Tag Archive: portraiture

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Hotel Tryst + Podcast Interview

This band-groupie bad-girl Marilyn Monroe inspired shoot was so much fun. And even more so because it was with my good friend Claire, who loves dive bars, rockstars and black & white photographs. So here ya go love :)

MY INTERVIEW ON SHOOT TO KILL PODCAST
Good news: I’ve got even more great tips in store for you! Recently, the brilliant husband/wife team Phil & Mindy Thornton interviewed me for their hugely popular podcast Shoot to Kill. We covered a lot of FAQ’s and some even deeper questions and issues:

How I got started in photography and in business.
My Top 5 Tips for getting started and the equipment I’d recommend.
3 easy steps to getting that first client.
Special advice for male photographers wanting to get into boudoir.
How I avoid cheesy stereotypes of boudoir and create fine art images. 
The 4 places I draw inspiration from.
Easy tips and tricks for making clients feel comfortable.
What’s my sales process from A to Z.
Best tips for boosting sales. 

So check out my podcast episode and enjoy – it’s very entertaining – and fair warning: it contains EXPLICIT language and nudity – yeah I know it’s audio only, but use your imagination :)

Cheers to that and hotel trysts!

Christa


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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!


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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!


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Hot Summer in the City!

It is scorching hot in NYC right now – whew!…  and whether you’re indoors with AC or outside sweatin’ it out… hope you are keeping cool!

This set of photographs were created in my small little studio in NYC as part of the super cool video demos for the Online Boudoir Workshop!  If you’d like to peek behind the scenes and enjoy footage of how these scorching HOT pics were created, head on over to the Online Boudoir Workshop website & get more details on how to register now!


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New Wildcat Nude Workshop

Fashion & Fine Art coming up!… Exciting news: Mr. Kim Weston and I will be co-teaching a new Wildcat Nude Photography Workshop due to popular demand :)  This workshop on October 16th and 17th will focus on photographing the nude figure combining fashion and fine art sensibilities – my favorite combo!  So watch out, we’re going to style it up with inspiration from Italian Vogue. Wooohoo!  Details below. Seats are already mostly sold out, so register quickly by calling the studio line 310.909.8957.

Here is the last series of nudes from my demo at the Wildcat Nude Workshop in August (click to see No. 1 and No. 2).  Sarah is a favorite muse of mine and will be at the new Workshop coming up.  She has such sensuality and elegance, is soft yet strong, knows how to move every inch of her body, and I LOVE working with her.  This entire series was shot in an outdoor tub, natural light only, on the Weston estate.

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Wildcat Nude Photography Workshop
with Kim Weston & Christa Meola
Wildcat Hill, Big Sur, CA
October 16th & 17th
Optional gathering on Friday night the 15th

Tradition at Wildcat
This special Wildcat Nude offers a unique opportunity for students to explore nude photography
alongside Kim Weston and Christa Meola. Participate in a weekend-long discussion about
shooting for both the fine art market and private commissions while learning about the
Weston family’s historic contributions to fine art photography.

Two Photographers, Two Approaches
Kim Weston and Christa Meola.

Two Full Evenings of Discussion
Meet and greet on Friday evening at Wildcat Hill will include an introduction to Christa and Kim’s
work and the Weston legacy.  On Saturday, guests will enjoy a family-style dinner in the Weston
home and a fireside discussion of photography as well as a Q&A.

Two Full Days Photographing Models
Participants will get the opportunity to photograph the nude figure for 2 consecutive days. This
allows plenty of time to get comfortable working with the figure models and gives you the
opportunity to photograph what you might have missed on the first day.

Topics Covered
Telling a story with your photographs
Working with models
Composition
Lighting
Showcasing your work
Getting started in the business
And more…

Models
We will have 3 models present and the class size is kept small, so we have an excellent model
to student ratio. Working in this way we have a maximum of time, space and privacy. If time
permits one-on-one time with models may be arranged.

Locations & Lighting
We will be shooting in multiple locations on the premises. The Weston estate offers
several areas indoors and outdoors, including Kim’s private studio.
All set-ups will be natural light.

What to bring
Participants are encouraged to bring a portfolio of their work for viewing. 5 to 7 finished prints
presented for easy viewing. Laptop – For those participants that are interested we like to view
the work from Saturday on Sunday morning so please bring a jump drive.

All Levels Welcome
This workshop is open to all levels of experience and any size camera, film or digital is great.
Students should bring their own film and equipment and know how to operate their cameras.

Workshop Fee
$695 per person
Lodging not included.

To Register
Contact christa@christameola.com or call 310.383.6494
Space is limited to just 9 students.

Hope to see you there!

Christa :)

 


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Uptown and Downtown

This girl works both ends of that spectrum… one of the last shoots done at my studio, Kaylyn was a blast to photograph since she indulges my love of variety.  We started elegant and fashion-loving in the studio, then stepped outside for some gritty cinematic action, and ended up at the beach for some good clean commercial fun.

All photographs created at Christa Meola Pictures Studio, Los Angeles, CA copyright 2010 by Christa Meola
Hair & Make-up: Cyndi Ochoa

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For Photographers: The film noir photos are all available light at dusk with just the outdoor lights of my building casting some seriously cool light/shadow against the brick and enhanced in Lightroom with the Graduated Filter tool (one of my favorite lighting tricks!)… I talk about how to do it in my new book Exposed, The Art of Photographing Women.  Official announcement and details coming soon :)  Plus, more fine art nudes from the Weston + Meola Wildcat Nude Workshop.

