Long time, no see (Part 1)

Yeah, I know I haven't posted in awhile. It's been ridiculously crazy - when it rains it pours, right? Been getting a lot more photo work lately, which is nice. I've also been bartending and waitressing and picking up any odd jobs I can. Work work work...

Also, one of my greatest friends, Dave Hyams, just moved back to Santa Fe... couldn't be happier about that!

So, I'll try and catch up with some random shots I've been doing here and there...

The beautiful rainbow over my super-lush backyard. Bet you didn't know there was a rainforest in Santa Fe!

Here's an older one of Alyssa that I never got around to putting up. I love it though... shot on the last day of the winter season 2009, at Backroad Pizza.

Emily loves our beautiful lace curtain-thingy.

Jonah with wine, while making epic meatballs for the roommates and I.

Emily enjoys sparkler fun with us after epic meatballs.

DJ DirtGirl (she's ridiculous) 'spinning' at the Pandemic Dance Party at Meow Wolf.

Another shot from Meow Wolf.

The 'greeter' at the Pandemic Dance Party... love it.

More to come...

awwwww...kward.

Lessons in Family Portraiture
by Karen Lenz
with help from AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com

1. Don't vignette a high-key background... (gotta love those costumes!)


2. The 'lean-in' pose was cool for the graduating class of 1993. Since then, not so much.


3. The 'prom pose' ONLY works for prom (and really, not even then.) Do not attempt with families!



4. At a certain point you have to reconsider what kind of clientele you're bringing in. Repeatedly.



5. MOST IMPORTANTLY: If for any reason during the session something feels 'wrong' or (god-forbid) 'dirty,' STOP IMMEDIATELY and try something else.



Sigh...

I suppose I should just shrug and laugh!

website updated

Couple of fixes to the ol' website, including:
-fixed the logo (it was pretty 'choppy')
-created three categories under PORTFOLIO and added a ton of new images
-updated my bio and contact info
-changed the lead image

Check it out. www.karenlenz.com

Per usual, feedback is appreciated and encouraged!

Oriana

This beautiful woman hasn't even seen these shots yet...

My Girls...

The three Course Assistants from the Winter 2009 season here at the workshops.


From left to right: Lauren Devon, Jenny Lee Trest, and Alyssa Bowers.

I've been trying to do more 'groups' of people - seeing as about 99% of my experience is with SOLO people. So I thought to myself, "Self, you should do a portrait of the CAs as an end of the season 'gift' to them." So I did. Now all I have to do is get prints and mail them out... ;o)

Donnor, Part Dos

...or this one... I'M SO INDECISIVE!

Donnor

Since I recently retired a shot of my good friend Mike Donnor out of my portfolio, I was re-inspired to do a shoot with him when he showed up to visit this past weekend. It was a tough edit but I really like this shot - I'll probably settle on it later tonight. I'm up for comments.


Mike has a new photography portfolio out called "Silent Moan" and it's truly stunning and heart-wrenching work... You MUST check it out under the 'fine art' category on his website. This kid is going places.