Just a few lines of light that I love from my recent downtown LA Art Installation project. As I mentioned in Wednesday’s post, Symphony in B&W No. 1, my goal was to capture the energy of the city. I played around with slow shutter speeds and high contrast settings to capture movement and a play on line and perspective. Here are just a few of my favorites…
Stay tuned for the color shots!
Have a great weekend!
xoxo,
Christa
I love photographing portraits… it’s my passion, and I am pretty confident now that I can capture the subject’s personality in a single frame and nail it. Shooting landscapes on the other hand, when there’s no living breathing human in the picture and no interaction between subjects… well now that’s a challenge! So when the Library Lofts in downtown Los Angeles went looking for a photographer to shoot their art installation, suddenly, I was so on fire and told them I was their girl.
My goal was to capture the energy of the city. When you think about it, places are living breathing subjects too… and I wanted to create an art installation for the lofts that people feel when they pass by.
The Walt Disney Concert Hall was an obvious on my list of must-have’s. Created by the world famous architect, Frank Gehry, the Disney Concert Hall is probably the most photographed building since it’s opening in 2003. The sun was setting fast when I arrived at the Hall and I had about 10 minutes to shoot before it would be too dark… So I went with what I know best and I chose to shoot the hall like I shoot my boudoir photography… walk around the subject, notice things, the curves, the lines, etc… and suddenly the Hall took on a life of it’s own and became a boat at sea, a mountain top, waves in the ocean, and many other things…
What do you see?
A big thank you to one of my self-proclaimed blog-stalkers, John Batdorff, an extremely gifted photographer, especially with landscapes, who generously gave me some advice before I started shooting… Thanks John!
More in this series on the blog tomorrow and this weekend - I’ve prescheduled the posts so while I’ll be teaching the Portrait Workshop this weekend, you can enjoy a peek at downtown LA!
xoxo,
Christa
Yay! I’m psyched to launch my new website for photographers! And this is just the beginning! Lots of exciting projects are well underway, and I am so pleased with the quality and uniqueness of what will soon be available to photographers everywhere! Fabulous resources will soon be added to the site and a new membership group is on the horizon for all Christa Meola Workshop graduates :)
Swing by the new site when you get a minute, check out the new workshop schedule, read the raves, and see a very dorky picture of me :)
Thank you to all of the amazing folks who made this site possible…
*My awesome Workshop attendees who were very generous and enthusiastic with giving feedback
*My incredible partner in crime on all upcoming projects, phenomenal new photographer, supermom and all around amazing woman… Jayne Jewell
*The best web support system a girl could ask for… Max at King Creations, Mac Sokulski, and Anthony Cunningham - y’all keep me sane, thank you :)
xoxo,
Christa
I know it’s only mid-March and I’m rushing Springtime… but recent days in LA have been gorgeous breezy and sunny - just like Spring! These shots from a recent kid’s shoot remind me of growing up in NJ and all the awesomeness of the different seasons… when glorious Spring arrived, there was nothing better than being outside on a windy day and playing in your backyard.
Here are a few of my favorite childhood moments in Springtime… scootin’ around and sporting your favorite boots!…
Laying in the grass… just happy to be outside…
Smelling flowers…
Oh, the excitement and anticipation of getting ready to climb a tree!…
And the fear and the thrill of it!…
Pausing for a snack of raisins…
The wind blowing…
…and being young enough to sport polka dot underwear and a ponytail…
I hope Springtime hurries to your neighborhood soon :) and you take time to bask in the wonderful everyday moments even if you’re a big old grown-up.
xo,
Christa
Leaving for Vegas in a minute and so excited for WPPI this year! This blog was brand spanking new when I posted about my experience at last year’s WPPI in Vegas. I was so inspired by last year’s conference and it was the catalyst for so many amazing things that I’ve done since then! I remember sitting in the Print Competition room watching the Print entries being judged, but I hadn’t entered the contest… Well this year, I’m in! I’m thrilled that this is the first photography contest that I’ve entered, and it’s fulfilling just to participate with my peers :)
I’ll be seeing many of you in Vegas - don’t be shy and say Hi! Coming up on the blog - announcing a new website, downtown BW installation and family pics :) Here’s a peek at a recent Boudoir Workshop demo - this was a 5 minute shoot using only available light at night in the Biltmore Hotel bathroom!…
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Boudoir Workshop “A Sexy Affair” dates have been changed to April 10th & 11th. Give me a buzz to sign up -would love to see you!
xoxo,
Christa
Fall in love with this little yummy baby, Lila… it doesn’t get any easier than this recent family shoot. Their photo session was a breeze - the parents are loving, gorgeous and kind - and totally trusting (ie. up for any idea I came up with!). Baby Lila was so expressive, curious, cranky and giggly… which made for a wonderfully real shoot.
