Running out the door to San Diego! to teach Boudoir & Lighting at PictageU over the next few days. So here is part 2 of Sienna’s Wet shoot… to tide you over.
She’s just so cute!
Ooooo, so Sophia Loren, right?
Plenty more boudoir on the blog coming up… and one of these days I’ll post some of the lifestyle and travel portraiture I’ve been shooting as well :)
xo, Christa
Just a quick little peek pic from Friday’s wet hot shoot in the studio :) More coming soon…! Super busy and excited preparing for next week’s seminar on Boudoir Photography and Lighting, hosted by Pictage, and jam-packed with live shoots, practical information, inspiration and more from 6 fabulous instructors including little ole me :) Hope to see you there! Register here before it’s sold out.
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
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
Wow, The Workshop was an amazing experience! It was a total blast and so much fun… but what really stood out to me was the incredible openness of all the attendee’s… their incredible energy, encouragement, experimental spirit, curiosity, and camaraderie - they truly made the weekend what it was, and I couldn’t have dreamed up a better group!
I loved seeing everyone support each other, encourage each other, and most of all… laughing our asses off together. I know we all made some wonderful connections and friendships that will last, and it gave me such joy to see everyone hugging and hating to say goodbye last night. It was an event I’ll never forget - it was my first Workshop for Pro’s, and you all made it meaningful for me in so many ways.
I will be posting pics from The Workshop this upcoming week, as well as pics from today’s Boudoir Workshop.
Then lots more to shoot and blog all week - valentine boudoir session, a newborn session, an afternoon tea party, a bachelor party scotch tasting (!!), and a wedding… Whew!… how much fun and variety is that?!
Thank you to all The Workshop attendee’s - you hold a deep and special place in my heart for making my first time a fulfilling experience that took my whole job and art to a deeper level…. Love you guys and looking forward to participating even further in your growth!
xoxo,
Christa
Hope everyone is enjoying a magical holiday season so far! A quick Workshop Update for you: I’m thrilled with the amazing people that we’ve got signed up for the workshop… men and women, young and not-so-young, from several states and as far away as Germany!
There are only two spots left! and here are the questions that y’all are asking…
Deb asked:
I am a photography hobbyist who is considering the transition to pro. I have shot several friends/family and they have been extremely pleased. But, do I need more experience under my belt before I take your workshop?
I can relate to where you are right now - I was there too :) And I have to say, I wish I had taken some workshops when I was just starting out. You can save so much time, money, and angst by learning from others’ experience, mistakes, and expertise. This is the perfect time for you to take as many workshops as you can afford - you’ll be soooo glad you did :) Half of my workshop attendees are looking to make major changes in their business and the other half are just starting out, and all of you want to take your photography to the next level! I will give you everything I know and do the best I can to help you with that :)
Trisha asked:
I don’t know how to use Photoshop… do I need to learn that before taking your workshop?
Not at all. I will teach you the simplest easiest way to use Photoshop. Because as a photographer, you don’t need to know all that PS is capable of, just the most important tools. I’ll show you the Top Ten Tricks I use all the time, and how easy it is! You’ll be a photoshoppin’ freak in no time!
Nadine asked:
I’m not a professional and I’m just a beginner, so I’m a little intimidated… I still shoot on Automatic! Is that okay?
Yes, about half of the attendee’s will be shooting on automatic, and that’s perfect for where you’re at right now. I will give the automatic shooters a quick easy lesson on how to begin the transition to manual. But for the most part, let’s focus on what’s going on in front of the camera, not fooling with your settings. (A small secret: I shot on automatic for waaaay too long, and I wish I had tried manual sooner! So I’m going to shortcut that learning curve for you. )
Tina asked:
What should I bring?
Your gear: camera, lenses, batteries, etc.
A laptop if you’ve got it.
A sense of humor and playfulness!
Bob asked:
Are there still spots available?
Just two spots left!
Hope this information was helpful, and I’m really looking forward to meeting you all and geeking out together! If your question isn’t on this list, call me up! I’m happy to discuss whatever’s on your mind :)
For details and more information on The Workshop, click HERE.
Talk soon! xoxo,
Christa
I love nakedness! Skin is so beautiful and a joy to photograph whether it’s boudoir, babies, or fine art nudes… it’s luminous, timeless, and my preferred wardrobe option. Here are the top ten pics from a recent newborn shoot…
Big brother and baby sis… Rolls and rolls of the good stuff!…
Too cute.
Lest you think baby shoots are sweetness and light, here’s a little dose of reality for you….
This was a fun follow-up to the mom’s pregnancy shoot, which you can view HERE.
More Photographer FAQ’s coming up tomorrow! You can see the last edition HERE.
xoxo,
Christa
I’ve been MIA on the blogging for a bit… the holiday crush for pictures has overwhelmed me this year, in a good way :) I feel so fortunate to have shared in the lives of so many families, artists, models, moms, shoe-shiners, street musicians, and people from all walks of life. Creating a portrait of someone or someone’s family is an honor and gives me such a unique and intimate glimpse into their lives, and I couldn’t be more thankful this holiday season.
This is a quick peek from yesterday’s shoot at Disneyland. Thank you Juliette, David and little David for such a memorable day! ps. you may remember this guy as Yummy Empanada Feet… from this post HERE.
Be back soon!
xo,
Christa
Busy Busy!… I’m so fortunate to be booked solid every holiday season with family portrait sessions, and this year is my busiest. I’ll catch up with postings this week. In the meantime, here’s a quick sneak peek of one of the most fun shoots this year.
Little 4 yr. old twins, Sarah and Aaron at Santa Monica Pier yesterday. It does not get any more adorable and sweet than these two…
More tasty cuteness on the blog tomorrow!
xoxo,
Christa
