Category Archives: Fine Art

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Musee D’Orsay

I am loving this Springtime weather in nyc! It’s making me so excited for the upcoming Fine Art Paris Retreat, and I just added two more spots, so we have two seats open now for ladies only. So I thought I’d post a few pics from one of my fav places in Paris… the Musee D’Orsay – the cafe inside the museum is the only place you’re permitted photos, and it’s just gorgeous! The palette is sublime. You all know I’m a huge fan of white with touches of black and gold… not to mention the paintings and sculptures…

Spring also brings change, and oh my we’ve got a lot of changes going on around here, so stay tuned. We also have a fun giveaway coming up this week so watch out for that :)

Lots of love & inspiration,

Christa


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creativeLIVE “After Dark” Fine Art Nude Sneak Peek

Wow, it’s been a jam-packed and amazing weekend teaching for creativeLIVE so far. Last night we shot their first ever “After Dark” segment with a focus on Fine Art Nudes. I shot with a gorgeous figure model for an hour and half with 3 different backgrounds and lighting set-ups, and I had such an incredible time!

Our in-studio participants said it was their favorite segment thus far as well, and saw a totally different part of me come alive. I am in the zone when shooting nudes. Many aspects are completely different from shooting boudoir with real women, and both are integral aspects of my brand and business, which was part of the discussion during this “After Dark” segment.

You can watch a sweet sneak peek trailer of the After Dark segment here.

I would love to share my passion for shooting Fine Art Nudes with you, and I hope that you get a chance to watch it via the download you can purchase.. You will see that my shooting style is different from the rest of the weekend’s shoots, in how I coach & pose my model, my rhythm of shooting, my energy and my focus. I think it’s a valuable and essential practice for the boudoir photographer, with skills you can bring into building a successful business.

Here’s a little sneak peek….

Nude model + sheer fabric + fan = one of my all-time favorite set-ups!…










Thanks so much for tuning in and sharing your love via comments, tweets and Facebook updates – I am so grateful for all the enthusiasm! It has been such a powerful and fun experience sharing my love for and experience in this industry with creativeLIVE’s worldwide audience.

Tune in to Day 3 today for one more surprise, a couple more shoots and discussion about building a successful business – sales, pricing and marketing.

Lots of love, nudity and inspiration!

xoxo Christa

ps. you are able to watch the “After Dark” shooting segment with purchase of the download  (which is a freaking steal at $99) when you buy it before end of day today!


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Monet at Musee´ de l’Orangerie

Couldn’t you just get lost in these colors? I’m missing Paris, and thought I’d post some fine art inspiration for your weekday. I love when art & the environment it’s housed in is so perfectly suited for each other, and Monet at Musee´ de l’Orangerie is a sublime example. Take a peek…


…settles my soul, I tell ya.

To see another fine art space that is truly magical and lights my fire, check out one of my favorite posts: Passion at Musee´ Rodin.

Live inspired,

Christa xoxo


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Smoking and Swinging, No. 2

A swing in Tuscany…







…and if you missed Smoking and Swinging, No. 1, you most definitely want to check it out – it’s been a very popular post.

Two quick bits of news for your Monday…

MODEL CASTING CALL
We’re looking for models and non-models of all ages, body types and sizes for my creativeLIVE workshop in Seattle on Feb 10-12! If you’re in the area and want to be photographed by your’s truly, send a quick note about yourself and a few pics to kate @ creativeLIVE.

PINTEREST
Oh I’ve avoided adding another online addiction like the plague, but I caved and recently started pinning photos to Pinterest. So if you’d like to check out Lighting I Love, Props I Covet, Rocking Pose Ideas, and other fine art boudoir photography inspiration, come check it out and follow me on Pinterest!

Happy Swinging,

Christa


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Black + White

I love experimenting with light, shadow and lines. Nothing like deep black and white hot shapes…
This first one is my favorite – Damn girl! Just damn.


Playing with levels of exposure is fun because it radically changes the mood of a shot.

Experimenting keeps you playful and creative. Plus, it’s how you grow and develop a style. It’s got me falling in love with black and white all over again!

Lots more gorgeous photography experiments on the blog soon…

Happy almost Christmas!

xo Christa

 


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Tuscan Showgirl!

I love silly. Silly is good. In fact, sexy and silly is my favorite killer combo. Ran across this shot from summertime in Italy and wanted to give you a little silliness on a winter Friday. This spontaneous little moment is courtesy of my hilarious good friend, Mrs. J, who I adore.

There will be lots of fun, hilarious moments and so much more as a part of the Online Boudoir Workshop! Participants will join me behind the scenes during video demo’s and watch me shoot models, clients, a curvy gal, and nudes…. how much fun is that! So sign up and grab a ringside seat to the action!

May you all have a little bit of sexy silly fun in your near future!

Christa

IMPORTANT NOTE: You have less than 24 hours to sign-up for the special rate! Price goes up at midnight tonight EST – so Register Now!

 


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The Subtle Art of Courtesans, plus WPPI MasterClass!