Some of my favorites…
A baby’s wonder at her own hand… beautiful moment.
Love.
Dad was nervous before the shoot, but he came around once he saw this smiling face!
This mother / daughter shot was inspired by one of my pics from the mom’s pregnancy session - part of my Brand-Spanking Newborn package…
Sweet and Silly faces…
Love these moments and how the baby is holding her mom’s hair…
First official family photograph :)
Switching it up on the blog this week - posting pics from my Downtown LA project and an exciting announcement… come back soon!
xoxo,
Christa
It’s absolute torture to not show you all of Genevive’s pics… her nude pics are sensual and full of energy, and are some of my favorites I’ve shot to date… if the above pic gives you any indication. But we must respect a girl’s right to privacy :) So here is a little peek into our recent boudoir shoot and G-rated pictures…
One of my favorites… (you know me, I loooove action and emotion!)
and if you’re lucky enough to know Genevive personally, you know that picture on the left captures her silly exuberant personality perfectly… nice match with the fun-loving free woman on the right :)
Genevive was an attendee at one of my Workshops, and thought my boudoir demo looked like so much fun, that she had to check it out for herself :) Now, that’s my kinda girl! In fact, shooting Genevive’s boudoir pics inspired me so much that a few nights later, I did my own boudoir shoot!… but we must respect a girl’s right to privacy, so you won’t be seeing those shots either! lol!!
Happy Monday :)
Christa
The sweet chaos of a family photo session… That’s what I was going for during my recent Workshop demo - I wanted all the Workshop attendee’s to see how I negotiate challenges, work with kids and parents, and manage to capture my signature pictures. So we got out of the studio and on our feet to a nearby home for some family photo fun…
…focusing on the necessity of play, creating action, capturing emotion, the beauty in details, the awesomeness of props, and much more… and sweet chaos ensued, as we ran around a tiny yard looking for great light, trying not to step in dog poo, and still capture great images.
…such as, the personality and sass of each child…
…kids being kids, and Rocking Out!..
…the beauty of everyday details…
…of course yummy happy close-ups!
…and how much fun, value and variety that simple props can add to a shoot…
Seriously, my Workshops are this fun :)
I’m thrilled to announce details for my next Workshop! for pro’s and those that want to go pro… including topics from branding to sales and everything in between! The Workshop in January was a huge success and tons of fun, and I’m looking to top it with this new one!… The workshop will be held at my Studio + Gallery and is limited to a small group so you get plenty of one-on-one instruction and hands on learning. You will be on your feet shooting alongside me during model sessions and will be granted use of the images for your blog and portfolio. The last workshop sold out quickly, so register soon. More info below…
The Workshop, with Christa Meola
Revolutionize your brand.
Create meaningful photographs with impact.
Take your photography and business to the next level!
Saturday March 20th 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sunday March 21st 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Held at…
Christa Meola Pictures Studio + Gallery
860 Via de la Paz, Pacific Palisades CA 90272
Topics include:
Branding…
Personality and developing your unique style. How to stand out from the crowd. Selecting an in-demand product line, getting booked solid, communicating with clients, and selling emotion not images.
Pricing…
Nailing your price list so you’re busy, happy and well-paid :) Best business practices including, contracts, release forms, and other good habits.
Shooting…
Family, Baby, and Boudoir shoots on location and in the studio. Christa will do demos and you will get time with the models and rights to your images. Learn how to capture honest moments and turnaround a kid’s meltdown, engage a reluctant dad, and relax a nervous mom or boudoir model. Plus, my Top Ten Money Shots and how to get them!
Equipment…
What’s necessary and what’s not. Lighting techniques - how to work with the challenge and beauty of natural light, a simple studio lighting set-up that works for any subject matter, and the convenience of hand-held video lights.
