Maternity and Pregnancy Photography - Maternity Photographer Blog

Fine Art Nude Photography for Cancer Patients

2008-09-05T12:40:00.004-04:00

When I first had a conversation about Vivienne's migraines, I couldn't believe this young, attractive woman hadn't found a solution.

We became friends over the next three months and one day Vivienne spilled the truth that she had much more than a solution. She had anaplastic astrocytoma (grade 3 brain cancer).

This lithe, beautiful young woman said it with such calm reserve that it seemed too unreal to take in.

How could a 23-year-old who looked so great be so sick? Her doctors, and she's had almost too many to count, wish they had an answer.

Vivienne hasn't yet found a neurosurgeon who will take her case, so she started the next best thing: chemo and radiation.

In only her second week of treatment, Vivienne chopped her massive mane of curly, blond hair down to an adorable bob.

It didn't last.

Two weeks later, the rate at which her hair was falling out drove her to the hair salon for a more painful visit. It was time to shave her head.

She cried.

And cried some more.

Vivienne's hair meant more to her than something to mindlessly twirl while flirting with a young man. It was a shortcut to self-expression.

Her thick curls were useful in the same way that women with long legs and big boobs push the world around.

Vivienne sucked it up, alone in the ways all of us fear. Her judgmental family in Florida wasn't in a rush to come to her side. Her erratic boyfriend didn't believe she really was sick.

Growing thinner every day, Vivienne's already large, limpid eyes grew even larger. But I wasn't seeing fear behind her look. I saw a resolve to hang in there no matter how bad the prognosis, no matter how alone she might feel.

As her reactions to treatment progressed, I looked for ways to support my friend and feel useful to her. Seven weeks into her treatment, Vivienne finally gave me a really good opportunity. She asked me to take some nude photographs of her.

I knew this was going to be a great thing for both of us because of her understated, sophisticated gift of expression. I had a feeling this shoot might alter the way she saw herself no matter how ugly and unattractive she felt being bald, pale, drawn and thin. I knew this because I already saw her as an incredible beauty with shapely cheekbones and killer eyes.

I was right.

Vivienne tells me that whenever she's feeling exhausted and ugly, she looks at her photos for a reminder that she IS still beautiful.

We got to thinking that this might be a good thing to offer other women in her shoes.

As of today, I'm launching, "Koren shoots cancer in the buff." It's a beauty shoot for any woman dealing with any humiliating, demoralizing cancer treatment.

It's free, it's fun and it will change a woman's outlook not just for a day, but possibly forever.

For more information, please contact the studio.

New web design, html newsletter design and copy writing

2008-05-29T14:30:00.008-04:00

The boundaries are expanding. I've busted into yet another digital realm. Please have a look at my design work here:

KorenReyesDesigns

And of course, don't pass up looking at my maternity and pregnancy photography:
Maternity by Koren

Pregnancy in the spring in NYC

2008-04-28T16:14:00.004-04:00

I know it's not exactly hot yet, but I took this early spring photo of New York's Central Park promenade in late April. I love the old-fashioned look.

Visit my site when you get a chance, Maternity by Koren

Newborn photography

2008-01-20T16:31:00.000-05:00

Here's is the beautiful, new Ashley

Professional athlete in maternity photos

2008-01-12T14:53:00.000-05:00

Yes, even professional football players are willing to do pregnancy photos with their wives.

Russian belle - beautiful maternity photography

2008-01-10T09:03:00.000-05:00

Beautiful red, flowing hair. Gorgeous shape!

Darling maternity photography by a New York pregnancy photographer

2008-01-05T09:06:00.000-05:00

Yes! It's here. Finally, the lilting, lyrical maternity photography you've been searching for. Read the site for ideas on what to wear to a photo shoot and what to bring to your maternity session.

Or visit my family photography site, FacesinPhotos

Connecticut Family Photographer

2007-12-17T12:09:00.000-05:00

Family photography for the holidays and beyond. Timeless and forever.

Cutest little Havanese ever

2007-12-09T22:01:00.000-05:00

He looks innocent enough, but left to his own devices, he'll chew anything. He hasn't reached the destructive chewing yet, but I know it's coming.

Please visit my good work here: Maternity by Koren

Pregnancy photography with a pooch

2007-12-02T16:06:00.000-05:00

Meet the latest member of my photo team...

