This past weekend was a wonderful & wild blur of women, photographers, cameras, hotel rooms, laughter, book signings, and a whole lot of fun and new friendships. My last Workshop for the year was my absolute best and a total blast. I am so thrilled with the experience and the outcome. I will delve more into details over this coming week’s blog posts, but wanted to give you all a quick little peek at a couple of pics 🙂
More coming soon! Stay tuned…
Christa xoxo
Taking it to the streets! Boudoir does not have to be about lingerie in a bedroom setting… It can be fashion, fantasy, portraiture, and perfume ads! Recently, I did a shooting workshop at PartnerCon in New Orleans for other pro photographers about how to capture my Boudoir Money shots™, work with challenges, and shoot it up in the streets. I wanted to incorporate the mood, energy, and sexiness of the city…
A wonderful photographer I love and admire, Joe Buissink, says that “Photographers are a bag of tricks!” and I totally agree! I had to pull a ton out of my bag on this shoot. Here’s the story:
Our model that day was from a local agency, and let’s just say she had stayed up all night beforehand and was not exactly happy, poor thing. Lesson 1 – always bring props! I am always on the hunt for sexy props or wardrobe for shoots. I found this amazing hat on Magazine Street in NOLA a few days before the shoot and I fell in love! Had to have it. Lesson 2 – work your butt off to use what’s honestly going on with your model and incorporate that into the story. Normally, I do very joyful pictures – but I’m not going to force that, so I let her be where she was and just gave her a prop and setting that reflected that. That’s my hat, the model’s coat, and another photographer’s boots… and set up at a nearby cafe. Lesson 3 – Everything’s sexier with bokeh in the background! Shoot at a very wide open aperture, zoom in tight, blur out lights in the background (look for chandeliers, Christmas lights, candles etc.) and compose it so it’s visually interesting.
Use these simple “tricks” and ta-dah you’ve got some shots that are beautiful and compelling. And honest.
and work your angles to enhance attitude…
Lesson 4 – seek out and intentionally incorporate any details available in your environment to help tell a story. Sometimes it’s something obvious, and sometimes all you need is sunshine and a smile. And believe me, we had to work hard for that smile 🙂
Here, the lines of the balcony lattice work off her curves and the bustier bodice… which makes this shot kind of cheeky 😉 hee hee
Lesson 5 – We also focused on how to create movement in your pictures – sometimes all you need is a fan or the simple act of joyful running – both are super sexy. I made her keep repeating this run towards the camera until she finally just laughed despite herself. Ah, repetition of an action is probably the trick we use most often 🙂
This one might be my favorite. The story here is all about the city!… the energy/color/mood of New Orleans, and with this light it could be early morning or late evening sunset – you just can’t tell the difference – and THAT my friends, is sooooo New Orleans.
Thanks to everyone who joined me at PartnerCon on my shoot and at my talk… it was such a thrill to finally meet all of you and geek out together 🙂
Two announcements:
“Exposed: Redefining Boudoir” my NEW Boudoir book is now available!!
You can now purchase the book online right here.
You can also take a SNEAK PEEK inside the book.
There are two seats available for my Last Boudoir Workshop in LA. Email me to book your spot christa (at) christameola.com.
Stay tuned for the Top 10 Boudoir FAQ’s. I bet your Q is on that list!…
xoxo,
Christa
I’m so excited to announce this last Los Angeles Workshop, a One-Day Boudoir Intensive on December 4th! I’m so grateful for all of the wonderful photographers who have been visiting my blog, sharing their thoughts and questions via the comments, and emailing me with their success stories! There has been a huge surge in requests recently for my one-on-one mentor days and another LA workshop! So I am adding this one-day workshop focused on your top needs. The workshop will be held at a luxury hotel in LA and is limited to a very small group so you get plenty of one-on-one instruction and hands on learning. The best part is that you will be on your feet shooting alongside me during model sessions, will get personal coaching while you shoot, and will be granted use of the images for your blog and portfolio. The main focus of this last workshop is to build a complete and kick-ass portfolio, so let’s do it together!
The Last Los Angeles Workshop!
with Christa Meola
Saturday December 4th 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
A One-Day Boudoir Intensive
Focused on building a smoking hot portfolio,
answering all your burning questions about going pro,
and empowering you to get started!
If you’re new to Christa’s blog, you can see Christa’s Boudoir pics here and read her tips for photographers.
and scroll down for more info…
Topics covered:
Live Boudoir Shoots
Live Boudoir shoots will be on location at a luxury hotel. Christa will do a demo, working with three different models. You will each get plenty of one-on-one time with the models and full model releases to use your images.
