Category Archives: Family

Being a Girl

Wooohoooo! I LOVE being a girl.  You get to play dress up, wear pink and put on lipgloss…

christa-meola-family-photography-workshop-0001

christa-meola-family-photography-workshop-00021

…you often receive flowers and look cute even while hard at work…

christa-meola-family-photography-workshop-00091

…and there’s not a soul on earth who can resist a cute girl with a smile!…

christa-meola-family-photography-workshop-0008

…except for maybe troublemakers like your older brother 🙂

christa-meola-family-photography-workshop-00071

Here’s to all the girly girls 🙂 and their dastardly brothers who couldn’t live without them!

And a big thank you to my older brother today – who took me out to lunch 🙂

xoxo,

Christa

Summer Silliness

Summer is here! Well, almost. Every year I jump the gun on summer, but in So Cal it’s just so easy 🙂 Here are a few favorite moments from recent portrait shoots.  And even though summer hasn’t technically begun, these are simply my favorite things to do during summertime!

Be silly and eat cake…

christa-meola-family-photography-workshop-0002

…Celebrate! with Sparklers…

christa-meola-family-photography-workshop-0003

…spend time outside just lying around on a blanket (nakedness optional yet highly recommended)…

christa-meola-family-photography-workshop-0004

…put on your new summer dress!…

christa-meola-family-photography-workshop-0005

…go to the beach, and actually go in the water…

christa-meola-family-photography-workshops-0006

…enjoy ice cream! on a cone, with a friend…

christa-meola-family-photography-workshops-0007

…just lie in the grass and let summer happiness wash over you 🙂

christa-meola-family-photography-workshops-0008

…and even if it’s not summertime yet where you are, I hope ice cream is in your near future 🙂

xo,

Christa

Springtime Childhood

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!…

christa-meola-family-photography-77001

Laying in the grass… just happy to be outside…

christa-meola-family-photography-77081

christa-meola-family-photography-77061

Smelling flowers…

christa-meola-family-photography-77071

Oh, the excitement and anticipation of getting ready to climb a tree!…

christa-meola-family-photography-77021

And the fear and the thrill of it!…

christa-meola-family-photography-77011

Pausing for a snack of raisins…

christa-meola-family-photography-77101christa-meola-family-photography-77091

The wind blowing…

christa-meola-family-photography-77051

…and being young enough to sport polka dot underwear and a ponytail…

christa-meola-family-photography-77031

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

Bébé

Fall in love with this little yummy baby, Lila… it doesn’t get any easier than this recent family shoot.  Their photo session was a breeze – the parents are loving, gorgeous and kind – and totally trusting (ie. up for any idea I came up with!).  Baby Lila was so expressive, curious, cranky and giggly… which made for a wonderfully real shoot.

Some of my favorites…

christa-meola-lifestyle-photography-0003christa-meola-lifestyle-photography-0006

A baby’s wonder at her own hand… beautiful moment.

christa-meola-lifestyle-photography-0008

Love.

christa-meola-lifestyle-photography-0007

Dad was nervous before the shoot, but he came around once he saw this smiling face!

christa-meola-lifestyle-photography-0005

This mother / daughter shot was inspired by one of my pics from the mom’s pregnancy session – part of my Brand-Spanking Newborn package…

christa-meola-lifestyle-photography-0001christa-meola-lifestyle-photography-0002

Sweet and Silly faces…

christa-meola-lifestyle-photography-0009

Love these moments and how the baby is holding her mom’s hair…

christa-meola-lifestyle-photography-0010

First official family photograph 🙂

christa-meola-lifestyle-photography-0004

Switching it up on the blog this week – posting pics from my Downtown LA project and an exciting announcement… come back soon!

xoxo,

Christa

Capturing Authentic Joy

How to take photos “as awe inspiring as your kid’s world-class cuteness!” The awesome new resource for moms and photographers has launched!.. Check out TheMomtographers.com – the place to go for inspiration, easy lessons, geeking out with other momtogs, and bringing your snaps to a whole new level!

The Momtographers, Krista Njapa and Adrienne Gray, launched their beautiful site with an interview of me and the best advice I could offer momtogs on how to capture what The Momtogs call my specialty… “Authentic Joy!”  So without further ado, here it is:

“We couldn’t be prouder in our premier edition of  “Help A Momtographer Out!” to introduce you to Los Angeles Photographer, Christa Meola. In fact, left on it’s surface, describing Christa with just the term photographer is a little misleading. Treat yourself to a few minutes going through her portfolio, and you’ll understand what we mean. She’s an artist that truly captures the spirit of family with her unique voice – life, sung in the key of happy.  Every image radiates a joy and warmth, clearly infused with her sunny perspective.