Workflow…
A Workflow that’s easy, fast and effective. Top 10 Tweaks I use in LR. Top 10 Tips for PS… how to take off 20 lbs in 20 seconds, retouching, working with actions, and more.
Photo Parties…
How I made $25,000+ in one weekend with Photo Parties. I breakdown the whole process for you and what I’ve learned that works best.
Plus!…
One-on-one time, individual portfolio review, Q&A session, awesome discounts from all of my vendors/sponsors, and a fabulous gift bag of my favorite things that make me happy :)
Workshop Fee: $950.00
To register, call 310.383.6494 or email christa (at) christameola.com.
The last Workshop sold out quickly, so register soon, and I can’t wait to meet you!
xoxo,
Christa
The Christa Meola Pictures Blog is 1 Year old!… yay! The first post I blogged last year was a Boudoir Shoot and focused on Top Tips on How to Feel Sexy while being Photographed. It’s been such an amazing year of growth, and the blog has just exploded with visitors from all over. Thank you for all of your comments, loyalty, support, and generosity. I didn’t know how this blog would fly when I first started it, but I have to say, it’s been an amazing experience to share my work and life with all of you… Many more exciting things to come this year, and I promise you: you will always be surprised at what’s blogged next!
Recently, I’ve been slammed shooting Boudoir for Valentine’s Day :) and I’ve been swamped singing up photographers for my next Boudoir Workshop, “A Sexy Affair” on April 3rd and 4th! There are only a few spots left, so register soon!
In the meantime, here are my favorite Things to Do on a Boudoir Shoot - Enjoy!….
Top 10 Essential Things to Do on a Boudoir Shoot
1. Have champagne and chocolate on hand
The champagne marks the shoot as a celebration and an Event. It’s a toast to sexiness and relaxes everyone. Chocolate is definitely a girl’s best friend and an excellent mood elevator, but more importantly, it’s the sugar rush needed after a few wardrobe changes and extreme posing… Hey, boudoir is hard work!
2. Limit wardrobe changes
Outfits are fun, and variety is the name of the game!… However, wardrobe changes can quickly get out of hand. Make sure your girl gets enough time to “vibe” in each one. A nice selection of wardrobe changes can be simple: just a thong and heels, a fantasy element, lingerie, or some dress up… Just remember: 5 different black bustiers is not variety.
3. Chat like girlfriends - even if you’re a guy :)
While you’re both enjoying champagne and while she’s still in the hair & make-up chair… Yes, you want to tell her how much you love those shoes, chat about dating, last night’s escapade, tell her a self-deprecating story, etc. and start playing with those outfits and getting really excited…
4. Begin without fanfare
…Keep talking, drinking, and shooting while she’s still in the make-up chair and continue shooting before she even knows “the shoot” is starting. I always say that I’m just doing lighting tests, or whatever. Meanwhile, I’m really just giving her time to warm up and get used to a camera in the room while she’s half-naked ;)
5. Demo the moves!
Show her the exact movement you want her to do. This will take the performance pressure off of her. Plus, she’ll see how ridiculous you look and won’t be shy about duplicating it :)
6. Be high-energy!
Keep the energy high, and you’ll get fun, lively, sassy images!… She will play off your energy, so bring it :)
7. Be silly and playful
Keep the atmosphere silly and playful, so she will be bold and experiment with new and different things :)
8. Talk talk talk!
Constantly reassure her… any moment of silence will cause her to doubt what she’s doing. I provide a never-ending litany of “gorgeous, perfect, good - keep going… yes! that’s amazing… sooooo beautiful… ok, now flip your hair - perfect! Yes, do it again… great!…
9. Everything works “Great!”
– even if it doesn’t… You don’t want to kill the energy and make the poor girl embarrassed. Most of what you guys do together may not work (that’s what’s awesome about editing!) - but she doesn’t need to know that. So say “GREAT!” but move on swiftly to something else when it’s not really working for ya.
10. Call Her!
Give her a buzz later that evening to mention how much fun it was and how you took a sneak peek at the pics, which look amazing!! Mention how bold and sexy she was… and how much fun you had. Think about it: You saw her naked - she deserves a phone call afterwards :)
Happy shooting and Happy Vday!
xoxoxo!!
Christa