Side-by-Side Personal Coaching
Christa will be by your side, available for personal coaching, while you shoot. Learn on your feet how to relax a nervous client, bring out the best in each girl, create sensual moments, push yourself creatively, and raise the bar for your photography.
Lighting & Equipment
What’s necessary and what’s not. How to work with the challenge and beauty of natural light, working with studio strobes, and my new favorite lighting set-up!
Top 10 Boudoir Money Shots™
Christa will make sure you capture these all-time Bestsellers for your portfolio. These are the pics every client wants and will hire you for!
Sexy Post Production
A Workflow that’s easy, fast and effective. My Top Tips in Lightroom and Photoshop which create smoking images!
Sets & Styling
How to style a set and a model to create pictures that look like they should be in a magazine. This is key!
Pricing & FAQ’s
Nailing your price list so you’re busy, happy and well-paid. Let’s get all your most frequently asked questions answered about permits, contracts, releases and other business practices.
A few Raves about Christa’s Workshops:
“Best money I’ve ever spent on my business. Period. I’d do the workshop again in a heartbeat.”
Erin N.
“The workshop was so AMAZING!!! I would recommend it to anyone starting out or looking for a fresh approach to their photos! It was worth every penny and I can’t believe how much I got out of it.
Heidi W.
“Best workshop I’ve ever taken!!!!!! I learned more about the art and business of portrait photography in two days than I did in four years of college (and it cost much less 🙂 sign up!”
Shani B.
“Totally inspiring and empowering. Thank you for being so open with everything that has made you a success and passing that on to us!”
Robin H.
“You are effing awesome. I learned so much watching you interact with your subjects and how you gave them really good direction. Also, learning the way you handle your pricing was gold to me. The whole workshop was a knockout.”
Francesco B.
“I have taken a few workshops and this one by far was my favorite. You have juiced up my creative level and showed me how to apply my style to my work and so much more! I feel like when I got to a photo shoot now, I have an action plan, instead of clicking away. Thank you!”
Tammy C.
“I highly recommend this workshop! Unlike other workshops I’ve taken, Christa actually gives you time to DO what she’s teaching – and I loved her attitude throughout the weekend. She truly wants to help other photographers shoot better and be more successful as business people. It wasn’t a “look at how fabulous I am” workshop, it was a “look how fabulous YOU can be” workshop!! Thanks Christa!!!”
Christine H.
“THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I HAD AN AMAZING TIME! I got so much out of the workshop but I think the best thing was confidence, and the fact someone really cared enough to show other artists how to get paid for what they do! You have changed the way I look at myself, by showing how I too can be successful. Thanks Again!”
Shannon J.
“You and your workshop were awesome. I really loved learning the psychology behind what you shoot, show, sell, etc. You gave every attendee individual attention, and your personality, enthusiasm and energy kept us all going and inspired. I had a blast.”
Marc J.
Workshop Fee: $900
To register, call 310.383.6494 or email christa (at) christameola.com.
Space is extremely limited, so register now, and I’m looking forward to meeting you!
To register, call 310.383.6494 or email christa (at) christameola.com.
xo, Christa
ps. If you’re new to my blog, feel free to look around a bit – you’ll find plenty of my boudoir pics and tips for photographers. Check it out and remember to leave a comment or question!
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
Madison is back for more boudoir! Do you all remember this gorgeous woman from last year – well it seems I created a boudoir shoot addict! She wanted to create a very vintage-inspired shoot, channeling Vogue circa 1940’s and Rita Hayworth.
All photographs created at Christa Meola Pictures Studio, Los Angeles, CA copyright 2010 by Christa Meola
Madison is a breast cancer survivor, and one thing I love and want to celebrate about her is her hair, which has grown back in all it’s glory and then some 🙂 So we took a quick break from the Vintage action, so I could grab some more natural photographs of one of my favorite women who has become a very dear friend.
Can’t you just feel it? I love Madison here.
Madison is a creative gal, and she created this set up completely on her own… I was just along for the ride and to push the shutter. I adore the little scar evident on her chest, and chose to leave it unretouched. It feels sacred, proud, and beautiful.
To see more of Madison, take a peek at the shoots that started it all… Room Service and More Madison Madness. Hair & Make-up for this shoot by Shannon Jankula.