So before we go trying to change her business cards to something like “Purveyor of Photographic Sunshine”, let’s ask her a few questions….”

Read more of the Interview here:  “How to Capture Authentic Joy, with Christa Meola”

Congratulations to TheMomtographers!… It’s a beautiful and fun site that will help thousands of moms everywhere capture the meaningful moments of everyday life 🙂

xoxo,

Christa

Denver To LA

My last shoot of the year!... couldn’t have been more fun and full with feelings of sisterhood.  I spent yesterday afternoon with the awesome energetic smart and sassy Rodriguez girls, four sisters who are visiting from Colorado and spending the holidays with their Dad here in LA.  They wanted plenty of sun and fun for their shoot, so of course we went to the beach and Santa Monica Pier.

All-American girls… ages 15, 12, 17, and 9.

christa-meola-lifestyle-photography-2302

Here comes the sun!…

christa-meola-lifestyle-photography-2307

Their dad, John, is a firefighter, a hero, a big kid, and the girls’ biggest fan…

christa-meola-lifestyle-photography-2304

See what I mean?

christa-meola-lifestyle-photography-2305christa-meola-lifestyle-photography-2306

Once we hit the beach, their competitive streaks really came out!…

christa-meola-lifestyle-photography-2308christa-meola-lifestyle-photography-2303

It was so great to take a few moments in the midst of the holidays and get our feet wet, get a bit sandy, salty and sweaty… let loose and laugh together.

christa-meola-lifestyle-photography-2300

I had the best time with these girls!… They made me feel like their nutty 5th sister, and I have to say – I kinda liked that 🙂

Hope you have a beautiful and free-spirited end to 2009!

xoxo,

Christa

The Momtographers Interview

I was thrilled to be asked to be the first interviewee for the launch of the new photography website themomtographers.com, a collaboration between two moms and photographers extraordinaire Adrienne Gray and Krista Njapa.  Their wonderful new site is focused on being a community and resource for moms and photo-enthusiasts of all levels.

I had such fun doing the interview with Krista and Adrienne, two girls with heart and talent!  Here are just a few of the questions from the interview….

“When did it become apparent that photography is something you wanted to do for a living?”

“How did you find your style, and any tips for moms on how to capture your signature “authentic joy” in their own shots?”

“How do you find the best natural light?”

“What’s your #1 transformational tip?”

…and you’ll have to wait for the launch for my answers!  The launch is set for end of December, and I will keep you posted!

xoxo,

Christa

The Workshop

I’m beyond excited to announce details on my upcoming workshop for pro’s and those that want to go pro… including topics from branding to sales and everything in between!  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.  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 January 23rd 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday January 24th 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Held at…

Christa Meola Pictures Studio + Gallery
860 Via de la Paz, Pacific Palisades CA 90272

christa-meola-lifestyle-photography-workshop-023

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 🙂

christa-meola-lifestyle-photography-workshop-013

 

To register, call 310.383.6494 or email christa (at) christameola.com.

 

Space is limited and I’ve already signed up some amazing photographers, so register soon, and I can’t wait to meet you!

xoxo,

Christa

Morning Lovin’

There’s nothing like morning snuggling… staying in bed for hours, breakfast in bed, playing, laughing, falling asleep again, telling stories, hugging… Loving.  I could go on and on about how I love spending time in bed and doing shoots in the bedroom… a place we spend a third of our lives.  And if you’re lucky… you’re spending it with the ones you love 🙂

christa-meola-lifestyle-family-photography-007

Rocking out!

christa-meola-lifestyle-family-photography-008christa-meola-lifestyle-family-photography-0051

The baby’s sleepy smile here is such a crack up!

christa-meola-lifestyle-family-photography-0041christa-meola-lifestyle-family-photography-0061christa-meola-lifestyle-family-photography-0021

There is so much I love about this series…  The little girl was telling her mom a story, stroking her hair, kissing, hugging… totally cute!  and look at her little feet and hands… so freaking adorable it hurts.

christa-meola-lifestyle-family-photography-009

My favorite.  Look at the love and adoration on that little face!  Love, love, love it.

christa-meola-lifestyle-family-photography-010

Then this happened – Dad is teaching his daughter “that is not a toy.” Lol!

christa-meola-lifestyle-family-photography-001

You can find more of my Bed Portaits, HERE, HERE and HERE.  And there will be many more in the future!

