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Category Archives: Lifestyle

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One Hot Mama… Sexy at Sixty-one!

In honor of Mother’s Day coming up on the 12th, I’m thrilled to be featuring… my mom!

My mom, Sandina, was my first symbol of femininity and sensuality. I remember, as a little girl, sitting on my parents’ bed in my soccer uniform, watching fascinated as my mom artfully put on make-up and got dressed up to go out for the evening. Curious why she chose one pair of stockings over another. Putting on heels, sexy slacks (it was the 70′s), a partly sheer top or revealing neckline… to me, it was all so risque´!

Well now many years later, she and I recently celebrated her 61st birthday with a photo shoot. And this time, I helped her choose which outfits, pampered her with a professional make-up and hair stylist, and captured her the way I see her… playful, elegant, hysterical, sassy… beautiful.

My mom also makes the perfect subject for the 2nd installation of our new blog series focusing on having a healthy relationship with your body, being comfortable in your own skin, and enjoying your body and life. So I took this opportunity to interview her to share her inspiration:

Christa: Describe your body in 5 words.
Sandina: Curvy, strong, comfortable, mature, balanced.

How do you feel about your body?
I look in the mirror and start to see the wear and aging starting to set in, and it is frightening! Most days, I feel good about my body, especially when I’m on track with exercising, and I’m wearing the perfect outfit. When I start to get down about my body, I do something to make me feel better about myself, such as go for a massage, facial, a spa day, and last but by no means the least, shop for that killer outfit.

What do you love about your body?
It’s unique, mine, and one of a kind. There really is not one specific part that I love and always want to show off. If I have to pick because you’re making me (Christa: Yes, I am), I would say my ass. It still has a pretty good shape. And my breasts – I know many women would kill for full breasts – I was lucky and was born with them.

How did you feel about being half-naked in front of the camera?
Well, at first I felt shy and stupid, trying to be model-like, but then I started to open up and get into the zone. Then it was fun and felt glamorous.

How did you feel after seeing the photos we created?
Pretty, sexy and wonderful. When I’m looking at them, I see the playful side of myself again. And I think: hey, I look pretty damn good, especially for my age.

What’s your go-to item to wear to feel smoking hot?
Silk.

What’s your best tip for feeling gorgeous?
Pamper yourself in every way. (Christa: Really? You do this?) Absolutely, even if it’s just a quick massage, pedicure, hair color change, or new haircut. It works for me.

How do you feel about your age?
Love it and not afraid to show it.

You used to never want people to know your age. Can I mention on the blog that you’re 61?
Honestly, I used to be that way when I was 50! But now, I have finally accepted my age. So you’re right – I’ve changed. And yes, I welcome you to show my age.

Do you feel like your age affects how sexy you truly are?
Not at all!

What gets better with age?
Confidence. Accepting who you are. I also think you begin to look at your body differently. I know when I was younger, before being married, I hated my body and tried so hard to be pretty and look good like everyone else. But now, I accept myself and am okay with the way I look. I have a certain body type that will never, never be skinny, and now with age, I get it!! I no longer worry about pleasing others or how I compare. I’m my own person, and I’m happy.

What’s the best compliment you ever received?
“You’re how old?!” Just kidding. Any compliment I get from my children is good. The compliment I hear the most is from my girl friends. They say I have nice skin. It’s so nice to hear that. I can be so critical of myself sometimes. So hearing these positive compliments keeps me thinking, “It’s not so bad that I’m getting older.”

And without further ado, here are a few pics from our photo shoot…
My mama loves her hats!

You gotta love her…

Thanks Mom! I feel very fortunate to have a fabulous role model for loving life, having a sense of humor about yourself, and enjoying what it is to be a woman.

Lots of love and inspiration to every woman, and Happy Mother’s Day to every mama out there in advance!

xoxo, Christa

May 4, 2013 | 45 Comments - Leave a comment!

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Monica

One of the coolest things I love about being a photographer is that I get to know people intimately. I’m the type of shooter who wants to know what makes you tick, what you love about yourself, your life, your marriage, your body, or whatever the reason that has you and I come together on both sides of the camera.

No matter how well I know my closest friends, I get such a deeper appreciation for and understanding of who they are when I take their pictures.

One of my favorite people in the world is the lovely Monica. She is such a brilliant person – smart, beautiful, gutsy and a truly fascinating woman. We met last year in Italy and immediately became fast friends. We lived on the same hillside in Florence a short walk from each other, and we’d often get together for apertivo hour in town, a long hike around the Tuscan hills, train rides to nearby cities together and always long chats about life, love and art.

At the end of my stay in Italy, we did a shoot for Monica. No particular occasion, except to celebrate her life at that moment in time.

A mosquito net and tanned skin signify summertime in Italy…

Originally from Egypt, raised in the states, a year or two in Venice & Paris and now currently residing in a small Tuscan villa with a vineyard as her front yard….

Monica loves family heirlooms… I covet this bracelet – a gift from her mom and the purse was her grandmother’s…

Practically inseparable from her bike, Monica rides daily about an hour to and from work. She’s a fine art tour guide for the museums in Florence.

She FLIES down the hill, without a helmet. Our mutual friend, Federica, calls her “pazza!” (crazy!)

