Want Ability

Sitting here browsing the internet, while looking for an item to replace a duplicate gift I received this Christmas it hit me - there's nothing else I truly want to buy to replace this gift. I don't need anything.

Recently I read somewhere (and if someone can tell me where this was I'd really appreciate it) that everything that we could possibly need has already been created. I think maybe it was in Seth Godin's book, "The Purple Cow."

Think about that for a moment: there is nothing left uncreated that we could possibly need.

Nothing.

The weight of that realization sunk in as I browsed cookware and t-shirts online. I don't need anything else. Our already tiny kitchen is full. My closet has more than two-weeks worth of clothes.

In this past year I've gutted a lot (albeit, not all) of the excess in our apartment, thanks in part to "The Messies Manual" and my dear friend Kim who lent it to me. And now that my living space is much freer I honestly don't want to mess it back up.

Our culture has created a nearly insatiable monster of want. Since there is nothing left to need, what's left is to market to our wants.

So what does that mean? Well, as with most positive change, the first step is awareness. Just by being cognoscente of our often unruly wants we can make better choices. Secondly, better choices (and wiser investments with our time and money) can create space for what's really important to us - our friends and family.

With 2009 just around the corner, I'm deciding now to take stock of my unruly wants and leave them at the door. It may not be a quick or easy battle to win - but it's worth fighting for.

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Best Christmas Party Ever

Merry Christmas!

Last night I met up with some of my best, and oldest, friends for a Christmas party extravaganza. Some of us, like Sheryl Annalisa and I, have known each other pretty much since birth. Others have known each other from third or fourth grade, or eight grade and up.

This party has become an annual tradition for us, pretty much since high school. Over the years we've added and lost a few - but the group is still pretty much in tact.

Enjoy the festivities through some of my favorite photographs from the party...


Before all the fun began...

One of our newest members - Mark & Liz's little Timmy.

Just love this one. This is Sheryl's daughter, Ade - our adorable little god-daughter.

True to form - our high school-selves have not diminished with age. :)

Another new member - Annalisa's hubbie, Don.

Liz's hubbie, and group veteran, Mark - a brave soul.


During the white elephant exchange, which is always exciting to say the least.

Sheryl opens her white elephant prize - an army sewing kit.


Best white elephant gift ever - homemade RB/Rap mix from Don & Annalisa. I originally won this fantastic gift until it was stolen in the final round.

The mistle-"toad."

Preparing for battle - charades.


Group photo!

Angela and Daria enjoying the excitement and inappropriate humor.

Thanks girls for the great party! Wonderful to see you again. Have a merry Christmas!


Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Miguel & Linda's Pregnancy Session

Last Monday I had the privilege of shooting a pregnancy session for one of my 2006 couples, Miguel & Linda. This is an amazing couple that has always been so fun to work with, so I was super excited when the invited me to photograph this new phase of their journey together!

Below is one of my favorite images from the session. For their privacy I won't release more images on the blog at this time. Hope you enjoy!

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Pictage Interview

Our Pictage interview with Emily Engle, amazing associate photographer and Pictage community leader, just posted today.

Check it out at: Blog.Pictage.com

Thanks Emily!

Night Photographs

Although this isn't technically my personal project for December, I love the way these images turned out!

Last night I was out with my Hubbie and I brought along my new favorite lens (Canon's 85mm f1.2) to try out. On the drive over to see one of Hubbie's former student's plays I shot away.

Take a peak:

It's hard to see on the blog, but this image is one of my favorites. I love the man on the bridge with the moon light over him. I may use this one in the Exposure 2009 competition.



These last two are my favorites.

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

My 85

I was blessed with an amazing deal on a Canon 85mm f1.2 this week. Just got it in the mail yesterday.

Being mentored by Mike Larson a couple years back put amazing piece of glass on my radar. I knew it'd be a while (it's one of Canon's finest = more expensive lenses), but out of no where I found one pop up for sale from an amazing photographer who just didn't need it anymore - and only used it over the summer.

I jummped on the opportunity (with Hubbie's approval, of course) and - wha-la! - a few days later the FedEx man dropped it by.

Of course I opened it immediately and tried it on for style... (not size). Here's a minimal look at what this bad boy can do:

If Mike Colon asks, I shoot with my right eye. :)


Notice how Gonzo's nose is perfectly in focus - yet everything else is just slightly, and quite lovely, out of focus. Gotta love f1.2!


And just for fun...

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

My Family

I have a great family.

This is most of us (a few are missing) at the annual "Christmas Pajama Party." Yes, we actually wear Christmas pajamas - although a few do so with more than a little grumbling. :)

(Top to Bottom, L-R: Matt, Grandma, Grandpa, Vanessa, Sam, Dad, Jeri, Kurt, Jenn and me)

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Me...on a Shoot!

Sometimes when you shoot by yourself (as I do often with my corporate in-studio work) you have to find creative ways to check how the lighting will appear on the subject.

So, in my hours spent down in the studio at a nearby hospital that I often work with I've developed a unique trick to do so:

• Pull up one of the food trays they use in the hospital (of which there are several located in this particular in-hospital studio)
• Find a box to stack on said tray
• Set camera to self-timer
• Pose

Here is one such result...

Every once in a while you come out with a good one - or at least one that mom will enjoy. :)


Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

NEW! First Year Collections

Introducing our brand new "First Year Collection" for families. These are great for parents who are busy and yet, who want to ensure they capture the best of their growing babies.

First Year Collections document the first year of the child's life at four important life stages: 3-months, 6-months, 9-months and 12-months. With the collection all four stages are documented with quality craftsmanship and creative vision, all by a photographer with patient understanding.

These collections make great gifts for expecting moms, or can be a gift to yourself! To book your session call or email today:

(888) 810-4322
info (@) clsphotography.com

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Dream Desk

So I've been eying this office desk set from Pottery Barn for a while now - and today I've been dream measuring for it.

What do you think? White, black or espresso stain?




I'm suddenly reminded of the following "Friends" episode:

Now if only I had $1,300 lying around I, too, could be hated by Phoebe. :)

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith