christa meola workshop | Christa Meola Pictures Inc.

Tag Archive: christa meola workshop

Nude with Fringed Shawl

If I were going to choose only one accessory to shoot with nudes or boudoir, I’d go for an embroidered fringe shawl every time. They can be elegant, tasteful, and provide a lot of coverage or a little. It’s a great middle ground for clients who would like to do nude, but need some help getting warmed up.

christa_meola_nude_online_boudoir_workshop_03

christa_meola_nude_online_boudoir_workshop_012 christa_meola_nude_online_photography_workshop

These were all shot during a live in-person workshop in NYC, during a mini-demo with one window as our light source. Check out some other nudes with fringed shawl here.

Remember to coach a bunch of actions to create variety and have fun with it!

xoxo, Christa

Sexing it up with Silver Reflector Boards

Ever since I first blogged this set-up 2+ years ago, I’ve been answering tons of Q’s about how I created this look.

You’ve asked consistently for a “simple go-to lighting scenario” and “what are those background reflectors you use?” – so I went ahead and made this tutorial for you.

Photographers who’ve attended my live workshop in NYC have seen this set up in action, and I’ve become known for it. (So much so that when Annie Leibovitz shot Caitlyn Jenner for Vanity Fair, I received several messages joking that she stole my look!)

But this look is easy and hardly revolutionary. I wasn’t the first and I won’t be the last. In fact, you can use it on your next shoot.

Here’s why I love it:

√ I use this set up for everything from boudoir and nudes to personal branding and head shots.

√ It’s awesome to use when doing mini-sessions and marathons because it gives me confidence when I’m hustling to create variety within a single session.

√ No matter how cluttered a location is, this set-up provides a cool clean backdrop in a pinch.

√ And the lighting is universally flattering.

Take a peek at how I use it for boudoir…

For personal branding and entrepreneurs…

For headshots…

And for nudes…

Silver Reflector Boards Lighting Diagram

Tips on using
Walk around and try different angles to either incorporate reflections or totally eliminate them.
Have your model stand close to the reflector for sharper reflection, and ask her to step away from the reflectors for more blur.
Open and close the reflectors for different looks, move it around the studio and have some fun!

What to get
It’s called Bead Board 4′ x 8′ x 1″ or foam core reflector boards.
It comes in glossy, matte, and semi-matte. I got the semi-matte.
It comes in varying thickness. Get the thicker boards because you’ll need the sturdiness. It’s more money, but worth it.

Where to buy
I got mine at Set Shop in NYC. They deliver. But you can get them at most photo supply stores.

How to make
Lay the boards on the floor, silver side down, and tape the backs together with thick gaffer tape along the spine from top to bottom.

Violá!

Reflectors á la Meola.

Hope it’s helpful when you want a simple gorgeous lighting set up that clients will love.

xo, Christa

ps. Try it out, and please share your pics with me on social media. I’d love to see your success! If you have any Q’s, ask them via Instagram or by tweeting me @christameola.

One Size Does Not Fit All

This shoot was a fun study in making it work!

A self-described “plus-sized lingerie boutique” sent us a few fun things to photograph. So we booked a model represented by a “plus-sized agency.”

But when our lovely model showed up for the shoot, she was smaller than me! Hahaa! My first reaction was to think Oh my goodness she’s not big enough. But I caught myself super quick and thought Who the heck is to say who is plus size, minus size, regular size, right size. She’s perfect.

So I hustled. I found this mannequin in a back closet of the studio, grabbed it and had some fun.

I also gave her my #realisbeautiful t-shirt. She is unretouched in all of these pictures.

The lingerie boutique and the model agency both have different ideas on what plus-sized is. We will, of course, have to book someone who actually fits the clothing we want to photograph.

In the meantime, I hope you find this story and pics inspirational.

When life surprises you, make meaningful photographs!

Love, Christa

ps. we just had a couple seats open up for our upcoming live workshop! Click here for more details and snag your spot.

