I wouldn’t call myself camera shy, but I have to confess to not having many pictures taken of myself. As a photographer, I’m more comfortable observing a subject than being observed. So for my birthday recently, I decided to walk the walk, be a woman not a photographer, break out of my comfort zone and go for it. It was a beautiful hot Monday, my 25th (that’s right) birthday, and my last day in my photography studio in LA before moving out and ending my lease. With my sights set for moving to Italy in December, I could think of no better time for my own boudoir birthday-suit photography session to celebrate!
The photographer… Michael Chylinski, a long-time dear friend and professional drummer, who usually shoots landscapes and basketball hoops! Hahaaa, he was more nervous for our shoot than I was! Despite not being used to shooting with strobes, he was game to shoot for me while I gave him a tiny bit of coaching :)
Here are a few of my favorite Rated-PG pics. This logo tank was a gift from a friend at the Grand Opening of my studio – seemed appropriate….
Kinda shy at first…
…but it didn’t take long til things heated up :)
Seriously, it was literally hot as hell in my studio, and yes that’s sweat on my face – I decided not to retouch it.
A behind-the-scenes shot reflected through the mirror in my studio – this cracks me up! I’m not in a flattering pose by any means, but I love the moment Michael captured of me getting undressed, plus I love that you can see my tiny studio set-up: one main light and small fan – it’s simple and it works. All pictures from this shoot were with this set-up.
In honor of my new book coming out, “Exposed: Redefining Boudoir”
And this is my absolute favorite. I’m having fun, Mike’s cracking up, we see my studio for the last time and it’s just a great moment I’ll always want to remember. Plus, I love Mike’s socks – hahaaa! Thanks Michael, for capturing my life authentically here. I won’t give you a hard time for taking your shirt off since it was sweltering that day. I had a total blast and I’m forever grateful for this shoot and your friendship.
Thanks also to my wonderful talented friend and make-up artist Shannon Jankula, who is such a pro at making women look and feel beautiful.
Quick announcement: PartnerCon just opened registration today for my shooting workshop in New Orleans on Thursday, Nov. 11th. Limited to only 15 participants… so hurry here to register. Also, they sold out the first 500 seats to PartnerCon (where I am one of the line-up of awesome speakers), but they just added more seats… so you can still register for that here.
Thanks all for visiting and don’t forget to leave a comment!
Lots of love and nudity,
Christa xoxo
Damn girl!!!!!!!! You look amazing!!!!!!!
Love this!!
SHUT UP! You look amaaaaaaaaazing!!! So calling you today ;) XOXO!
CHRISTA!!! You are absolutely GORGEOUS!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE these pics!!! Enjoy Italy!
You are so fabulous! You look amazing in these photos and more importantly, looks like you had a blast. And, totally love, love, love the cover for the book! Congrats!
OMG I FREAKIN LOVE THESE!!! Can’t wait for your book!!
You look stunning!
Beautiful. I love the way each picture is a reflection of your fun, sexy attitude!
Awesome!! You look sexy wozers :) Looking forward to the book.
What a brave and bold move for you! Love these images.
WOW! I would have posted a comment sooner, but I had to regain consciousness. The pictures are sexy and artistic. You are HOT!!! Can’t wait to see your book.
Christa, You are amazing!!! You are cute, funny, classy, sexy and professional. These qualities are present in these shots. As always, can’t wait for the next blog….I’m hooked!
YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL!!! words are not enough to describe it!!! love the photos!!!
Christa! Christa! Christa! As I have said before, you are SUCH A GORGEOUS, BEAUTIFUL WOMAN ON THE INSIDE AND OUT! I am so glad that I am one of the lucky ones to get to know you personally. This truly is a celebration of you and of what is to come! I truly wish you the best of luck with your new endeavors. The future is yours to own! Here is to you and keeping that passion alive! I Love You!
Jeff
Thanks everyone!!
I truly appreciate your comments and feedback – I was definitely nervous posting these pics :) Thank you again for taking time out of your day to stop by and leave a word or two of encouragement… LOVE that about you!
xoxo,
Christa
Christa you like so Amazing and to think it was the day of your move!! Shirts off to Michael for getting you to play full out!!!
You definetly have beautiful Art for your book ;-)
xoxooo Deborah
Christa! Absolutely gorgeous!
Good for you and good luck in Italy!
When is your book coming out?
You look amazing!!! Great pics. Can’t wait to see you on television.
Love it! You look amazing! These shoots are so fun! Once I let my hair down, I had a blast! (and some champagne helped too!) Just got our album from our shoot & we love it! I’ll have to show you!
just like your photos
which are always
so beautiful
you
too are
beautiful
Hot. THAT would have been a great shoot to assist.
