Category Archives: Things I Love
Boudie Call!
That’s right – it’s almost that time again!
Time for a Boudie Call! wooohoooo! The calls are pretty rad, get kinda wild, spark some delicious debates, and are always PACKED with valuable information, insight, and FUN!
My Boudie Calls are free live Q&A calls for newbies and pro photographers who have some burning questions and want to join a hot conversation. There is no topic off-limit, and I’ve got some provocative issues in mind for the next BOUDIE CALL coming up in mid-November…
You do not want to miss it!
So GET ON MY BOUDIE CALL LIST, and you’ll receive early notification of my next Live Q&A with the dial-in instructions.
Looking forward to chatting with ya soon! and make sure to BYOB :)
Christa
***This Boudie Call recording is now available to all – you can listen in right now!
Life Lessons From My Dog
My dog turned 5 years old today. I’m stunned at how time flies by, and normally I don’t post personal stories on my blog, but I’m making a few changes ’round here :) Smart as a whip and a born entertainer, my dog will paw at my laptop when I’ve been working for too long and drop a toy in my lap as a heavy hint. We celebrated his bday in Central Park, and I took some time to think about what I’ve learned from knowing this sweet crazy beautiful soul. We’ve moved about 6 or 7 times in his little lifetime, and yet everywhere we go, Gucci is known as the happiest dog on the block! I think that’s worth taking a look at.
So in honor of his 5th birthday, here are 5 life lessons learned from sharing my days with the most interesting, silly, affectionate, funny, happy, crazy little soul in the form of a stuffed teddy bear, my little dog G.
LESSON 1. Own who you are.
The little man is a toy poodle, 7lbs soaking wet, was born in California and named Gucci. We all know the stigma attached to that. Despite stereotypes, Gucci owns it, struts his stuff with a spring in his step and is unabashadly himself, winning over even the most hardened poodle-hating heart.
LESSON 2. Greet each day with ENTHUSIASM!!
From waking up, going on a walk, getting a treat, meeting a new friend, and chasing a ball… the simplest of moments are treated as INCREDIBLE EVENTS! Every day is worth jumping up and down, smiling like mad, and wagging your tail about.
LESSON 3. Do one thing, do it well.
G fetches balls. Period. And he’s crazy good at it.
LESSON 4. Love the one you’re with.
If you can’t be with the one you love… whoever you are with is the most awesome fascinating being on earth. And where you’re at, is THE place to be.
LESSON 5. Give people a second chance – they’ll come around.
I’m glad Guccenzo has kept me around this long. There was a time when I wasn’t sure I’d make it as a dog person :) the housebreaking thing was driving me mad, the dog kept eating my flip-flops and peeing on guests… but he stuck with me, I came around, and we couldn’t be happier :)
Lots of love and dog licks,
x. Christa and little G.
ps. Bonus tip from Guccenzo: Bark at bigger dogs. It freaks them out :-p
Stepping Out
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