Opening the Kimono, a live Workshop in NYC!

This exciting two-day event in NYC June 12th & 13th is an exclusive peek behind-the-scenes with Christa, her team and clients. You’ll see how she works with women, lights & poses her subjects, and collaborates with everyone on set to capture meaningful flattering shots that sell.

DAY ONE: FRIDAY JUNE 12th

An Exclusive Backstage Pass!
A special invitation to go behind the scenes to watch me shoot LIVE in NYC.

Be a fly on the wall during my shoots:
Want to see my team and me in action?
See how I work with my assistant,
How we use the sapce in my fav studio to create variety,
How I work with my clients to create flattering authentic pictures,
and how I pose and light my subjects, on every single shoot.

Q&A afterwards.
Breakfast and refreshments provided.

Click play on the vid below to experience a taste of the first day’s events…

Invaluable. I had my first post-OTK shoots yesterday. Such a difference in how I create images now! I feel like my work has “grown up” into the style I’ve been trying to shoot for two years. I also received ten inquiries after posting some sneaks today. I made some amazing friendships and left with a fresh new approach to photographing women. I have noticed a huge change in my photography after that trip.
-Joanna Smith

It was a ton of fun and the networking was amazing. My biggest takeaway is how simple Christa’s sets are and that I don’t need a ton of fancy backdrops and places to shoot to be successful. I’ve started implementing some of Christa’s posing tips into my shoots, and it’s been really helpful.
-Heidi Hapanowicz

Thanks Christa for generously giving of your time and talent. I am grateful to have been a part of this.
-Joel Callaway

LL 2

It was great! First, Christa is awesome. Second, it’s good to be able to watch a shoot. Observing and being able to ask questions as you go is very helpful.
-Lincoln Lease

I enjoyed watching Christa and her team work. The best part is how friendly and open Christa is. She shared so much and her personality is kick ass. I’m proud that I was part of the event.
-Sarah Murray

Thanks so much, Christa! The OTK weekend in NYC was an absolute pleasure.
-Linda McMahon

The live photo shoot was so good for me to see. I left there so pumped! It helped me to see what I’m doing right and what I can improve on. I loved seeing how she interacts with the client. The greatest benefit for me was the confidence I gained. It really was an invaluable experience for so many reasons. I’m very grateful.
-Meggan Weece

The NYC weekend has given me a big shove in my derriere to keep going and get moving, it’s definitely brought the fire within and the competitive spirit (in a very positive and good way).
-Ina McConnell

DAY TWO: SATURDAY JUNE 13TH

Awesome Portraits for YOU + Your Business

You + Me. Mini Shoot. Amazing Shots.

And then on day two, it’s your turn to step in front of Christa’s camera! You’ll be amazed at the great number of beautiful images we can create in in these mini-sessions. I’ve been shooting mini’s (some under 10 min’s) for several years now, and they always yield spectacular results!

Two different looks (wardrobe changes)
Two different sets (backgrounds & lighting)
Custom Portraits by Christa
20-minute session
My favorite studio in NYC
Ten or more gorgeous portraits.

Sat. June 13th

These are amazing! I absolutely LOVE what you did. I absolutely ADORE these photos. WOW!
-Kate Northrup

Christa makes women look like fantasies of themselves — it’s so fabulous. And fun. There’s a spirit of defiance and rebellion about the photos, but also a joy…and the joy comes from the kind of atmosphere that Christa was able to create. Amazing.
-Justine Musk

JSG

Christa is part artist, part business strategist. She actually helps you SEE yourself at your next level of success. And captures it on film.
-Jolene Smith Garcia

WOW. The pictures are wow. I am so stunned by your talent. You really captured the best of me. This is the me I strive to be.
-Gry Sindig

Wow, Christa!!! I fucking love love loved working with you. Loved. You are amazing. Thank you for the best photos of my life.
-Regena Thomasheur

Christa made me feel I was in perfect hands and completely taken care of. She’s the
real deal. Ridiculously talented good people attract likewise – Christa’s team was just like her: warm, friendly, highly-skilled and fun.
-Juls Arthur

OMG Christa! So freaking amazing!! Thank you thank you thank you! Seriously, the photos are beyond cool.
-Nathalie Lussier

THANK YOU for the amazing photos. They turned out so wonderful. You are a miracle worker to say the least!! Thanks again for taking such great care of me in the shoot!
-Amy Porterfield

Join us for Opening the Kimono, Live in NYC!
June 12th/13th
$1197
Got Questions?
Email me directly at christa@christameola.com, and I’ll get right back to you.