OMG…..I had no idea that you are also a model. Amazing.
I love all these shots! You look smoking, hot! I definitely love the shot of you zipping down your outfit. I truly love the first ones, though. Your personality is beaming in these shots. I’ll miss you and can’t wait to get your book.
Dang it, you’re moving to ITALY!? My goodness, I was just thinking some day I could drive up to your studio (I’m in SD) and celebrate in session after achieving a work-out goal. Dang it. Well, maybe I’ll be back in Italy some day… (hang out at Cinque-Terre for me!) P.S. love the hat!
Funny how Michael Chylinski was more nervous than you! I would be too. Your body of work (pun intended) is impressive. Keep up the good work.
I love, love, LOVE these! So fun, so stylish, so freakin’ GORGEOUS . . . just so YOU, my beautiful friend. I think these portray exactly the incredible woman and amazing artist that you are. Not enough words out there to describe, but let’s just say stunningly awesome. Love you for letting it all hang out, for literally putting your hot lil’ ass out there. Fantastico! Baci e abbracci, bella!
My dear friend, you are stunning as always! Having known you for two plus years I know this isn’t something you typically do, however I’m so glad you did! Thank you so much for being so vulnerable and allowing all of us a sneak peek to the other side of Christa. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you….
You look amazing!!!! You go girl! X
I just picked my jaw up off da flo’. Wow doesn’t begin to describe it. You look amazing, the spirit of these just jumps off the screen. Way to put your *money* where your camera is! You are such an inspiration in so many ways, Christa. Thank you for sharing yourself!! xoxo
WOW!!! These are freakin’ Gorgeous! You are such a beauty and inspiration! LOVE LOVE LOVE every single one! Michael did a brilliant job at capturing your personality and flawless features! Simply SUBLIME!!
Sooo sad, yet inspired and thrilled for your move to Italy. I would LOVE to grab that coffee we have been talking about before you go!
I am honestly speechless my friend! This is by far my favorite post of yours to date! PERFECTION!!
Sharon says “holy shit!” :-)))
Italy?! Wow! Congratulations! Stuff to remember for life. I will miss you. Sounds odd since we don’t see each other often but I will miss you. Please keep in touch and let us know how to reach you there. You never know, I may show up in Italy one day just to say hi.
Christa,
Wow, you are one gorgeous young woman and I am go glad that I had a chance to meet you last year. Italy will never be to same!!!!!!! I will always want to keep in touch. Poetry in motion. I also know that you are just as beautiful on the inside as well as outside. Love, Di
Goodness me. Great set! Looking good behind AND in front of the camera. What more can you ask for?!?? Well done, Michael and well done Mizz Meola! Way to bring it. So glad I waited till I got home to make the comment lol.
One word…DESSERT! YUMMY!
Mee-OW…
Sounds like the beginning of an amazing year. You look beautiful — what an exciting and happy time in your life!
I’m really sad that I am going to miss you in LA in November — PartnerCon and New Orleans sounds like a great opportunity. I guess I’ll have to plan a trip to Italy to catch up with you. Much love!!
Absolutely stunning!
Super fox!!! So gorgeous, thank you for sharing!! How will I know when the book is for sale? I want it now. ;-)
So happy to hear that you’re following your dreams, Christa! I feel incredibly fortunate to have been inspired (AKA: kicked in the ass) to follow mine by your workshop early this year. No matter which direction life takes the both of us, you will always hold a special place in mine. Seriously.
Good luck, love. You’re going to rock the world! XOXO
Christa you are simply devine. I see you never lost that glow about you. take me to Italy with you so we can Tango the night away… ;)
Simply splendid. I love the transformation from “kinda shy” to “heating up”. And the “Exposed” shot – it could be the cover! But the last one is just over-the-top fun! Gorgeous. Fantastic collaboration, Michael, Shannon & Christa.
Can I get a way with a HO, HOT HOT remark this time?
you look gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!
These pictures are just beautiful, very beautiful, love the light, and the “celebratory spirit” of just loving life. I am so glad I stumbled across you on Face Book. I enjoy your work, You have a great future in photography, and you are going to LOVE, LOVE. LOVE Italy, Keep us posted, and get out from behind the camera more often. Thank you for sharing these photos.
Best, Jean (Jean Donohue Photography, Boston)
omg so hot and pretty!!! if mine turn out half as good i will be so happy!
You step out in front of the camera and the interwebs go crazy…. I think this is most comments I’ve seen on your blog. Yes I’m late to the party again, for which I apologize. Yes I had to pound my chest to get my heart going again…. super fabulous, amazing pictures. It’s interesting that Mike shot the pictures, but they have definitely your style. Tells a lot about Mike’s skills, and the skills of the teacher. In my humble opinion the best are #1 and #4. Thank you again for being amazing inspiration to me.