For more inspiring maternity photos, visit my maternity photography site.

Don Cornelius violates law; steals imagery created by Koren Reyes

2007-11-27T23:01:00.000-05:00

Highdesert-photography photographer Don Cornelius violated the most sacriligious law in the world of photography. Knowingly, intentionally and with ill will, Don Cornelius photographer stole imagery created by Koren Reyes with the intention of deceiving potential clients.

Don Cornelius Photographer Highdesert Photography Violates Copyright Law

2007-11-26T16:14:00.000-05:00

Highdesert Photographer Ridgecrest, CA violates copyright law

An anonymous tip led Koren Reyes of MaternitybyKoren to discover that Don Cornelius of Ridgecrest, CA stole and then posted her images on his web site in clear violation of US copyright law.

He did this without crediting me, the creator of this maternity photography, which would make a rational person falsley believe that he had created this imagery.

What makes this even more incredible is that as of November 26, 2007, Don Cornelius was a current member of PPA, one of the premier trade organizations that supports, trains and teaches high ethics standards to photographers.

For a link to this release, please see the press release

New work and a new baby

2007-11-20T15:13:00.001-05:00

This is my new little guy!!

Please visit my maternity photography site Maternity Portraits by a Professsional photographer

Ken Lieberman Photo Lab

2007-11-07T09:45:00.000-05:00

Ken does good work, but be prepared for his gruff manner. He's not exactly a listner; expect to repeat your questions several times before he hears it.

He also scared me a bit when I asked what color space I should save a digital file in. He didn't have any idea what the difference was between sRGB and Adobe 1998.

How to prevent rape

2007-11-01T15:31:00.001-04:00

Through a Rapist's Eyes (No Joke)
How to prevent a rape
Rape Prevention
Survive an attack

This is important information for females of ALL ages. When this was sent to me, I was told to forward it to my lady friends, but I forwarded it to almost everyone in my address book. My men friends have female friends and this information is too important to miss someone. Please pass it along.

A group of rapists and date rapists in prison were interviewed on what they look for in a potential victim and here are some interesting facts:

1) The first thing men look for in a potential victim is hairstyle. They are most likely to go after a woman with a ponytail, bun, braid or other hairstyle that can easily be grabbed. They are also likely to go after a woman with long hair. Women with short hair are not common targets.

2) The second thing men look for is clothing. They will look for women whose clothing is easy to remove quickly. Many of them carry scissors around specifically to cut clothing.

3) They also look for women on their cell phone, searching through their purse, or doing other activities while walking because they are off-guard and can be easily overpowered.

4) Men are most likely to attack & rape in the early morning, between 5:00a.m. and 8:30a.m.

5) The number one place women are abducted from/attacked is grocery store parking lots. Number two: is office parking lots/garages. Number three: is public restrooms.

6) The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a woman and quickly move her to another location where they don't have to worry about getting caught.

7) Only 2% said they carried weapons because rape carries a 3-5 year sentence but rape with a weapon is 15-20 years.

8) If you put up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouraged because it only takes a minute or two for them to realize that going after you isn't worth it because it will be time-consuming.

9) These men said they would not pick on women who have umbrellas, or other similar objects that can be used from a distance, in their hands. Keys are not a deterrent because you have to get really close to the attacker to use them as a weapon. So, the idea is to convince these guys you're not worth it.

10) Several defense mechanisms he taught us are: If someone is following behind you on a street or in a garage or with you in an elevator or stairwell, look them in the face and ask them a question , like what time is it, or make general small talk: "I can't believe it is so cold out here," "we're in for a bad winter." Now you've seen their face and could identify them in a line-up; you lose appeal as a target.

11) If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front of you and yell STOP or STAY BACK! Most of the rapists this man talked to said they'd leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would not be afraid to fight back. Again, they are looking for an EASY target.

12) If you carry pepper spray (this instructor was a huge advocate of it and carries it with him wherever he goes) , yell I HAVE PEPPER SPRAY and holding it out will be a deterrent.

13) If someone grabs you, you can't beat them with strength but you can by outsmarting them If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch the attacker either under the arm (between the elbow and armpit) OR in the upper inner thigh VERY VERY HARD. One woman in a class this guy taught told him she used the underarm pinch on a guy who was trying to date rape her and was so upset she broke through the skin and tore out muscle strands - the guy needed stitches. Try pinching yourself in those places as hard as you can stand it - it hurts.

