Karina Garcia Li | San Jose Lifestyle Portraits

Red lipstick has a way of pushing you out of your shell and into a different persona. Karina volunteered to be a makeover subject for Ann Ho of Styles by Ann and A-List Makeup, and I was there to do a quick shoot with her afterwards. I love collaborating with other creative people, and working with other wedding vendors is a great way to build your network and help your photography business too. Karina was a recent wedding client of Ann’s, but in this makeover, she got a vastly different look from that fresh, natural, bridal look. Instead, they went bold and dramatic with a smoky eye, those red lips, and a wavy hairstyle with a vintage vibe.

Karina is fun and spunky– the kind of girl you would want to have around at any social gathering. But in this shoot we mostly pulled out her smoldering sexy side, and she played the role beautifully.

I knew this was going to be an awesome shoot when Karina willingly laid on the parking lot ground without hesitation.

Absolutely love these. My favorites!

After being “one with the tree” in the parking lot at Ann’s office, we headed down to Kelley Park in San Jose just as the sun was disappearing.

This image was taken by my brand new 35mm/1.4 lens, and I love it! I’ll dedicate a post to the lens soon too.

Karina pulls of this asymmetrical dress with perfection.

Hot pink shoes! They totally make the outfit.

And we end on an endearing pout.

Thanks again to Ann and Karina for an awesome shoot. I look forward to more collaborations in the future! Anyone out there want to see a “trash the dress” session with Karina? I know I would!