I’m still your #1 fan….. hehe.
Christa – you’re the fiercest! I’d say you’re the bravest too, but you’ve got NOTHING to hide! Congrats on the book, and on Italy!!! Talk to you sooon!
You INSPIRE me! As a boudoir photographer, there is no other quality of work out there I admire more than you. I LOVE how CLASSY your pictures are, thank you so much for sharing your passion with me.
Amazing! You are a vision! Best of luck in Italy!
You look quite the stunner !
We plan to go to Florence next year, so hopefully you will be somewhere near there, and put on a workshop !
Beautiful images! And, demonstrates the importance of trust between photographer and subject. Looking forward to seeing you in New Orleans next month!
So, so beautiful. I definitely know we were meant to meet. Because of you, I now have treasured (and gorgeous) photos of myself pre-wedding and most importantly, pre-baby. Congratulations on everything. While you obviously inspire aspiring photographers, you help your women subjects more than you will ever know. Thank you.
Christa: You have inspired so many of us with your generosity, your eye for beauty, your knowledge, your wit, your courage and now your “WOWness!” You are stunning!!
Just Tuesday I was going over my notes from your workshop again. (had time to think while waiting for jury duty) That weekend continues to be the foundation for my growth as a photographer.
I wish you the very best with your adventures! Blessings to you!
Too sad that you are moving away before I can have a chance to take one of your workshop. Wish you all the best on your future endeavor. Can’t wait to see your new book.
the age of 25 suits you well my friend. :) you look absolutely, off the hook STUNNING. good luck with italy!!!!
oh damn…I’m in love. still can’t close this window.
Ciao Christa!
Tanti auguri!!!! I have been following your blog since April and am so excited for you to learn that you’re relocating to Italia!!!! What a GREAT idea to celebrate your sweet 25th and the end of an important episode in your life, career and contagious talent as a photographer. The photos are beautiful!! I have never met you, but it’s evident – you’re a true spirit of life, love and happiness. My husband and I travel to Italy about once a year to visit family. Who knows… if you hold a workshop there, maybe I’ll have an opportunity to check it out. Bravissima ed in boca al lupo! Italy better hold on tight!!!! – Sandra
This is an example of how photos capture what words can’t adequately describe! Such a range of attitude, and energy. Awesome Christa – stunning you and beautiful shots!
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!
Sexy girl. You are such an inspiration.
Wow, these are fantastic shots! Props to Michael for capturing some amazing shots of you, considering his photographic background is so different.
I was recently given the opportunity to shoot some boudoir, and found it to be lots of fun. Also makes me wonder, will we ever get to see more of your shoot? These samples are stunning.
I want those first two for my wall! So flippin’ cute! And the last one for my bedroom! Inspiration….Delish!
Well Here I Am Making An Effort As To Searching The “MEOLA” Name, Its Origin And History … And Then All Of A Sudden These Extrodinary Photos Appear-!! … Amazing … Most Of The Women From Naples / Avalino Are Just Remarkable And Striking Beauties … “MEOLAS OF COURSE” … Just Wanted To Air My Thought … Looking Forward For That Publication … Loads Of Luck On Your Future Journey To Italy-!!
I can’t believe you’re here in New Orleans doing a workshop TODAY and I missed it! Love, love, LOVE your work – it’s an inspiration to an aspiring photographer like myself!
You know I had this same idea but somehow I don’t think it would go over as well…;) Congrats on your pending move.
Christa you look amazing!!
♥ Cyndi
Just had ta start my morning with some Meola booty for inspiration!Yowzah! Gewd mo’nin! Now I’m off for my a.m. hike!
WOW Christa, not only are you insanely talented but also drop dead GORGEOUS and BRAVE! I’m completely impressed!!!!
Quite possibly theeee most beautiful and talented woman I have ever laid these eye upon… You are simply stunning.
Great pics!!!!!!
You are so stunningly gorgeous, girl! Great images. Michael did an excellent job!
STUNNING just isn’t enough. You look magnificent. The camera should be turned on you more often!!! Thanks for sharing!
How YOU doin’? ,-)
Wow! I love your photography. Nothing is sexier than confidence. I admire the women who pose for you, especially the “real” women. Sooner or later I will be brave enough myself. And I REALLY admire photographers who are willing to do what they ask their clients/models to do on a daily basis. You are gorgeous! I just wish you had posted more of your photos. Are more available elsewhere on you site?
Christa,your work is gorgeous, but YOU are breathtaking! Hot, hot, hot! Lucky guy Michael, I envy you…;-)
Greetings from Croatia!