasons why I'm walking this year to spread the awareness and find cure for breast cancer. Additionally, much of this event also goes out to the special women in my life who have overcome cancer and are truly heroes.

This year, I am raising money for this special event called the Breast Cancer 3-Day. I'll walk 60 miles over the course of three days with thousands of other women and men. The net proceeds will support breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment through Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.

Keep in mind how far I'm walking - and how hard I'll have to train.

Your love and support is greatly appreciated. To help me in this worthwhile cause of finding a cure for breast cancer, pls. visit http://08.the3day.org/goto/Carina.

A dollar can go a long way. Please remember that your donations can help save a life!

Thank you for your time and generosity!

God Bless, Carina

Featured Couples to be on my website soon

Wedding Specials! Limited Time Offer

Snipet of the New Blog & Beautiful Bride & Groom =)

And I just love these two beautiful people - Fema & Matt. Can you guys tell which one of these I soooo think is sooo cute? We sure do got some spectators in the background. Anyway, enjoy these and there's definitely more to see. =)

2009 Pricing Updates & More Wedding Pictures

Hello Everyone! It's been a while updating my blog. I hope ya'll have been keeping up with the updates on here. I have a lot going on on new stuff which includes my upcoming web blog design. I'm hoping to get my blog a makeover as much as I like this one also but it's time for a new facelift. =) Also, on more important things - I will be updating my price list for 2009 - WOHOOO! It will be great for everyone, trust me. So enjoy my current rates right now with digital negatives as they will run through the end of the year or late January 2009. Will this effect the current digital price package you ask? It will but not extensively. I will still offer digital packages to those that just love to own them - it will be a great option that I currently would like to continue on in 2009. New pricing updates will be comprise of more printing package offers and a low rate for sitting fees. Also, I'll have brand new Christmas Card designs for everyone. Pls. check back for those. Lots of great stuff are cookin'. =) In the meantime enjoy these lovely ladies of the most recent wedding I did of beautiful San Diego Beach. Thank you for your time. ;-)

Click to view Larger - And the fun has just begun - I love shooting Weddings!

And these are the kinds of moments I love shooting...lots of fun emotion and I can't wait to share more. To view the collage image on a larger size, simply click on that image. I just love weddings. =)

More Wedding Teasers =)