Morning Light

There’s nothing like beautiful morning light streaming in through the windows…

This little series was shot for Laura Corn, sex expert, radio personality, and author of nine bestselling books for her exciting new mobile app. We’ll post details on the blog when it launches.

Plenty more sensual moments from this photo shoot coming up!

Lots of love,

Christa

Wildcat Weekend Nudes (NSFW)

I love shooting nudes.
Especially at the Edward Weston estate, Wildcat.
Particularly in natural light.
There’s something so real, simple, earthy, creative, and magical about shooting the naked human figure.
I zen out and focus on line, light, shadow, story.

What do I see? And how do I feel about it?

That’s what I ask with every picture…

I created these pictures at Wildcat while co-leading a Live Nude Photography Workshop with Kim Weston, Ed Weston’s grandson. If you’re interested in future workshops, you can sign up for info here.

Keeping with my real-is-beautiful policy, this gorgeous and gutsy woman remains unaltered and unretouched in ALL of the above (and below) photographs.
Because let’s get real.

Lots of love and nudity,

Christa

###

Please share if you believe #realisbeautiful

Spotlight on: Alejandra Ramos

Such a pleasure to photograph the gorgeous and lovely Alejandra Ramos of Always Order Dessert fame.

Among her many TV appearances, Alejandra has been featured alongside the likes of Emeril and on Dr. Oz. Her thoughts and feelings on cooking, hosting and eating are exactly aligned with our philosophy here at Christa Meola Pictures:

“To me, cooking is about pleasure, comfort, and seduction. I love to create and serve food that’s decadent, abundant, and just a little bit messy. I love long meals with lots of great conversation and very few rules.

I don’t have the patience for perfection, and much prefer when things are just a little bit wild…it keeps guests from feeling intimidated, and encourages them to dig in and get lost in the flavors and just enjoy the moment. There’s absolutely no room for guilt or inhibitions at my table!”

Even more of Alejandra’s sauciness on the blog soon.

Lots of love and yummies in your life,

xoxo Christa

ps. Alejandra was sweet to share her secret recipe with us for her Seriously Sexy Cherry Chocolate Cake featured in this series.

Nude, with Goosebumps & Gold Leaf

A recent session in NYC with a Chicago mom of three. She was inspired by an Esquire cover of Rhianna covered with leaves, but we opted to play with gold leaf…

christa_meola_photography_photographer_new_york_0003
I love naked simplicity…

christa_meola_photography_photographer_nude_new_york_001

More simply natural fine art nudes in the archives, and coming to the blog soon, from California to NYC to Spain!…

Stay tuned,

x Christa

Nude Reflected

Blogging from our beautiful rooftop office in NYC. What a GORGEOUS day out, and a perfect day to share some fine art nudes!

This was one of a three looks we did for a forty-something mom in the studio this Sunday…

This little set was all natural light, took a total of 15 minutes and was so much fun! If you’re thinking of doing a shoot, whether in front of or behind the camera – it doesn’t have to be complicated to be beautiful.

Simple = simply gorgeous.

More fine art nudes coming up on the blog soon!

lots of love from the rooftop,

Christa

note: images were cropped for client anonymity.

A Curvy Conversation

Welcome to a new blog series that focuses on having a healthy relationship with your body, being comfortable in your own skin, and enjoying your body and life.

Exactly the way they are.

