One Year Later

Soooo this post is a little different from the others. Today is one year since I received my little Nikon DSLR camera, and the take-off of my dream as a photographer. All I can say to you all is thank you for getting me to where I am. It only seems right to first acknowledge my Savior, Jesus Christ for bringing me to this point. Second, so many of you encouraged me without even realizing it. One day last summer before a family session, I wondered if I should even keep pursuing this crazy dream. Afterwords, I knew I wanted to keep going. Many of you came back to me a second, third, and one family even a fourth time for photos. When someone contacts you because so-and-so referred you, it's a HUGE compliment. And words cannot describe the feeling I get when I hear "I look so good in my photos, Christa! I love them!" So THANK YOU everyone! :)


Let's start with my parents. We just got back from a great Christmas spent in Ohio with family, and THERE WAS SNOW!!! There normally is, but when you spend every other season in South Carolina, it's pretty exciting! I would absolutely love to travel up north a little bit every year for some gorgeous sessions in the snow. The day after Christmas I asked my dad if he could take a few shots of me in the icy winter-land outside. He actually got really into it (as in he kept repeating "I'm feeling it!!"). But my dad isn't just my dad, he's my manager. Yes, the camera was on aperture priority mode when he was using it, but he and I have both learned so much on this journey. When we decided to upgrade cameras and a lens last summer, he spent countless hours researching trying to find the best bundle and equipment. We were introduced to terms and problems that I wouldn't have been able to figure out by myself. He's the reason I was finally able to post a price list (I am so indecisive! It's harder than it sounds!) and the reason I haven't blown money away on junk, or went into the hole buying equipment. My mom is an accountant, so having her here to work with me is great. She helps me handle the income I receive, and has deposited countless checks for me. Aren't they the cutest ever??


So, here is a little bit about where I am at now.

I take and edit all my photos (except the ones of me of course) and love it. However, like I mentioned above, there is so much more to a photography business than just taking and editing photos. How will the client get the photos? How and when should the client pay? What should I charge the client? These were all questions my parents helped me answer, and had to be acknowledged (so so so thankful for my parents' input!!)

I currently use a Nikon d7000 and my favorite lens is my 50mm 1.8! I edit my photos with Lightroom and don't know what I'd do without it!

And here are a few photos my dad took. He did a pretty good job!! So if you ever need photos and I'm unavailable, call him up!

Thanks again for all your support!! I can't wait to see where this takes me and am looking forward to 2014!!! 

Happy New Year!!!

 

-Christa Rene 

Stribling Family | Greenville, SC Family Photographer

After a lot of schedule conflict, we were finally able to squeeze a mini-session in, and I am so glad we did! This is one of my favorite mini sessions! The light was perfect, and I am in love with the soft light after sunrise. I hope you enjoy some favorites!

Angelina & Dave | Greenville, SC Engagement Photographer

Angie and Dave met me in a small Starbucks downtown before their session on an early Saturday morning. Even before I brought out the camera, it was obvious this session would be a lot of fun! Angelina and Dave both have experience with photography in the past, so the posing was a breeze. They understood the emotion and love a simple pose can show, and made it look easy. They are such an extremely fun, loving couple, and the joy of Christ and the love for each other could not be ignored!! It is easy to feel intimidated at the beginning of a session, and even a little shy about being placed in front of the camera with others around if it's a first. This stage in the process was completely skipped, and they jumped right into some absolutely gorgeous poses while looking natural. Enjoy some favorites from Angelina and Dave's classy downtown engagement session! 

Anna & Matthew | Greenville, SC Engagement Photographer

This is one of my favorite times of year: Just when the leaves have peaked and are falling and the weather is perfect. I always love this location, and best of all we beat the rain! As we went all around Furman University finding cool places, Anna and Matthew could not have been sweeter. I am in love with those sweater-weather days, so of course I was in love with their outfits that fit the location perfectly. I honestly don't tell engaged couples what to choose to wear because they do such an awesome job on their own! Enjoy some favorites from their gorgeous fall engagement session!