
aboutus
KAREN HABERBERG is a New York City-based portrait photographer and published author. Her photography has been shown in numerous gallery exhibitions, magazines, and newspapers including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Daily News, Huffington Post, Time Out NY, Daily Mail, Cosmopolitan, New York Family, and Fit Pregnancy. She has been interviewed on ABC News, Good Morning America, and NY1. In addition, Haberberg teaches photography at the 92nd Street Y and JCC of Manhattan.
For nearly a decade, she served as the Director of Photography and Digital Media at the JCC in Manhattan, where she spearheaded photography related programming for children and adults. Haberberg has also curated numerous exhibitions and collaborated with well-known photographers such as Annie Leibovitz, Elliot Erwitt, Joyce Tenneson, Gillian Laub, Bruce Davidson, among others. She also frequently lectures at NYU, Rutgers, and various Health Care Organizations throughout the country.
Haberberg holds a BA from Brandeis University and earned two MA Degrees; Educational Communications and Technology from NYU and Fine Art and Photography from the ICP. She lives in Manhattan with her husband and kids, Maya and Liam.
PHOTOGRAPHER - DIRECTOR
Business As Usual
I have spent a lot of time photographing people from many walks of life. What I find is simply put, we all have something in common, Humanity. Whether we are of different religions, genders, cultures, socioeconomic status, etc. I find there is always something we can connect to one another about. That connection is what I seek out in my work so that people feel comfortable in front of my camera and safe, and the genuineness that we all have can come through.
That being said, aside from actors a lot of individuals I work with are uncomfortable in front of the camera at first. My job is to get them comfortable so their beauty shines through. Here are some suggestions also about wardrobe.
Clothing and Colors
Solid colored clothing Is usually the safest, as patterns can be distracting to the viewer. We don't want to distract viewers by the shimmering of your jacket. The reason is that small patterns and thin pinstripes cause the photo and especially in video to have an effect known as moiré. This also applies to accessories, such as ties, bowties, and scarves. Neutrals, soft blues, and browns are the way to go.
Avoid high-contrast clothing like a bright white shirt and red pants. (In general, avoid white shirts without something covering it, such as a blazer. Vibrant reds will give you an unearthly, shimmering glow, and are best left at home.) For red-spectrum clothing, instead opt for deep reds, pinks, or burgundies.
A certain amount of black clothing will read fine, but an all-black ensemble may create strange balances of light, giving you a “floating head” effect, so mix it up. Please avoid clothes with writing, brands, and icons which can distract.
Take care to make sure your clothing fits appropriately when you are standing or seated.
Be wrinkle free. General rule: Wear clothing that is comfortable and natural-looking, and you should be good to go.
Accessories
If you wear jewelry, keep it simple. Resist large, shiny pieces. Large or flashy jewelry may catch the light in ways you cannot anticipate, so remember: the focus of the Image is your face, not your jewelry unless you are a jewelry designer..
Hair
Style long hair away from your face to avoid light shadowing; consider wearing your hair up or bring a brush to flatten the stray strands. Clean-shaven gentlemen should shave an hour or two before the shoot, to avoid having a five o’clock shadow apparent.
Makeup
If you wear makeup, keep it light and natural, and bring the materials with you in case a touch-up is required. If you don’t wear makeup, we might put a little powder or foundation on your face to even out shadows and take away the reflective shine from on-set lighting. Wash and moisturize your face prior to arrival so your skin is healthy and nourished.
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