I’d love for you to join me and begin to shift away from a place of criticism, doubt, and dislike to a place of positive focus, celebration and excitement.

I’m thrilled to kick off this body-and-life-lovin’ with Katherine Roll, a beautiful curvaceous woman and model that I photographed recently, who had never done a boudoir photography shoot before.

During our shoot, Katherine was so confident and comfortable with her body, that afterwards I interviewed her to share the inspiration!

CHRISTA: Describe your body in 5 words…
KATHERINE: Beautiful, classic, feminine, hourglass, voluptuous

How do you feel about your body?
My body and I have been through a lot together. I have been a size 10, a size 20, and every size in between. I feel that there are parts that I can work on in order to make it a healthier body, such as working out regularly, sticking to a healthy diet, and steering clear of bad habits. I feel that my body has boosted my career in ways that I never would have expected. Being a size 18 plus-size model, I have had obstacles along the way, but have grown to appreciate, maintain, and love my curves.

What do you love about your body?
I love being able to inspire women to be comfortable in their own skin, no matter what shape or size they may be. I believe that my curves are powerful and can change people’s perception of the plus-sized woman and standard plus-size model. I believe I carry my size-18 self well. I dress appropriately and because I believe in myself, I exude confidence in every direction.

How did you feel about being naked in front of the camera? (Those pics not shown here.)
As you know, I had never done an implied nude shoot before, and was surprisingly comfortable being nude in front of the camera. You and your team made me feel comfortable, beautiful and at ease, and you gave me great direction to get the perfect shots.

How did you feel after seeing the photos we created?
I feel that they are sexy, sensual, and beautiful, without being provocative, inappropriate or too revealing. I love the way you captured the light so perfectly. I had never had a boudoir shoot before, and loved seeing my body in a sexy flattering way.

What’s your go-to item to wear to feel smoking hot?
I personally love extremely high heels. High heels give the ultimate confidence boost. Once you find a great pair of high heels that are a perfect fit, you automatically stand up straighter, appear slimmer, and exude confidence.

What’s your best tip for feeling gorgeous?
Knowing what fits. Feeling confident is one thing – but looking the part is another. Too often I see plus-sized women wearing clothing that is not the correct size for them – whether it be too large or too small. Trying on multiple sizes in the same dress or pants can show you what is truly comfortable and what looks the best. A great fitting bra can also give you the support you need to feel 10x better than you did before!

How do you feel about the term “plus-sized”?
I am content with being called ‘plus-sized.’ I find that the ‘plus’ or ‘+’ means ‘in addition to’ and therefore, simply defines my size as additional sexiness added to the straight sized woman.

What’s the best compliment you ever received?
The best compliment I have ever received came from a young girl. She has been following my career since day one, and told me how she was inspired by me to love her curves, accept her body at the size it is, and even pursue modeling. She often messages me with new exciting things happening in her career, and I love knowing that my body and confidence helped get her there.

Thank you, Katherine, for the honesty and inspiration!

(Don’t you just love her point of view on “plus-sized” meaning “additional sexiness!” Now THAT is positive focus.)

Stay tuned for more of Katherine, different body types, lots of inspiration, resources and body-loving on the blog.

Here’s to lovin’ up your bod and life even more today 🙂

xoxo, Christa

ps. this series will be an ongoing open conversation. I’m really excited to hear your thoughts!
What is one thing you love about your body? Lets start there. Leave me a comment below.

Tag Archive: christa meola workshop

Nude with Fringed Shawl

Sexing it up with Silver Reflector Boards

One Size Does Not Fit All

Opening the Kimono, a live Workshop in NYC!

Morning Light

Wildcat Weekend Nudes (NSFW)

Spotlight on: Alejandra Ramos

Nude, with Goosebumps & Gold Leaf

Nude Reflected

A Curvy Conversation

Get Ready for Valen-tease Day!

In Like a Lioness

Sweet Chaos

One Hot Mama

Simple, Subtle, Seductive

Sunday Jazz on a Tuesday