Christine Lee Smith Photography Blog

Fall Portrait Promotion!

2008-09-07T14:29:00.000-07:00

The holiday season is just around the corner! Now is the perfect time to book your personal, couple or family portrait session to include with your holiday cards. Session dates are limited; book your session today at: info @ clsphotography . com.

Session Price: $450
Session Includes:
*Up to 90 minute session in home or on location
*Online proofing and ordering for friends & family
*Gift Credit of $75 to use on prints or additional products
*Session Book of up to 20 client favorite images

Indulgences (sample images below)
*NEW Gallery Wrapped Canvas
*Custom Holiday Cards
*Modern Albums

GIVING BACK
5% of all portrait profits made (from portrait sessions and portrait products) in the remainder of 2008 will be donated to Zoe Home in Thailand - a haven for children rescued from slavery and child prostitution. Read more, or visit their website by clicking below:

"ZOE Children's Homes is a division of ZOE, an international Christian organization. The Children's Homes were launched to proactively rescue children who are at risk of being sold into human slavery and/or child prostitution. Our first goal is to provide a loving and safe atmosphere. We then educate, motivate and model servant leader principles. With your help, a new generation of leaders can be raised up to help stop these crimes against humanity."

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Wedding Tip or Trick of the Week

2008-08-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

Interview with a Photographer

I love this time of year. I get to meet so many wonderful engaged couples who are planning weddings for the upcoming year. Stories of how they met, details of their wedding days and descriptions of exactly how he proposed are so wonderful to hear.

What I do get asked quite often is not how many pages are in my standard album or do I shoot Nikon or Canon - but most often the bride or groom-to-be ask, "What should I be asking you?"

Often times I guide them towards discussions about scheduling or how to choose an album or our turn around times, but I think this would be an appropriate place to provide a little guidance to those searching, before the meeting, on what to ask your potential wedding photographer.

*How do we book you for our date?
*How many hours of coverage should I book for my wedding?
*What if my event is out of town or lasts several days?
*What if I want you to stay longer than what we've contracted?
*When should we schedule our engagement session?
*Why would I want two photographers for my wedding?
*How much time should I allow for formal photographs?
*What Happens if you become ill?
*If I’ve purchased my negatives, or if they're included, will I receive my engagement negatives, too?
*Do you edit my photographs? If yes, to what extent?
*Why do you choose the images for my album?
*What if we want to make changes to our album design?
*What if I have more questions?

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Mexico Book - Now Available!

2008-08-25T19:24:00.000-07:00

Check it out! Click on the badge below:

Mexico 2008

By Christine Lee Smit...

Book Preview

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Palm Springs

2008-08-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

Ahhh - refreshment is good for the soul.

I spent the weekend with my family in Palm Spring; we had such a great time! It was nice to get away, relax by the pool and hang out with family.

Of course I didn't go camera-less, so I brought my trusty Olympus 790SW. This camera rocks! It was my first real chance to test its limits since I received it last Christmas. The camera is waterproof and shock (aka. drop proof). I kept it with me in the pool the whole weekend and had a blast with it!

Check out some of my favorite moments:

Hit by Matt's Noodle-Water-Gun!

Noodle-Water-Gun on display.

Parcheesi night! Of course Matt won.

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

iMix - At Home on a Saturday

2008-08-16T21:02:00.000-07:00

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Where in the World was Christine - this Time?

2008-08-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

August 2-8 I was in Ensenada, MX with my hubbie and our youth group SUSHI, from The River Church, as a part of the Mexico Outreach program hosted by Azusa Pacific University. (Wow, that was a lot of links).

This year was our third summer trip out - and I must say it was my favorite so far. We had an amazing team that worked so hard together.

Once again, we were able to partner with the same church in Ojos Negros, MX, with Pastor Eber, his wife Zenida and daughter Aris. It was such a joy to see them again and get to minister to their community's children through VBS.

I'm so excited to share these images - not only because they turned out so beautifully - but also because I had two amazing photo assistants, Campbell & Jarae, who shot for me throughout the week. Take a look at a few of my favorites below or on Picasa by clicking on the slide show above.

Above image photographed by photo assistants Campbell & Jarae.

Above image photographed by photo assistants Campbell & Jarae.

Above image photographed by photo assistants Campbell & Jarae.

Above image photographed by photo assistants Campbell & Jarae.

Above image photographed by photo assistants Campbell & Jarae.

Above image photographed by photo assistants Campbell & Jarae.

Above image photographed by photo assistants Campbell & Jarae.

