Carina Skrobecki » Blog

A little bit of this.

February 19, 2014

2014. The year in which I’m telling myself to go out on that limb and just do it. Just try it. I’ve been wanting to attempt simple studio portraiture for quite some time — focus on lines of the face. Lips. Reflections in eyes. Jaw bones. Delicate subtleties in expression. This was the time to try it…and I’m so so so glad that I did. The process, the people, and the outcome have created some of my favorite work. I realize I’ve been saying that a lot recently…but I saw this quote when I first started photography and feel like it’s really rung true for me over the last few months.

“Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.” – Imogen Cunningham

Even though there have been times of extreme frustration and extreme elation, I’ve realized the one constant is that I cannot remain satisfied with anything I’ve created. It’ll never project me forward. I’m thankful for this lack of satisfaction because it keeps me on my feet. Keeps me pushing and fulfilled when I DO, if even for a moment, believe I’ve shot my best work.

I found such a wonderful team to help me pull this off. My dear, dear Kristen who is just such a genius with make-up and hair. I couldn’t have done this without her beautiful, unique, and artistic taste. I’m so happy to call her a new friend. And Olivia. This beauty JUST started modeling in September. LESS THAN 6 MONTHS and she’s pulling off stuff like this. Amazed. Styled by yours truly.

I’ve broken this shoot up into two parts – here is part one, shot in my apartment. Carefully selected and excited to share…a little bit of this:

And for good measure…and because we about died when this happened: Rosco’s modeling debut. I think he has a promising future.

Shot both digitally and on T-Max 400 (some of the black and whites) processed by PhotoVision.

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Dave & Mallory

January 23, 2014

Location, location, location.

I can’t stress enough how environment, light, and how you feel about a place can impact your photos. Whether engagements or weddings, choosing locations that you FEEL good in is monumental — it impacts your experience behind the camera. Having your wedding in the woods because you two have defined your relationship around the great outdoors = yes. Choosing a city engagement because you two are foodies and the hustle and bustle of the city screams you guys = double yes. Suggesting we hike out 2 hours into the middle of nowhere because that’s truly where you feel at home = YES, YES AND YES. I get it, it’s about you two and your chemistry as well, BUT, it’s also how you interact in these spaces that start to play into how I tell your story.

Enter Mallory and Dave. First off — I’m pretty sure they broke my camera in how good looking they are. Two — they are quite possibly the coolest humans (ahem, Dave is the other half of the genius duo that introduced me to Tyler…I’m forever grateful to him). Three — they thoughtfully chose a location for their engagement session and bing, bing, bing it made for a seriously kick ass time. Reid Boiler Works is this awesome old warehouse on the water in Fairhaven, Bellingham. It’s been in Mallory’s family for generations — it was her grandfather’s former business and something that the two of them have come to know over the years. When Dave suggested it, I knew we had to do it. Throw in her Grandmothers vintage fur coat and we’re golden.

Despite it being 13 degrees that day (and no, that’s not an exaggeration) we created some of my favorite engagement photos to date. Whatever is on your mind for photos — I will go. No matter how far, how crazy. I. will. go.

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Happy Holidays

December 23, 2013

Merry Christmas Eve! By now, you’ve probably figured out just how much I love this holiday and season. There’s just something in the air this time of year that makes everything feel that much more meaningful – an amazing time to reflect just how truly thankful and fulfilled I’ve felt in the last year. I feel almost too lucky to have spent it doing something new and something I love…I have so much love to give in return to my family, friends and clients who have made it so fantastic. THANK YOU.

I’ll be taking a break for a few days to enjoy time with family & friends for Christmas and then a mini vacation in a *hopefully* snowy cabin over in Eastern, WA. I can’t wait. But before I go, I wanted to share a few photos from a bunch of different shoots in the last month or two. I’m hoping to share each of these posts in full in the next couple of weeks or so. I just love where we live oh so much. It really doesn’t get better than this.

Wishing you all a fun, happy, & safe holiday. (Oh, and can you see that it’s snowing in here?) :)

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Holiday Gift Guide // Pups

December 22, 2013

The last little installment of this series, and you know I couldn’t forget our little four-legged friends. Shopping for pets I’d say is almost equally as important…although they may not shout “Thank You” from the rooftops, they are the one constant in our families that love us unconditionally. Why not treat them to a little something special?

