Brave.

I'm huge on America. I love it. And I show it... sometimes to creepy levels.

I got a call to do a newborn session just a few blocks from where I live last week. I was very excited to meet the new mom and baby. As I got to know them a little better, I learned that this baby's dad is a United States Marine and is currently overseas on deployment. He left for his tour just before his little one was born. I fought back tears through the whole session. Not only was it such an honor to be getting images of his baby girl that daddy will see before he actually sees or hold her, but Mom was a brave soldier herself. Never once was she negative, bitter, or angry, just full of pride. This turned out to be one of my favorite sessions. 

Favorites from this and other newborn sessions can be found on my "Newborn" page. Click HERE to schedule your newborn session.

Blessings!
Chrysti

Grown-ups.

I got a call the other day from a client wanting to do photos with her brother. She said they hadn't done so since sixth grade and wanted to have some done for their parents. It got me thinking - why don't more adult siblings have photos taken together?

I'm an only child, so the concept of anything as it relates to siblings is kind of alien to me. I asked my husband, who has two brothers and two sisters, and he said he'd never really thought about it. Well once I got this brother and sister together in front of my camera it all made sense. These two have so much fun together. They live about a thousand miles away from each other now, but you'd never know it by looking at them. They still joke and laugh and have fun just like they were still living under the same roof.

I really enjoyed this session. Favorites from this and other family sessions can be found on my "families" page. Click HERE to schedule your family session.

Blessings!!

Chrysti

Confession.

I worked on vacation. I really can't EVER call what I do work, because I love it so much, but I did take an arsenal of lenses, hoods, flashes, brackets, and a better-than-necessary-for-the-zoo camera to Missouri with us. I did so because a very good friend's little boy was turning one while I was there, and I was charged with the task to take his one-year portraits. I was super excited, and once I got to their beautiful new home and took a look at their property, I was thrilled. What an amazing setting for these photos!

Favorites from this and other birthday sessions can be found on my "birthdays" page. Click HERE to schedule your birthday session!

Blessings!

Chrysti

Intimate.

In my past life, I was a pencil pusher. I have a whole lot of very expensive student loans for said pencil pushing (Human Resources), and I honestly miss it sometimes. 
Very infrequently. 
Actually, almost never. 

But I DO miss having the opportunity to help people. I don't do well with blood and I don't have the patience to teach, so I looked forward to getting to know people, and their stories, both good and bad, and using my education and experience to do something good for them and their families. That's the part I REALLY miss. Professional photography is a luxury, so it's unlikely that I'll come across someone who NEEDS my services.  Not to say that this amazing couple NEEDED me specifically, but their situation was unique, and they needed the right kind of photographer. 

This amazing couple made the decision to exchange vows privately. No guests, no wedding party, no reception - just them and their two girls. I can only imagine how difficult it was to make this decision, but I totally respect them for focusing on their priorities and having the wedding THEY wanted. I was asked to photograph their ceremony, and even though I was leaving for vacation in less than 12 hours, I was honored to be a part of their special day. 

The bride was amazingly gorgeous and their daughters looked like little princesses. They were married in their small community church by the pastor who preaches to them every Sunday. They were so grateful, and so glad they'd have photos to show their loved ones, some of whom were waiting outside for them. They truly made me feel like I had an impact on their wedding day. I consider every client a blessing, but being a part of this day for this family was so special. 

Favorites from this and other weddings can be found on my "weddings" page. Click HERE to schedule your bridal consultation.

Blessings!

Chrysti

Glowing.

There's a little store in my town that sells ADORABLE baby stuff, and also serves as kind of a trading post for moms. There is never a shortage of interesting stuff... stuff you would never think you'd need, but honestly, I never leave there empty-handed.

I don't know why it didn't occur to me to put business cards at this store before, but I was in there the other day with my daughter (we left with a little horsey toy and a few onesies, in case you were wondering), and put a few cards on their "community" table. The very next day I got an email from a mom-to-be who had found my card at this AWESOME store. She'd originally decided against taking maternity photos but changed her mind. She was due in exactly one month, so was concerned about getting in with me in time. 

I'm leaving for vacation in 2 days. I am so neurotic that I HAVE to get my house spotless before the housesitters come over, and we have committed to NOT checking any luggage (2 adults, one child, four days, two carry-ons... challenge accepted). I also have a civil wedding the night before we leave so I am, needless to say, BOGGED DOWN. But I identified with her concern. I had also decided to forego maternity photos, and changed my mind the day I was due. I found a photographer to squeeze me in 2 days later (little did I know it would be another week before my daughter joined our family). I immediately cleared my afternoon for her.

I had an awesome time with this session. This mommy-to-be was not only beautiful but a CHAMP! 5 inch stilettos, never a complaint about walking, getting up and down, and was so natural and comfortable in front of my camera. I can't wait to do her son's newborn session next month. AFTER vacation.

Favorites from this session can be found on my "Maternity" page. Click HERE to schedule your maternity session.

Blessings!!
Chrysti