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Spring Valley Lake Country Club

2008-08-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

Woot! Last month I got to work with a fabulous coordinator, Trisha, at the Spring Valley Lake Country Club in Victorville.

Just recently I was able to share some of the amazing photographs I took at Brad & Mindy's wedding. Today I checked out the CC's website and found the images highlighted in their wedding gallery! Check it out here.

Thank you Brad & Mindy for allowing us to share your beautiful wedding with prospective brides and grooms considering SVLCC.

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Twitterific

2008-08-14T15:21:00.000-07:00

Recently I discovered the amazing world of Twitter. After listening to countless podcasts from the guys at Simply Youth Ministry I had to give it a try.

So, I did and I'm loving it.

Why it's so much fun to update the world on what you're doing every day, I have no idea. But it's fun and addicting.

If you want to join in the fun check out twitter.com or follow me by clicking here! You can also follow me on Twitter via our blog - just scroll down and look to the right hand side for the green box.

See you around the Twitter world!

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Computer Drama...Llama?

2008-07-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

So, how many of you have had computer problems before - raise your hand?

Now that your hands are all in the air - like you just don't care, as a mater of fact - I'd like to join you.

For the past week our DSL (yes, I know...I know) has been acting "goofy." It would connect, then disconnect, making it quite difficult to get photos up online and emails returned in a timely manner.

So after haggling with Verizon's Customer Service reps for two days in a row (now how many of you try and fix the problem yourself? Yep, me too) I got desperate. Not just frustrated I'm moving on - but literally crying in front of our computer with modems, routers and wires in my lap. It was not one of my brightest moments.

My hubbie lovingly coaxed me away and encouraged me to seek help - not the mental kind, although at that moment it may have been helpful - but technical help. I made the call at 9:30pm that night.

Less than 24 hours later Jason, owner of J.A.C.E. Computers, was over with a new router and installed it lickety split.

What amazed me - aside from his computer genius - was that during the hour he was working away I got more done around our apartment than I have in a long while. I mean I cleaned the kitchen up, did the dishes, started on a project for Tuttle Cameras (info coming soon Lightroom fans! Watch for details), dreamed up some fabulous new marketing ideas, etc.

It made me realize how wasted the nearly two-hours I spent crying and on the phone with Verizon were. Jason completed in one hour what I wasted nearly twice as long trying to accomplish. Wow.

And it taught me a very valuable lesson: pay the professional.

So, Jason - if you read this - thank you. Refreshed and re-connected to the internet world I look forward to paying your invoice; it was worth every cent!

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Wedding Tip or Trick of the Week

2008-07-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

Getting the Most from Your Portraits

Do you find yourself drooling over fabulous photographs of couples playing in fountains, rolling in the waves or in creatively inspired locations? Wondering how you, too, can get amazing photographs like this on your wedding day?

Great! Here are a few helpful hints:

*Schedule plenty of time in your wedding day to take creative portraits. Being skilled and seasoned in working with various amounts of time, we create beautiful works of art of you and your new spouse; however, the best results - often the ones you see on our website or blog - are created when the couple schedules at least 20-minutes of time to capture moments of the couple alone.
*Talk with your photographer before your wedding day about what you'd like from your scheduled alone time.
*Be sure to give your location and schedule information to your photographer in well in advance. This allows the photographer to plan out your time, so the spontaneous moments between you and your spouse can take place in an ideal location.

Another great way to capture those amazing photographs of you and your new spouse is to schedule a "Day After" session. These sessions are typically taken the day after your wedding nearby your hotel, or room accommodations. "Day After" shoots can take place nearby or at a destination and can be casual, romantic, fun, clean or dirty (ie. the sand near the ocean type of locations); sessions typically last 1-3 hours.

Talk to us today about scheduling your "Day After" session to get the most out of your wedding photography!

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

On the Other Side...

2008-07-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

So a few weeks back a photographer friend of mine, Curtis Bailey (website coming soon), helped me out by recreating beyond fabulous head shots for me.

I've been wanting to redo the head shot that was forever on my website - the one my loving hubbie took last year. And Curtis was the only photographer I considered when I was preparing to go behind the lens.

Here are the results - photographed and retouched by Curtis Bailey.

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

New! Modern Book Album

2008-07-23T16:44:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to announce our new album option, the Modern Book. I just received my sample book today and it's lovely!

The difference between this album, and what we've been offering, is primarily the cover. The inside pages are still flushmount designed and printed. However, the Modern Book offers a double-thick image cover with matching dust jacket as opposed to the leather bound option.

Pricing is as follows:
8x8 for $800
10x10 for $1,000
12x12 for $1,250

Right now, and current or prospective couples can add this book to their package for 10% off! Special pricing is available for new orders only; it's not available in lieu of any current package items and is not available for substitution.