So thrilled to have been invited to speak & teach at WPPI 2o12! My  MasterClass this year is a topic that I believe is essential and often overlooked in the boudoir industry. Sometimes we get so focused on building a business, that we forget the ART! What makes a photograph so sensual that you want to swim in it? Juicy topic right?! It’s a subtle difference and so well worth exploring! Seating is limited. You can register online for my class when registering for WPPI. If you’re already registered for the conference, you must sign-up for my class by calling 1.877.779.3127.  So please join me as we dive deep into:

The Subtle Line in Boudoir Photographs
WPPI MasterClass, Vegas – Feb 22nd 2:3opm

I will share the secrets to creating gorgeous images that are smoking hot, stand out and sell big! Learn the subtleties of what makes a photograph HOT or NOT as I compare my favorite shots with those that just missed the mark from my portfolio and others’. I will also reveal the Top 10 Mistakes Boudoir Photographers make and my complete bag of tricks on how to avoid them.

Inspired by art, subtlety and swanky lounges,

Christa

ps. The response to the new Online Boudoir Workshop is overwhelming! Seats have been selling like hotcakes. We are three quarters full, and you have only a couple days left to book your seat and save $100! Sale ends Fri, 12/16 at midnight, so Register Now.


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Online Boudoir Workshop! Begins January 2nd

Yay, it’s that time again! I am thrilled to announce the all NEW & totally sexy Online Boudoir Workshop! The last course sold out quickly, was such a hit and is back by popular demand!! This is a 6 week course for photographers who want to learn all of the exciting aspects of the booming boudoir market, from home! Join us in your pj’s and enjoy video demonstrations, behind the scenes shoots, tutorials, personal interaction, a private forum, and much more!  Gain support, motivation, inspiration and answers to all of your questions, as I expose everything inside my boudoir business that makes it a success – as well as the biggest mistakes new boudoir photographers make and how to avoid them!

YOU’RE INVITED TO ENJOY:

Behind the Scenes access to Christa’s shoots
Video demonstrations & Tutorials
Live Q&A calls each week
Portfolio Critiques
Private Forum for members only
Free Resources & Vendor Discounts
Client forms, contracts and releases
and more!…

HOW IT WORKS

This is a 6 week course, beginning Monday January 2nd. Each week, on Monday, I release that week’s content: behind-the-scenes videos, tutorials, notes and projects! The content is available to you 24/7 during the entire course of the workshop, so you can’t miss a thing! You can view all or pieces of it at your leisure – how cool is that?! PLUS, each Thursday or Friday (alternating), we’ll have LIVE CALLS for Q&A’s and discussion. The calls are all recorded and available to download and listen at any time :)

One of my favorite benefits of this workshop is the private MEMBERS ONLY forum  - a place of ongoing support, information and motivation. Members will be able to leave comments under each content area, so everyone is sharing their thoughts, ideas, tips and questions all in one place – so we’re all in this party together, all the information is available to you 24/7, and I’m right by your side as your personal coach!

 

TOPICS COVERED

Shooting On Location & In the Studio
Go behind the scenes of Christa’s shoots. See how Christa styles her sets and works with minimal equipment both on location and in the studio. Watch how she relaxes a nervous client, brings out the best in each woman (from models to moms), creates sensual moments, captures emotion from even the stiffest client, and finds flattering poses for every body type.

Equipment & Lighting
What’s necessary and what’s not – this surprises most new photographers! Learn easy lighting set-ups, how to work with the challenge and beauty of natural light, working with studio strobes, and the ease of video lights. See the results of using different lenses at all budget levels.

Branding and Style
How to create a distinctive brand that brings you into your business. Creating a consistent look that separates you from the crowd.

Creating Raving Fan Clients
How to attract clients and turn each woman into a raving fan who does your marketing for you. This is how I create boudoir addicts who hire me again and again and tell all their friends.

Best-selling Boudoir Money Shots
Learn how Christa coaches and captures each of her best-selling Money Shots™. These are the shots that every client wants and are absolute must-haves for your portfolio!

Post Production & Workflow
Cut down on your editing time with a workflow that is easy, fast and effective. See Christa take her pics from straight out of camera through Lightroom and Photoshop to final edited images presented to client.

Giving Direction & “Posing”
Learn how to coach actions, give easy direction and create beautiful moments instead of “poses.” See the difference between what’s hot & what’s not - a subtle but huge difference!

Flattering every Figure
Easy ways to flatter women of every shape and body type. Top ways to work with women, from models to moms, breast cancer survivors to body conscious clients.

Fine Art Nudes & Fashion
Working with nude models, see how Christa blends Fine Art Nudes and Fashion with Portraiture to create her high-end Boudoir “look.” Learn the qualities that distinguish each style and how to bring them into your work.

Sets & Styling
How to style a set and a model to create editorial style photographs. Creating an amazing high-end look on a budget both in studio and on location.