1 // Double Wooden Bowl: $225 Before you freak out in how expensive this is, think of it this way…it will last the ENTIRE life of your pup. Made out of pure oak and stainless steel, it’s a pretty sleek little set. If you want one that won’t totally bust your wallet, this one is equally as cool.

2 // Leather Dog Collar: $39 We’ve been on the hunt for a great leather collar for Rosco, and I think this one is perfect. Not too thing (so it doesn’t look like a cat collar) but not too think so it totally envelopes his whole neck. Easy clasp to take on/off as well.

3 // Filson Cloth Bowl: $38 Perfect for taking on a hike, traveling, or anytime you need a pop-up dog water bowl (has come in handy for us when we take Rosco to tailgates and or street fairs as well — ya never know when he’s going to get thirsty!). Comes in 2 colors.

4 // Orvis Pet Food Storage Bag: $15 (hey, it’s on sale!!) Is this isn’t the most genius thing ever, I’m not sure what is. Taking dog food anywhere usually looks like this “where’s a plastic Safeway bag?”… “oh, crap there’s a hole in it”….”why is food already stale?” … “sorry Rosco, you’re eating rocks for dinner”. Keeps food fresh, keeps out other pups and bugs, and is waterproof. GENUIS.

5 // Double Fork Deer Antler Chew: $28 Getting an antler for Rosco to chew on has been amazing. It lasts FOREVER. And when they lose interest in it…boil it in chicken broth and it’s like a whole new world has opened up. They’re clean, sanitary, and don’t smell like crap. :)

6 // Doggie Cookie Cutter: $2.50 Get crafty and make your pup his own treats. Cutest kitchen store by my friend Rachel carries these as well as a great recipe for peanut butter dog treats.

7 // Bumper Bed: $72 I don’t own one of these, nor does my dog, but I kind of want it to sleep in it myself…

8 // Felt Dachshund: $56 Totally threw this on here because I’ve been on the search for the perfect dachshund ornament. This isn’t technically an ornament, but I feel like it could easily be made into one! Now, I know paying $56 for a small felt dog is crazy-town, BUT the story behind this artist is awesome as well. Support small businesses. :)

9 // Doggie Bow Tie: You want your pup looking dapper for all the holiday gatherings yes? I’m not that crazy dog mom that dresses up my dog, but I do like a good, subtle accessory (my boyfriend things otherwise). I love these ones!

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Holiday Gift Guide // Stocking Stuffers

December 16, 2013

Continuing on with the holiday gifting ideas — this time, stocking stuffers for both him & her. And yes, I realize some of these are a bit “pricier” than the traditional stocking stuffer, so perhaps just see this as another gift idea. Cheers!

FOR HER //
1.Eberjey Lingerie India Bralet & Panties ($49 & 36) : the softest, bestest lingerie you ever did find
2. Holiday Chocolate Bar ($4): delicious and come in a variety of flavors
3. Dot Mug ($15) : don’t like the dots? pick from HUNDREDS of patterns
4. Two-Toned Wooden Spoon Set : for your foodie girlfriend
5. Rosebud Lip Salve ($6) : lip saver for the winter — live off of this stuff
6. Wooden Shark Bottle Opener ($22) : well-designed and cute
7. Essie Polish ($8.50) : can’t go wrong with nail polish in the stocking!

FOR HIM //

1. Douglas Fur Sachet ($4.95) : makes even his gym bag smell like the great outdoors
2. Wooden Toothbrushes ($12) : manly toothbrushes (pssst — anthropologie has the option for a year supply!)
3. Sea Salt Soap ($4) : clean, simple design and a well made soap
4. Hoboken Coffee Roasters Coffee ($13) : love their coffee, but love their story even more
5. Waterproof Match Safe ($10) : perfect for camping, especially out here — totally waterproof
6. Whiskey Stones ($20) : keep his whiskey cold without watering it down as ice-cubs melt (fun fact…ever wonder where the term “on the rocks” came from?)
7. Honey Caramels ($8) : yummy little treats and a great company