Contact us today to place your order!

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Kids Adventure: "Super-U"

2008-07-23T10:57:00.000-07:00

Monday started the beginning of our third annual Kids Adventure (aka. VBS) program at our church, The River. In years past we've been disappointed with small turnouts, but this year God did something big - we had over 40 kids show up the first night alone.

Our week long program is amazingly created by Kidmo, a company that specializes in creating excellent Bible teaching DVDs for kids. Children's Director Lisa runs the program with energy, excitement and a passion that I've yet to see replicated by any children's program director.

"Super-U" is this year's theme and it focuses on teaching kids how to Choose Wisely, Trust God, Live Life on Purpose, Hang Tough and Take Risks for God. The programs main character Johnny Rogers uses a multitude of kid friendly (and lets be honest, adults dig it too)graphics, cartoon, live action, and even puppetry - reminiscent of a homemade Mr. Rogers Neighborhood - when it's called for.

What's so exciting this year is not only the number of kids lives will be touched with the message of Jesus' love for them, but the number of quality adults giving of their time, talent and treasure to serve every night this week. We have engineers, teachers, nurses and more professionals serving kids in K-6th grade; wow, what a blessing.

So, because I rarely post without some photography included, here are a few of my favorite photographs from the past few nights. Enjoy!

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Brad & Mindy's Wedding

2008-07-21T16:04:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Brad & Mindy!

The happy, and oh so sweet, couple wed Saturday, July 19 at Calvary Chapel High Desert.

Following they had their reception at the beautiful Spring Valley Lake Country Club in Victorville, CA. The Event Director, Trisha, did a fabulous job and coordinating everything at their reception.

Scott Allen Productions provided the emcee and DJ services for the afternoon reception.

It was such a beautiful day and I'm so happy I was invited to be a part of it. Thank you, Brad & Mindy. May your future be richly blessed!

Above photography by Assistant Christina Vejar.

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Driving Home - iMix

2008-07-19T22:01:00.000-07:00

Today I found myself headed home on the I-15 fwy from Brad and Mindy's wedding in Hesperia (watch for a preview post soon!).

As I hit the road I had to "pump some jams," as they say, and I found this mix particularly enjoyable.

Give it a listen - lots of fun.

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Todd & Frances's Wedding

2008-07-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Todd & Frances had a lovely wedding this past weekend that I was invited to photograph. Their special day started at the Wayfarer's Chapel in Palos Verdes followed by an evening reception at Simon's Banquet Center in San Pedro.

It was so fun working in my home town - so to speak - shooting in the South Bay area. But it's a fun challenge working in so many different beautiful places.

Here are a few of my favorites from their day. Enjoy!

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Evan & Nicole's Wedding

2008-07-01T19:56:00.000-07:00

Evan & Nicole had a beautiful wedding this past Sunday evening at The Hacienda in Santa Ana. This super fun couple had their closest friends and family join them as they wed, after six years together. Wow!

I had so much fun photographing their wedding. Recently I heard the concept that a photographer's work is largely based on his/her emotion. It's apparent in that two different people, feeling different emotions, can photograph the same scene and come out with two diversely different photographs.

While at Evan & Nicole's wedding my concept/feeling/mood/emotion at their wedding can be described as passionately immersed. I think the photographs from their wedding, as you'll see, convey this well (and beautifully if I say so myself).

Evan & Nicole's eclectic taste in music showed during their reception, at which Showcase DJ did a fabulous job providing the amazing tunes for the evening. Their first dance was to John Legend's "Slow Dance" and the Mother-Son dance was to "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen.

The night ended with lots of laughing and dancing by just about everyone there. Nicole and Evan even required me to have the last dance with my assistant, who happened to be my hubby Matt. (Thanks! It was a fabulous dance.)

Wedding Photo Essay:

Let me take a moment to comment on these two images. These were photographed towards the end of the evening one of the bridesmaid's significant other showed up. Something powerful, emotional, and lovely was taking place between them - in a very subtle way. I stood back and had the opportunity to take these photographs. These photographs make me want to listen to Coldplay's "Rush..." album. They are two of my favorite from this night because the mood and emotion in them speaks so loudly, yet, just like the couple they are very subtly portrayed.

Our Anniversary

2008-06-29T15:25:00.000-07:00

Our third anniversary is coming up. I can't believe how fast the time is flying by - but that's what they all told me would happen. :)

The past two years we've taken quite a little trip for our anniversaries (a week in San Diego and a few days in Carpinteria, CA at a little B&B). Well, this year in particular has (and will be) amazingly busy. We're shooting more this year than in the past two combined. Wow. So, I wasn't sure how much of a getaway we'd get. Not to mention Matt spent his two-weeks vacation while we were abroad a few months back.

