All about Blue Sky's Laguna Beach Photo Studio

Orange County's Premier Family Photography Studio

Hello

I'm Kristin Karkoska,  Laguna Beach Photographer and owner of Blue Sky's Studio

​As a photographer, I am not afraid to wear sneakers and a dress…let’s face it, the day just goes much better with happy feet. 

 I start everyday with a strong cup of coffee, my journal and giving thanks for having such an incredible opportunity in life to make a living at my passion, people photography. I love to capture images that are contemporary, creative, and most of all fun! A giggle, a shy grin and a beautiful expression of wide eyed wonder all give me goosebumps! When I am not photographing, doing fine edits or answering e-mails, here are a few of my favorite things:

 

  • ​Helping design spaces that highlight family portraits as Art
  • Curling up with my Kindle in the afternoon sun
  • Laughing with my kids
  • Taking long walks in Laguna Beach with my husband
  • Taking time to smell the roses
  • Jetting off to a far away place with my hubby of 25+ years
  • Listening to Self Development books on my iphone
  • Chatting with friends over coffee at Zinc’s
  • Munching popcorn in front of a great movie 
  • Watching cooking shows while whipping up a healthy menu
  • Volunteering for any number of children's charities

I would love the opportunity to capture your family’s story in beautiful images!

Blue Sky's Studio - Your Orange County Family, high school senior and corporate branding Photographer


Book your Session

Blue Sky's Photography Team

Lily Fassnaucht

Corporate Photographer

Shooting corporate, headshots and family.

Brittany Norton

Studio Manager

Manager, professional makeup artist and sales.

Anna Palmer

Partner/ Photographer

Corporate Photographer and partner in NYC 

Your Beautiful Portraits as Art


We know that at the end of the day, of all our “possessions,” it is our memories that we treasure most and place the highest value on. Portraits represent our memories. Portrait art triggers our memories like nothing else on earth has the power to do. Our memories cannot be replaced with any amount of money or any material goods — it really is the most valuable thing we have! Wall art, albums and mat frame boxes are the perfect way to enjoy your images for generations so you children can pass it them on to future generations.

FREQUENTLY ASKED PORTRAIT QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions:

Orange County Portrait Sessions & Orange County Senior Sessions


  • 1. How much does this cost and what’s the difference between Session Fee and a Collection?

    The Session Fee covers your photo session, help with styling the session and the time and talent of the photographer.  A session fee does not include printed product. Print Collections include groups of carefully selected print products. You have the option of purchasing a Print Collection or purchasing Print Products through our A La Carte Offerings. We will go through all the beautiful curated products that we have at the review session about a week after your portrait session.

  • 2. Is there a minimum investment when doing a session with Blue Sky’s Studio?

    No, Blue Sky’s Studio does not have a minimum investment fee. Our fine art matted prints start at $200, and what you purchase is entirely up to you. Most of our clients invest between $800 - $5000 depending on what they want to include in their collection.  

  • 3. Where will my Session take place?

    We will provide you with a list of our favorite locations throughout Orange County which includes Laguna Beach beaches, open fields, Mission San Juan Capistrano, several parks and city areas, and others, or you can let us know your favorite Orange County or Southern California location. If you decide to include hair and makeup in your session, we will meet you at our Laguna Canyon studio. If not, we will meet you at the predetermined Orange County portrait session location. Don't worry, prior to your session, we will help you choose outfits that go best with the location of your choice. For example, if you choose the beach you might like soft flowy outfits.  If you’re not sure where you want to shoot I’m happy to work with you to find the perfection location for your portrait session.

  • 4. What if I need to reschedule?

    We understand that things happen and will reschedule for the following reasons: illness, weather or travel issues, or emergency situations. If this happens, we ask that you email us a minimum of 48 hours prior to the scheduled date in order for us to be able to reschedule. We allow a one-time reschedule if you notify us a minimum of 48 hours prior to your appointment. Additional reschedules will require a fee of $200 and are subject to schedule availability.

  • 5. How many outfits will I get to wear?

    For Family portrait sessions, I encourage you to bring two looks or bright different layers so we can quickly change your families look.


    For High School Senior portrait sessions, I like to encourage my clients to bring at LEAST three completely unique looks and no more than four, complete with shoes, scarves, hats, sunglasses and jewelry.  

  • 6. When will I get to see the images from my session?

    We will setup 3 appointments when you book with Blue Sky’s Studio:

    1. The Consultation - ​we talk about the style of shoot you want, along with your clothing, makeup and hair style for your session. This can take place over the phone.
    2. Your Session Date​ - we work together to choose a date and time.
    3. Your Ordering Appointment/Review Session - this is when you will see all of your gorgeous images from the photography session and choose the ones you want for your printed products.  All decision makers must attend this appointment which is typically set for one to two weeks after your photography session.  
  • 7. When will I receive my order?

    We will have a beautifully-curated selection matted portraits available the same day as your Review Session. These include the edited file of the same image. All custom wall art is shipped directly to you within 6 weeks of placing your order. Custom designed books or albums take 6-8 weeks to be delivered directly to you.

  • 8. How long do you keep my Images?

    Blue Sky’s Studio will archive your final images for one year only after your session.  All images that have not been purchased within 6 months after your session will be deleted.

  • 9. Copyright Information

    Please be aware that all images taken by Blue Sky’s Studio are the property of this studio, these images are protected under U.S. Federal Copyright Laws. and cannot be printed, scanned or duplicated in any manner or used for any purpose without written consent of Blue Sky's Studio.  

PHOTOGRAPHY

How to Get Kids to Cooperate for Photos

Orange County Children's Photography Tips:

​Frequently Asked Questions


We understand that sometimes children can be unpredictable when it comes to photography sessions, here are some helpful tips to make your family photography session the best it can be!

Maybe your children are nervous, anxious or just having an "off" day. It happens, and rest assured we are able to handle just about any situation. That's why we are experts in children's / kids photography.
Here are some things that you can do to help ensure a smooth and happy photography session for your child, so please read our suggestions below for a really fun and successful family photography session.​
  • If your child is shy, please be patient.

    We give them as much time as they (not you, or I) need to warm up to me and my camera. It is very rare that even the most apprehensive child doesn’t become my buddy after 20-30 minutes. Eager to please, many parents urge their child(ren) on, and this rarely ever helps. Relax and allow us to create a bond with your child at their own pace. If you give us a little space to work with your child, they will realize that they don't need to “perform” for you with us and they'll be much more at ease.

  • Please do not answer for your child when we ask him or her a question.

    We try to bond with them by getting them to talk to us. Often times, we will reach out to “test” your child(ren) to see how they will respond. Depending on their reaction (if they reach back to hold a hand/finger), we will know how to proceed. We like to take time to get to know your child and let them get used to us before we start shooting.

  • Please, please, please do not tell your child(ren) to “smile” or say "cheese."

    That’s our job. Besides, “cheese” or “smile” is almost always produces a fake or forced smile. We will get your child(ren) to smile by other creative measures that create more genuine smiles. We've been known to do goofy faces, tell funny stories, talk about their interests, etc…you know, kid stuff!! We’re great at kid stuff (we’re kids at heart)!​

  • We encourage any ideas or props in your session, so have fun with it and get creative!

    Many parents bring in 1-3 outfits and various accessories such as hats, scarves and jewelry. However, it’s important to keep in mind that changing multiple outfits on younger children usually changes their mood too. We recommend keeping it simple for the younger subjects. They grow up so fast! ​

Want more tips to get the best photos with your kids? 

Watch the video: 5 Tips for the Best Kids Portraits Ever!
WATCH THE VIDEO
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