Stay tuned yo.

xx,

Christa

 


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Wildcat, Nude Workshop with Weston and Meola

Left to Right: Photos by Ed Weston, Kim Weston, Christa Meola

I thought the experience on my birthday last year couldn’t be topped! Last August, I had the gift of photographing nudes with Kim Weston at Wildcat, the Weston family estate.  The Weston family’s contributions to fine art photography has been a longtime inspiration for me and has fueled my passion for art, photography, story-telling and the female figure.  So the entire weekend was deeply meaningful to me, and I blogged the pictures in Nudes No. 1, Nudes No. 2, Nudes No. 3, Nudes No. 4, and Nudes No. 5.  The spark ignited that weekend has grown as I continue to enjoy photographing nudes – my latest are posted here, the Viceroy Nudes.

But here’s the crazy exciting news… on August 27th, 28th, and 29th, Kim Weston and I will be co-leading a Nude Photography Workshop together!  At Wildcat.  My mission is to expose portrait photographers to the Weston legacy, fine art photography, and photographing the nude female form… as well as having a hell of a good time!  I’m telling you the Weston’s know how to host a workshop!  Photographing nudes all weekend on the Weston estate, steeped in history and tradition is a unique opportunity for any photographer.  Plus the fireside chats are not to be missed!  Needless to say, I’m so excited for this event and seats are going fast.  Limited to 12 photographers.  Register by contacting christa@christameola.com.

Details for Wildcat Nude:

 

Tradition at Wildcat
This special Wildcat Nude offers a unique opportunity for students to explore nude photography
alongside Kim Weston and Christa Meola. Participate in a weekend-long discussion about
shooting for both the fine art market and private commissions while learning about the
Weston family’s historic contributions to fine art photography.

Two Photographers, Two Approaches
Kim Weston and Christa Meola.

Two Full Evenings of Discussion
Meet and greet on Friday evening at Wildcat Hill will include an introduction to Christa and Kim’s
work and the Weston legacy.  On Saturday, guests will enjoy a family-style dinner in the Weston
home and a fireside discussion of photography as well as a Q&A.

Two Full Days Photographing Models
Participants will get the opportunity to photograph the nude figure for 2 consecutive days. This
allows plenty of time to get comfortable working with the figure models and gives you the
opportunity to photograph what you might have missed on the first day.

Topics Covered
Telling a story with your photographs
Working with models
Composition
Lighting
Showcasing your work
Getting started in the business
And more…

Models
We will have 4 models present and the class size is kept small, so we have an excellent model
to student ratio. Working in this way we have a maximum of time, space and privacy. If time
permits one-on-one time with models may be arranged.

Locations & Lighting
We will be shooting in multiple locations on the premises. The Weston estate offers
several areas indoors and outdoors, including Kim’s private studio.
All set-ups will be natural light.

What to bring
Participants are encouraged to bring a portfolio of their work for viewing. 5 to 7 finished prints
that have been matted and or presented for easy viewing. Laptop – For those participants
that are interested we like to view the work from Saturday on Sunday morning so please bring
a thumb drive along for easy transfer.

All Levels Welcome
This workshop is open to all levels of experience and any size camera, film or digital is great
for this workshop. Students should bring their own film and equipment and know how to
operate their cameras.

Workshop Fee
$695 per person
Lodging not included.

To Register
Contact christa@christameola.com or call 310.383.6494
Space is limited to 12 students.

Hope to see you there!

Christa :)

 


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Lauren, In the Studio

What a little pixie! Working with Lauren in my studio at the latest Boudoir Workshop was such a pleasure. I couldn’t imagine a better muse!  Everyone adored photographing her and captured stunning images.  Lauren, you’re an awesome mix of super cute, downright sexy, and bendy :)  Thank you and I’m looking forward to our next shoot!

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Location: Christa Meola Pictures Studio, Los Angeles, CA
Make-up: Gia Lane

I have crazy exciting NEWS to announce this week – stay tuned!

Christa ;)

 


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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

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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 :)

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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


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The Golden Hour, Part 1

Photographers everywhere love the Golden Hour… that last hour before sunset, when the light is golden and makes everything look magical.  This savvy mom requested the Golden Hour… and I was happy to oblige last weekend.  The Kennedy family is very near and dear to me… 5 years ago, they were my very 1st paid shoot as a professional photographer!  And I’ve shot for their family every year since… birthdays, Mother’s day, Christmas cards, new babies… and I couldn’t be happier.  This mom, Monica Kennedy, is responsible for a great deal of my success… I have never advertised because her referral is trusted and carries far and wide.  I’ve nicknamed her my MVP-VIP, and she has free sessions for a lifetime.

So make sure to stay tuned for tomorrow’s post!… a highlight of my favorite moments from that very first professional shoot with the Kennedy family.

Here’s how it all began… Monica and Joe – can’t you just feel the love?

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Here is my favorite threesome: Ryan, Coco, and Stella… Playing in the park… throwing leaves and getting giggly on the park bench…

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The boys…

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The girls…

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One of my signature shots… The Secret..

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Aw, shucks mom – stop embarrassing me!

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I adore the Kennedy family… they are sweet, fun, thoughtful, generous, and gorgeous! They are my number one fans, and I’m their’s!

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post of my very 1st professional shoot 5 years ago with the Kennedy family.

xoxo,

Christa