Hope you get some morning lovin’ today 🙂

xoxo,

Christa

Date with Destiny

I love Tony Robbins! and I feel so fortunate and grateful to be here in Arizona at his best event, Date with Destiny.  The event is about to start, but I wanted to quickly give you a peek from a shoot this last weekend…  I love this picture!… this little girl is touching a picture from our last shoot “Summer Summer Summertime!” which you can see HERE.

Be back to blogging next week… hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season!

**Updated to add: having a phenomenal time at Date with Destiny – going strong all day long – this is the first break in 10 hours!!  and we are going back for another 5 hours straight.

xoxo,

Christa

Photographer FAQ’s, No. 2

The Christa Meola Portrait Workshop is set for January 23rd and 24th. And I am so excited!  I will be covering tons of topics, and details will be on the blog next week.  This workshop is for pro’s and those that want to go pro.  Feel free to email me christa (at) christameola.com with questions and to book your spot.  I am keeping the class size small, so everyone get’s a lot of one-on-one time.  My workshop for parents will be scheduled on a different date.

In the meantime, here are some recent FAQ’s…

Marc asked:
What did you start with as far as a portfolio?  Did you already have a good body of work to show?  If not, what kinds of things did you do to build it?

Lol!  You are going to laugh when I tell you my first “portfolio” was a promo card with 5 photos on it of the same baby!… I hadn’t started my business yet and didn’t even own a pro camera, so I borrowed one to photograph my friend’s new baby.  One of those pics became my logo (the shot above), and the other four follow below.

That promo card got me my first job with the Kennedy family – story of that is HERE.  Then I made a website with two portfolio galleries: Baby and Family, with about 20 pics from that baby shoot and 20 pics from the Kennedy family shoot.

And my business has been built on strong referrals from then on.

You can start too, with amazing shots of just one person.  I was honest with clients and just put a good angle on it: “my family portfolio is of just one shoot so you can see how much great stuff we’ll get on your shoot.”  See what I mean?

Lastly, just start!  Don’t wait for the planets to be aligned and your portfolio perfect.  People will hire you based more on your personality and a handful of great images is all they’ll really want to see… that’s been my experience anyhow.

Remember, these were shot in 2004 with a borrowed camera…

christa-meola-photography-workshops-003christa-meola-photography-workshops-004christa-meola-photography-workshops-002

christa-meola-photography-workshops-006

Andrew asked:
What lens are you using?

Ninety percent of my pics are taken with the 24-70mm.  It’s like my favorite pair of boots – goes everywhere, appropriate for almost anything.  I also use the 85mm 1.2 – I loooove this lens! for really juicy almost velvety close-ups.

Marc asked:
Any suggestions on how I can break into boudoir work?  As a male, I always feel like I’d come off as ‘creepy’ to try and get a woman to photograph that way.

To build your portfolio, do a few things:

1. Try a few of the model community sites – I use Model Mayhem, found HERE. I’ve always had great luck with their models and am very happy with the professional standard of the ones I’ve photographed.  Make sure they know you’re a pro, even if it’s just portrait work you’ve done before.  Start doing sexy shots of a girl in a dress, or in bed sheets, wearing lingerie, etc. since most girls won’t get naked for a guy without seeing those types of shots in his portfolio. Smart girls 🙂

2. Find artist’s models – like the ones I used for my Nude series, see those HERE.  Those girls are the best at posing nude and knowing how to find really sensual beautiful poses.  They are also so much more likely to be happy to pose nude for you even if it’s your first time 🙂  A great resource for artist’s models is The Gallery Girls (contact them HERE).  Ask for Sara S. and Jennifer F.  If you’re in a different part of the country, try your local art school or college, or call some gallery owners.  Be resourceful!

3. Lastly, you can put a woman at ease with a great sense of humor and a high standard of professionalism.  Make sure you are confident and handle everything positively and politely.  She will feel however you feel – if you’re nervous or feeling creepy, she’s going to pick up on your energy and feel the same way! Also, a tip from Kim Weston for the guys: make sure to ask her if you can move or touch her, and keep your distance.

Once you’ve got an amazing portfolio, get it out there!… and that’s a whole other question 🙂

Happy Shooting!

xoxo,

Christa

Oh Baby!

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!…

christa-meola-lifestyle-family-photography-005

Too cute.

christa-meola-lifestyle-family-photography-006christa-meola-lifestyle-family-photography-004

Lest you think baby shoots are sweetness and light, here’s a little dose of reality for you….

christa-meola-family-lifestyle-photography-001

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