Pricing and Increasing Sales
Nailing your price list so you’re busy, happy and well-paid. How to increase sales

Successful Boudoir Parties
Christa’s step-by-step process that gives you all you need to throw a successful (or your first!) boudoir party!

Plus Permits, Releases, Contracts, FAQ’s and more!

If you’re new to this blog, you can read Reviews on Christa’s workshops, see more of Christa’s Boudoir photography and check out her Fine Art Nudes.

Boudoir Photography is about empowering women – helping them feel amazing and celebrating who they are. So get in on the fun now! The boudoir photography market is currently enjoying a huge surge in popularity as more and more women are seeking this service. Boudoir photography is such a fun and fulfilling career, and I want you to be a success!

***UPDATE: The Workshop is SOLD OUT.***

Enter your email here for free photography tips and to get dibs on seats for the next Online Boudoir Workshop.

Worth every penny, definitely recommend, what a treasure trove of information!
John P. Dunnigan, Forest Hill, MD, jpdphotoraphy.com

Don’t hesitate, sign up. You won’t regret it! I got way more then I paid for!“
Heather Gill, Scottsdale, AZ

Best money and time I’ve spent in my 3 year photography career! Her workshop is career changing!
Anna Anacolba

Money and Time well invested! This was an awesome experience. I am SO glad I made the decision to do it!
Michael T. Sedwick, South Elgin, IL

Worth every dime. Christa is so passionate about her craft and pushes you beyond what you think you’re capable of.
Lori Eng, Vancouver, BC, lorieng.com

THE best money I have ever spent on my business! Do it.”
Erin Brannan, Highlands Ranch, CO, erin-blackwell.com

“Well worth it – It’s what I needed to move my business to the next level.
Milisa Smith, Riverside, CA

I more than doubled my income!
Robin Hultgren, Walnut Creek, CA, espritphotographieblog.blogspot.com

I had my highest portrait sale ever of $4,700 thanks to Christa!
Lisa Roah, Orange County, CA, lisaroah.com

“I am in love with my work again.”
Christopher Medak, Manhattan Beach, CA

I grew leaps and bounds with my business. Highly recommend.”
Lesley Stefanski, Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands, adleystudio.com

The Contest to WIN A FREE SEAT is now closed.

Congrats, and I can’t wait to see you online at the workshop!!

x. Christa


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Pose of the Month & a Giveaway!

I’m such an Art Addict, and if you’re reading my blog, I suspect you are one too :) I love to share inspiring art from across all media, so let’s kick off this recurring blog feature with a sculpture I think is utterly sublime. While in Paris this summer, I came upon this sculpture at the Musee D’Orsay, which stopped me in my tracks, and I think I actually gasped.

I could have photographed this woman all day long – perfection from all angles. Unfortunately, taking pics at Musee D’Orsay is not allowed, and I typically respect that policy. Til now. I just had to snap this pic to share this pose with you, and I did so swiftly and from my hip, praying it was in focus. And then I ran, hahahaa. Not graceful, but I got the shot for you to see.

I am in love with this salute to a woman’s hips! To make the hip bone the pinnacle of the artwork is such a feat, and while making the woman look relaxed and seductive is even more impressive. Her left hand is so erotic, and I love all the details from her single braid, delicate armband of her robe, and her bigger second toe! Part of me actually wants to coach her a bit more… “take your right hand up and brush it through your hair and turn your head to the left…” or is it just me?

I’d love to hear what you love/don’t-love about this pose. Do you think she looks relaxed and seductive or awkward? Would you change anything, like that right arm?

And to inspire you even further, I’m doing a GIVEAWAY!.. a GORGEOUS glass bottle of yummy Grappa straight from my summer in Italy! PLUS my latest extra hot product: THE MONEY SHOTS™ – a set of my Top Ten Bestselling and super inspiring poses and ideas for you to capture with enormous success every single time!

To win, LEAVE A COMMENT by Monday Oct. 24th 12pm EST with your thoughts regarding this pose!

***UPDATE: The Winner of THE MONEY SHOTS™ and a bottle of Grappa is… Kyle Vincent Thomas – Congrats! Our Studio Manager will email you details on how to collect :)

Bonne chance!

Christa
ps. winner chosen using random.org and selected Monday Oct. 24th 12pm EST.
pps. you know I’m totally going to do this pose on my next shoot! Stay tuned… :)

 


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Sultry Sunset, Tuscany-style

Sunset in Tuscany is a breathtaking event every night, even from your bedroom window or porch just peering out at the landscape and enjoying some wine. Now if you happen to score a private castle-like villa and sculpture garden with a fantastic nude model — well all the better!

Here are more of my favorites from my recent Italy Workshop that showcase Italy’s stunning light & landscape and the beautiful female figure…












Ah beauty! Italy, cypress trees, stone sculptures, a sunset, 9 of my girlfriends, a beautiful female form, and a camera to capture it all!

It’s all so divine, I can almost forget the swarms of mosquito’s.

Still itching and scratching,

x. Christa
ps. check back for more deliciousness on the blog all week and next from Italia!