Why I became a Photographer!

Do you ever feel like there are never enough hours in the day to get things done? These last couple of weeks have been busy for me. I’ve been working my other job and still photographing on the weekends. Homework is also taking over my life too. Ha ha! 

No matter how busy I am, I still love my job photographing newborns and being behind the camera. I am greatly honored to be able to help families create memories that will last forever. My photography is my passion. I do my photography not just for the money, but for my son, Conner James. He is my reason I started my photography. 

Conner James passed away very suddenly at almost 3 months old while I was on vacation. His passing was very sudden. He was my second child. At the time, I had two children. Jordynne was 1 year old and Conner who was almost 3 months. I was a new mom of two, trying to buy a house. 

When Conner was born, we were still searching for a new house. We had brought him home to our old house and a month later we moved to a apartment. We couldn’t really afford newborn pictures. We had two kids in diapers, buying formula, and trying to save money for the new move. It was also hard to afford the hospital photos. 

When Jordynne was born we bought the hospital photos. We paid over $400.00 for the photos. The photos took a month to arrive at our door. When we received them, we notice that we didn’t order enough as we have a big family. We had to order more spending another $150.00 and waiting another month and half to receive them. The photos themselves we good quality but the posing of Jordynne we weren’t really happy with. But we were new parents and didn’t know any better.  

When we had Conner and with the anticipation of the move we decided to go a different route for newborn photos. We choose Walmart Picture Me Studios. They had a special going on for a package so we decided we would just go with them. A mistake I have regretted for years. After Conner passed, those photos are all I have left from when he was a newborn. 

I have some other photos I took of him while we were at home, and some at the hospital but not much else. I know we were busy with the move and taking care of two kids but now I wish and long for more photos of my little boy. He was a very sweet boy who loved to cuddle and be held. If you are a client, most likely I have told you what happened to him. I wouldn’t wish this for any mother. It will be 10 years this year since Conner has passed and my regret for the newborn photos still remains the same. 

I started my photography for my son, and for other families like mine who couldn’t possibly afford the price of $200 - $1000’s, that it could cost. For the new families just starting and for the families going through financial hardships, that they may have newborn photos done by someone who specializes in the field, creating special memories that they will cherish, and by someone who cares about their family. 

Watch out world, Baby Nolan has arrived!

On Sunday afternoon I photographed the sweetest family. I was so excited to meet their new precious baby boy, Nolan. From the moment the Andrews walked through my door, I could see the love radiating from them. Nolan’s big brother, Kenneth, was beyond excited to be photographed with Nolan. He was beaming with pride while smiling and holding baby Nolan. 

Baby Nolan already has a adoring personality. He only made a few noises during our session together. He did want to stop and have a milk snack but after that Nolan was ready for his debut. His session was a Full Newborn Session which included just Nolan being photographed along with family and sibling poses. 

I love posing families with their new baby.  There is nothing like seeing a family embracing their new little one and watching them create a memory that will last forever. For the Andrews, this was an amazing moment to be seen. I could see baby Nolan’s parents radiant with happiness and love that they have for their boys. Kenneth absolutely loved the sibling poses and I could really see he is going to be the best big brother ever! 

I want to thank the Andrews for giving me the opportunity to meet them and the honor of photographing them. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much!  

Summer is almost here!

Hey everyone, 

Who is ready for summer? I know I am. I am ready for swimming, barbecuing, and those long summer nights. My children are counting the days till school is out. I don’t blame them, it’s been a long year.  

We recently moved to Glen Carbon, IL. It feels so good to be back in Illinois. I am loving it. I love being in the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon area, small towns with friendly and caring people. It’s been amazing meeting my new neighbors, seeing old friends, and creating new ones. The feeling of community here is absolutely wonderful, and I am so appreciative of it. 

This summer I am offering mini sessions. Mini sessions are a great way to get updated photos of you and your little ones while saving money and having fun too. It’s great for kids too because it’s not a long session and it keeps kids interested in the session. I will be having Ice Cream Mini Sessions in June and 4th of July Mini Sessions in July.  

Every month I usually offer some type of mini sessions. Sometimes I offer simple mini sessions or sometimes I offer themed mini sessions.  

I am looking for models. I am looking for twins to model in the studio. I do look for models a couple times during the year for new types of sessions and/or to model new props/backdrops. 

Since summer is upon us, I want to get back outside and enjoy this gorgeous time of the year. I would like to offer more natural light sessions outdoors so you may see me advertise for these types of sessions.  

I hope I get the chance to see you soon!  

Thank you!  

Baby Kendall models in the Studio!

Hey Beautiful, Did you see the gorgeous baby I recently had in the studio? I was looking for a newborn model to help me with a project for my newborn mentoring. A woman named, Page answered my ad and said that she just had a baby girl on January 4th and would like the opportunity to have her newborn model. 

We chatted and figured out the details. The session was on January 12th in the afternoon. I was so happy to meet baby Kendall. She was so sweet & the perfect model! I asked Page, Kendall's mom, how she felt when she first met Kendall and she said "Amazed! I was in pure awe with my Kendall & with myself for being a Goddess! We rocked that delivery room!" Guess what? They did! Page deliver baby Kendall in 4 hours! That is amazing!  

Baby Kendall helped me to create 5 Newborn wrapping videos! After the videos we continued her newborn session. Kendall's nursery color scheme is pink, grey, & neutrals.  I definitely gave her the princess treatment. ❤️

Page & Dylan, Kendall's mom and dad, got to choose items from my studio to use in their newborn session. Kendall looked amazing in every thing but the Kitty bonnet was extra special because Daddy & Mommy have two kitty fur babies as well!  

The advice Page said she would give to someone who is looking to get newborn portraits photographed is "Christine is a baby whisper! Come here! I'm so impressed with how she handled, fed, soothed my baby so confidently. Page's favorite part about our session together was my gentleness with her newborn and how I took my time with her session. I like to make sure I have everything just right, after all these are your portraits to cherish forever! 

 Thank you so much Page, Dylan and Kendall!  It was so nice to meet you! You are one beautiful family & I wish you guys the best in the future! 

Happy New Years!

Happy New Years!! Stay safe out there! I am so excited for the new year! Big things await for Conner James Photography!