14) After the initial hit, always GO for the GROIN. I know from a particularly unfortunate experience that if you slap a guy's parts it is extremely painful. You might think that you'll anger the guy and make him want to hurt you more, but the thing these rapists told our instructor is that they want a woman who will not cause a lot of trouble. Start causing trouble and he's out of there.

15) When the guy puts his hands up to you, grab his first two fingers and bend them back as far as possible with as much pressure pushing down on them as possible. The instructor did it to me without using much pressure, and I ended up on my knees and both knuckles cracked audibly.

16) Of course the things we always hear still apply. Always be aware of your surroundings, take someone with you if you can and if you see any odd behavior, don't dismiss it, go with your instincts!!! You may feel a little silly at the time, but you'd feel much worse if the guy really was trouble.

1 . Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2. Learned this from a tourist guide in New Orleans. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you....chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.) DON'T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE. a. If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot or parking garage:

A.) Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat.

B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.

C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times. And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, preferably in a zigzag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP! It may get you raped or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well-educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked "for help" into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her "Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door." The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, "We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door." He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night. Please pass this on and DO NOT open the door for a crying baby ----This should be taken seriously because the Crying Baby theory was mentioned on America's Most Wanted this past Saturday when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana.

I'd like you to forward this to all the women you know. It may save a life. A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle. I was going to send this to the ladies only, but guys, if you love your mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, etc., you may want to pass it onto them, as well.

I sing in Carnegie Hall tonight

2007-11-01T09:50:00.000-04:00

It's November 1st, finally. I'm singing with the Dessoff Choirs in Prokofiev's Nevsky. Performance is at 8pm - we're the second act.

It's a great, big, booming piece flush with characteristically Russian melody. I love it.

Girlfriends in California

2007-10-30T22:51:00.000-04:00

These are some of my best buddies. Aren't they great? Well? They're all single.

I love JetBlue, but...

2007-10-29T12:24:00.000-04:00

Are they slipping?

I am so in love with the comfort and the distraction of those individual tvs, but yesterday's flight was annoying. The tvs didn't work until they re-set them 30 minutes into the flight, then they got progressively worse through the World Series. When we bumped onto the ground upon landing, the picture cleared.

Further, the right channel didn't work in my seat or the empty one next to me.

Maternity photography props

2007-10-26T18:57:00.000-04:00

A lot of women bring items of significance to our shoots, but this little kitten takes the cake.

Pefect holiday gifts for the office

2007-10-23T11:34:00.000-04:00

If you work in a frenetic environment, choose artwork for your walls that calm your mind and bring those alpha waves back in control.
Here's a good example of some soothing black and white photography that will make the most harried business person relax. To see the entire fine art collection, click here.

I'm the curtain-raiser at the NYC Sierra Photo Club

2007-10-17T12:27:00.000-04:00

Hey all,
Please join me tonight!

I'm the opening act for tonight's monthly meeting of the New York City Sierra Club Photography group.

They meet at:
Paul the Apostle Parish House
405 West 59th Street (between 9-10 Aves.)
2nd floor
6:30 PM

Here's their web site

And here's a sample of what I'm showing tonight:

Harriman State Park Hikes - Doodletown

2007-10-14T09:48:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Outdoor Bound, I got up and out bright and early. Great day.

Beautiful framing option for pregnancy portraits

2007-10-11T10:17:00.003-04:00

Here's an example of what to do with your fine art pregnancy portraiture:

To view more of my work, please visit my site

Latest Shoot & Share Photo Workshop

2007-10-09T15:19:00.000-04:00

If you like to experience history, this photo workshop might be for you. Come for a one-day learning workshop in one of the world's most historic buildings. See peeling paint, rusting furniture, dripping ceilings and rotting, carved banisters in this creepy place filled with subtle, beautiful light.

Learn more about this workshop here: Abandoned Prison Workshop

The taint of quaint?

2007-10-08T18:08:00.000-04:00

It's almost too good to be true. This true, quintessential Vermont town has neat, little signs on its community gardens, its historic blacksmith, its general store and its historic buildings, all thanks to the Windam Foundation?