Your portrait...
is more than just a photograph. It's a representation of who you are, your essence, your spirit. It's a window into your soul, a reflection of your journey, and a celebration of your unique beauty for all to see. I understand the significance of this, and that's why I take great care to create portraits that are emotionally powerful and deeply personal.
Let me capture your essence and create a portrait that tells your story, celebrates your individuality, and adorns your walls in the most unique way possible.
There's something incredibly emotional about hanging your portrait as wall art. That is why each beautiful session culminates in physical items to cherish.
For yourself
Art is more than decoration. When you see your portrait hanging on the wall, it's as if a piece of your soul is shining through a window. It's a physical symbol of your strength, your resilience, and your unique story. It is a source of inspiration, empowering you to be your true self and to embrace your individuality each morning. It is a translation of your thoughts and feelings for external retrospection.
For your family
Your portrait is not just a reflection of who you are today, but a piece of your legacy that will live on for generations to come. When you have a portrait printed, you're not only capturing your essence in that moment, but also preserving it to show those in the future who will have no other way to see or know you except by the physical items you leave behind.
What a beautiful way to bridge to the future.
SCROLL FOR INSPIRATION FOR YOUR HOME
I seek to create the unexpected
Hi, my name is
Karen J Montalvo
Fine Art Underwater Portrait Photographer
My first love growing up was the ocean. My father was the captain of merchant ships and my uncles loved to sail. My family has a deep connection to water and it shaped our lives.
I see now how water has always been with me, even far from the shoreline. As a dancer it was the movements that stirred and crashed, and now as a photographer it is the intensity of detail and surprise of creation.
I will forever be influenced by water and I am so thankful to have this lovely connection.
My photography journey began in 2000 with my parents' Pentax film camera. After high school, in 2002, I didn't know what I wanted to do. I had dedicated my life to dancing and I knew I had too many injuries to continue. I decided to get my associates in photography to pass the time and get my basic courses out of the way. Little did I know, where it would lead.
I'm blessed to have started my photography journey in the darkroom during this time, while at the same time shooting digital on the campus newspaper.
After years of exploring and expanding my photographic knowledge, I find myself doing the most surprising thing in underwater portrait photography, a melding of my loves; water, dancing, and photography.
I include dance as a major influence because the shapes and graceful lines I look for in my imagery are 100% informed by my days of ballet, and the imagination and fantasy come directly from the stage.
It is in the spirit of my personal journey that I would like to express your personal journey as well. We all dream and fantasize with an inner compass. My job is to understand yours and hold it out as a mirror.
I would deeply appreciate the opportunity to do this for you.
Scroll for Inspiration for your home
There's something incredibly emotional about hanging your portrait as wall art. That is why each beautiful session culminates in physical items to cherish.
For your self
Art is more than decoration, it's a powerful reminder of your worth, your journey, and your beauty. When you see your portrait hanging on the wall, it's as if a piece of your soul is shining through. It's a symbol of your strength, your resilience, and your unique story. Your portrait can be a source of comfort, reminding you of the love and support that surrounds you. It can be a source of inspiration, empowering you to be your true self and to embrace your individuality.
For your family
More importantly, your portrait is not just a reflection of who you are today, but a piece of your legacy that will live on for generations to come. When you have a portrait printed, you're not only capturing your essence in that moment, but also preserving it to show those in the future who will have no other way to see or know you.
Editorial & Fine Art Photography
Capturing light, feelings & moments and all the things in between people and life.
This is a paragraph. Click edit and enter your own text. You can make changes like making the text bold, underline or italic. This is a great place for you to tell your clients more about your story and to describe the type of photographer you are. You can come back at any time to make more changes. This is a paragraph. Click edit and enter your own text. You can make changes like making the text bold, underline or italic. This is a great place for you to tell your clients more about your story and to describe the type of photographer you are. You can come back at any time to make more changes. This is a paragraph. Click edit and enter your own text.
Connect and Imagine
Share your story with me
The first step in creating your underwater portrait is for us to connect in person or via zoom (if distance is prohibitive). During this time we will get to know each other and also discuss creative vision, goals, clothing, and product exploration.
The Session
Photograph underwater
If selected, our session will begin with our professional makeup artist applying your waterproof look before sliding into the comfortably heated pool.
Sessions are unlike anything as we explore different shapes and imaginative scenarios underwater.
Image Selection
Reveal unedited images
The first time seeing your images out of camera is unreal. It is always an exciting meeting. We will sit together to celebrate your beauty and select your favorites. At this time wall art and other print products are selected.
Creation
Bring them to life
Once your very favorite images have been selected and the perfect wall hangings and items have been selected, it's time to craft magic. I personally edit each creation by hand and hours of love are poured into each.
Printing and Pick Up
The final results
Prior to being printed, you will see the final results online for approval and we will schedule a time for you to come pick up. It's all lead to this and your art is now a part of your family.
I am Karen, an underwater portrait photographer.
I seek to create the unexpected
My first love growing up was the ocean. My father was the captain of merchant ships and my uncles loved to sail. My family has a deep connection to water and it literally shaped our lives.
I see now how water has always been with me, even far from the shoreline. As a dancer it was the movements that stirred and crashed, and now as a photographer it is the intensity of detail and surprise creations.
I will forever be influenced by water and I am so thankful to have this lovely connection.
Enter a Heading
What is it about the ocean that is so mystifying? Is it how hypnotic its movements are? How aloof its creatures are? How hidden its secrets are?
We can look out over the surface and be completely unaware of the beauty one inch below.