…just a little celebration of the simple daily rituals of a beautiful life in Italy – a walk in the fresh air around the landscape, a thrilling bike ride to work, lounging around in lingerie, a cup of tea in pretty cups with a friend…

…it’s the simple things!

Have a beautiful day,

xo Christa

April 2, 2012 | 19 Comments - Leave a comment!

My Fav Pic of the Year, plus FAQs

Shot during Aperitivo hour at The Savoy hotel in Florence this summer by my lovely friend Claire Mallett using her old Rolliflex. Although I’m usually attracted to joyful pictures that are full of joie de vivre such as the one above, I keep coming back to the pic below as my favorite this year. It’s not often I sit for a portrait, and it’s just so nice to have someone say, “I want to take your picture.” It’s so much a part of what I love about what I do.

The shot below perfectly captures my life, my mood, and my thoughts at this point in my life, and just me being me. It was the end of summer, so I’m hot, I’m sweaty, and I’m showing how much I loved cheese and wine during my stay in Florence. This was my last day in town, and I sat here knowing that the sweet life of Italy was coming to a close, at that point having made the decision to move to NYC. I will always treasure this time in my life as so uniquely special and wonderful and important.

To all photographers: remember WHY you do what you do and the priceless value that you provide to others. We’re not providing images. We’re helping to create the way someone remembers their life – the catalyst to treasured memories of a life well-lived – as well as self-discovery, self-expression, an experience, and most of all: emotion. When I look at this picture, I feel the emotions of that bittersweet moment- torn between the sadness of leaving Italy and the absolute joy, excitement, wonder and curiosity for what lies ahead!

TOP 5 FAQ’S
To answer last-minute Q’s I’ve received over the past few days, here are the Top FAQs.

1. I have something scheduled during the next few weeks. Do I have to be available at certain times, and will I miss anything?
You won’t miss a thing. I built this boudoir workshop for busy bees like me, and so the content is available 24/7 baby! Plus all the juicy content will be online and available to you for 8 weeks. Plenty of time for you to watch/listen/learn at your own convenience. How cool is that.

2. I have no experience. I’m a total beginner. Is this the right course for me?
Hell yeah! Talk about perfect timing. This course will short cut your learning curve and get you started with smart habits and powerful tips in a super fun way that will set you up for success with my very simple, totally easy, and budget-friendly approach. No experience necessary. We already have a bunch of beginners in attendance. Sign-up, and you will thank yourself!

3. I’m already a pro. Is this too basic for me?
Awesome! Well let me ask you: are your sales where you want them to be right now? are you creatively juiced and completely inspired? do you want to spend less time in post? do you have raving fan clients that spread the word about you like wild fire? are you having FUN with your business? if you can’t answer a whole-hearted HELL YES! to any of these q’s, then sign up baby! We’re going to bring your creativity and success to the next level!

4. Do I need any equipment?
No fancy lighting or camera equipment needed. You will need access to a computer and the internet obviously, but I highly recommend that you enjoy the entire course before thinking of purchasing any sort of new camera equipment. I’ll be demo’ing a bare bones simple approach as well as my favorite equipment, so you’ll get to see a bunch of gear in action and make a more informed decision about what you’d love to use (or not use).

5. I’m a male photographer and I see a lot of women comment on your webpage. Please be honest and tell me about the relative success/appropriateness of men vs. women in this industry.
Once you get to know me, you’ll laugh that you asked me to be honest because I’m 100% forthright. I understand your concern, and I’m here to tell you that although women have an innate advantage in having clients trust them off that bat, there is no other advantage and certainly no reason why you can’t be just as successful as your female counterpart. Plenty of men are signed up for the upcoming course, and I’ve received 100% glowing positive reviews from the men who took it previously. Here is what they had to say…

Just DO IT! Highly Recommended! Amateur or Pro, you’re bound to find out more about your own prowess as a photographer and businessperson!
Scott W. Robinson

Worth every penny, definitely recommend, what a treasure trove of information!
John P. Dunnigan

This was the best money and time that I have ever spent on pursuing a passion. Regardless of previous experience and genre, if you are interested in shooting portraits, this is the most comprehensive workshop A to Z that you will find.
Herb Irvin

This is a great chance to get very personal with a pro.
Ole Vangsgaard

I am in love with my work again. Christa’s workshop is an intoxicating mix of awesome experience and practical advice that beautifully fleshes out all the areas that have held us back. Now we can fly!
Christopher Medak.

Highly recommend. Christa’s energy & care for her students comes through. Really brilliant tips. I’ve taken a bunch of courses that explore various methods but her’s fit very well with the way I want to work.
John Cornicello

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

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

December 30, 2011 | 8 Comments - Leave a comment!

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“Go Feed Yourself!”

I recently had the pleasure of photographing the gorgeous, smart and talented Heather Pierce Giannone, who teaches busy entrepreneurs How to Help their Bodies Keep up with their Business.

What I love about Heather is her tell-it-to-ya-straight sassy style. She’s like an Italian grandmother with her amazing home-cooking and nurturing ways, mixed with a bit of Godfather with her slap-ya-in-the-face honesty. Her upcoming product “Go Feed Yourself!” is a perfect example.

Heather teaches deliciously simple cooking classes in Connecticut and provides one-on-one “power sessions” for busy bees like me who want a clear plan of next steps to increase energy and mental focus. Plus, look at how much fun this girl has in the kitchen!