Next up on the blog: my birthday boudoir shoot – yikes! I am in front of the camera this time 🙂
Stay tuned!
xoxo,
Christa
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.
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 🙂
Awesome Announcement… I am jumping for joy to have been invited to speak, shoot, and teach at PartnerCon 2010 in New Orleans! This conference hosted by Pictage includes 3 days of speaker sessions, hands-on shooting workshops, leading exhibitor demonstrations, networking, and tons more. Seriously, this event is a phenomenal value and guaranteed to inspire, elevate and empower you! I am beyond excited to be teaching alongside some of the best photographers in the industry and very cool people: Joe Buissink, Mike Colon, Carlos Baez, Sara France, and dozens more. Registration is open! so Register Now as seating is limited to 500 and will sell out. Plus, it’s in New Orleans baby – I mean c’mon!
Redefining Boudoir: a Fushion of Fashion, Fine Art & Portraiture
Wednesday, Nov. 10th 3:15pm
Let’s get inside the current market explosion in Boudoir Photography and what women are secretly seeking from a boudoir photographer. Learn how to bring a high end look to your pictures by combining a fashion and fine art sensibility with portraiture and creating a signature look that’s in demand and sets you apart. I’ll show you how to win over clients and create raving fans as well as how to work with women and get the best out of each client on a shoot. I’ll also reveal the top ways to increase sales which is all about exceeding expectations, creating emotion in your work and providing a once in a lifetime experience for your clients. Open to all registered participants.
Shooting Workshop: How to Capture the Top 10 Boudoir Money Shots™
Thursday, Nov 11th 8:00am
The title says it all here. This workshop is hands on (just like I like it) and will be a mixture of demo and one-on-one coaching! I’m passionate about what I do as well as inspiring others and empowering them to do the same. I have a simple approach that translates to photographers at every level, so please join me 🙂 Open to only 15 participants – registration for this shooting workshop has not been opened yet. Check back on my blog for updates – I will announce when Registration for this event officially opens.
NEW! Mini Boudoir Photography Sessions
Thursday, Nov 11th 11:00am – 5:00pm
When I travel, I find myself being asked by the female photogs in the crowd for mini boudoir sessions! Well, I definitely rise to demand, so I will make time for a few sexy fashion/fine-art boudoir shoots! I’m so excited for this – and we don’t have to stay in the hotel – I’d like to take it to the streets! Give me a buzz 310.909.8957 for more details and to book your shoot.
Thank you truly for all the emails, questions and comments – I love hearing from you! Hope to see you in New Orleans and please drop me a note at christa (at) christameola.com and say hello if you’d like more information on workshops and/or boudoir shoots 😉
Hope to see you in New Orleans!
Christa
Inspired by Light, Shadow, Line & Form… and as always the camaraderie of women. This second installment of pics from the Wildcat Nude Photo Workshop led by Kim Weston and myself truly represents my feeling about natural light and shadow – I love both! Equally. I am also a huge fan of women, and the power of heartfelt contact, connection and friendship.
All photographs created at Wildcat Hill, Big Sur, CA August 2010 by Christa Meola
To get on the mailing list for the next Wildcat Nude Workshop, email christa (at) christameola.com. Click to see the first installment of pics from Wildcat Nude, No. 1 Inspired by Art.
More to come 🙂 As well as announcing my next speaking engagement… in New Orleans!
Christa xo
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
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
Inspired by Art… Just got back to LA from a wonderfully inspiring stay at the Weston estate and the Wildcat Nude Photo Workshop led by Kim Weston and myself. Last Thursday, when I first walked into Kim’s private studio and saw his paintings on the wall, I was feeling newly infused with inspiration and creativity. The gallery style studio reminded me of when I worked at an art gallery in LA and when I traveled through Europe stopping at every atelier I could find. I am so overwhelmed with love for art, artists, muses, fellow photographers, and the graciousness of everyone in our community. I am hard pressed to verbalize how grateful I am to lead a life filled with passion, art and beautiful people… so I will just leave it to my photographs to express it for me.
All photographs created at Wildcat Hill, Big Sur, CA August 29, 2010 by Christa Meola
I will be blogging the rest of my fav picks from the Workshop as well as share all of the news that has kept me so wonderfully busy this summer.
Stay tuned for more!
xx, Christa
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 🙂
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!
Location: Christa Meola Pictures Studio, Los Angeles, CA
Make-up: Gia Lane
I have crazy exciting NEWS to announce this week – stay tuned!
Christa 😉