So, last night my wonderful hubbie comes home and says, "Let's talk about what we want to do for our anniversary." We've chatted a bit back and forth - but with no concrete decisions up till now.

We sat and chatted and came to a wonderful conclusion to spend a night at The Historic Mission Inn in Riverside, where I just recently photographed Mike & Angel's wedding. I can't wait! It's so beautiful and relaxing - and if I play my cards right we may make a trip to the on-site spa.

Yahooie!

Mike & Angel's Wedding

2008-06-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

Mike & Angel married Saturday, June 21 at Calvary Chapel in Chino Hills. They had such a beautiful wedding, and I was so excited to be a part of their special day.

Just a few months prior we got to hang out in Los Angeles for their e-session and had a blast! They are such a great couple.

After the wedding ceremony, they headed off to their reception at The Historic Mission Inn in Riverside, CA. We had so much fun shooting their photographs throughout the mission, it's such an interesting place to photograph! So many possibilities...

At the reception their friends and family celebrated them with dancing, toasts and a special word of advice from Angel's grandparents who've been married 62 years.

Congratulations you two!

Above photographed by Associate Emily Engle.

Above photographed by Associate Emily Engle.

Above photographed by Associate Emily Engle.

Chris & Jody's Wedding

2008-06-18T21:26:00.000-07:00

Chris & Jody married Saturday, June 14 at the Crystal Cathedral chapel in Garden Grove, CA. Associate Emily got to spend the day photographing this super fun couple!

After a beautiful ceremony, the couple along with their friends and family celebrated together at New Life Community Church in Norwalk, CA.

Congratulations you two!

Above photographed by Assistant Jesse Thomas

Above photographed by Assistant Jesse Thomas

Justin & Jessica's Wedding

2008-06-16T16:47:00.000-07:00

What a wild and fun day! Saturday I had the privilege of photographing my sister-in-law, Jessica's wedding. She and Justin married at the Centennial Heritage Museum in Santa Ana, CA.

Both Justin & Jessica looked amazing in their wedding clothes; it was so easy to take amazing photographs of them.

Congratulations you two!

Photo Essay: After the toasts had been made and the dinner hour was coming to a close these little girls decided to let loose and have some fun. They played for no less than 30 minutes with this poor little stuffed penguin - tossing him about, tackling one another to catch him - all on the dance floor for all to see. I had so much fun photographing them. My hope is you'll enjoy these photos as much as I did taking them, and remember that sometimes it's okay to laugh and dance around.

Jeff & Emily's Wedding

2008-06-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

What a fun wedding! Jeff and Emily wed Saturday, June 7, 2008 at their home church, Grace Community of Garden Grove.

Jeff and Emily have such a creative relationship, and it was all poured into every detail of their wedding day - from the "Who is Cooler" money dance off (which Emily won), the In-N-Out catering truck to their choreographed first dance to The Darkness' "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" - their day uniquely revealed the love, commitment and fun of their relationship to anyone present.

I'm so excited I got to be a part of their biggest day together yet - I can only see bigger and more beautiful things in their future to come.

Congratulations you two!

Above photographed by Associate Emily Engle

Van & Heang's Wedding

2008-06-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

Sunday Van & Heang married at the San Gabriel Hilton. This lovely couple was surrounded by friends, family and handmade treasures that decorated their entire day.

Thank you both for being such a joy to work with. Many blessings to you both in your future!

Below are a few of my favorites from their special day...

Above photographed by Associate Emily Engle

Above photographed by Assistant Jesse Thomas

Jerod & Karen's Wedding

2008-06-04T19:01:00.000-07:00

Friday I was so excited to spend the day with Jerod & Karen - and their friends and family. This couple is amazing, and had a beautiful wedding.

Jerod & Karen wed and celebrated after at Occasions in Laguna Beach. The entire day was filled with smiles, hugs and congratulating the couple.

Below are a few of my favorites from their day.

Congratulations Jerod & Karen!

Above photographed by Associate Emily Engle

Ade's First Birthday

2008-05-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

For those of you following along, today completes Ade's first year of life. I've had the privilege of tracking her journey on camera (benefits of aunt-ie-ship). :)

Yesterday we got to celebrate this milestone with her at her circus themed birthday party! Below are a few of my favorites...

Happy Birthday Ade!

Train cake compliments of mommy.

Yum!

Sugar low...

Proud mommy.