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chriseldaphotography.com bio picture

Hola! Hola!

i am a full time wedding and portrait photographer in Amarillo, TX

a few more tidbits about me:

i absolutely love what i do. i do what i love. i recently realized that i might not be as good at "photography" as i am at being a people person. i have been photographing since i was in high school and took several photography college courses. i feared turning it into a source of income. but a few years ago, someone told me that if i did what i loved - i'd never work a day in my life.

i am very proud to say that i am friends with 99% of my clients. i attend their birthday parties, baby showers... we eat lunch, have coffee... watch TV together. and while this might seem strange, you'll find that this enables me to really help capture your memories and moments with you! i'm truly invested in everyone that stands in front of my camera.

i am very proud and humbled to have been voted Amarillo's Best Photographer for 2009!

Aside from portraits and weddings, i am the official photographer for  Amarillo Little Theatre and ALT Academy as well as for Panhandle Aids Support Organization.

I am a member of both the Professional Photographers Association and Wedding and Portrait Photographers International. I also volunteer for the NILMDTS Organization.



Susan G. Komen “In the Pink” Luncheon | Community

Most of us live our lives assuming that Cancer could never “happen” to us or to anyone we are close to. However, statistics are frightening! And more and more, we find ourselves down on our knees in prayer for someone that we know who has been affected. In the last year, Cancer has been very present in my life. I have lost friends to this awful diagnosis and have watched my little brother undergo treatment for Cancer. it’s haunting. and paralyzing.

i’m far from being “eloquent” when speaking (or even thinking) about Cancer. Even presently, i find that my blood slightly boils at the thought of such a wretched disease consuming so many of our friends and family. even when i spoke about it last year, i was speaking out of anger and pain. but still pressed forward to participate in one of the most rewarding events in my life – the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

having said that, it amazes me that we are STILL trying to do so much to raise awareness. i feel like we should be well PAST awareness and well into the stages of raising funds for research and treatment and… a CURE! i hope that i will see a cure for cancer in my lifetime. i hope that one day, we won’t have to be honoring our friends who have passed. but that instead, we are celebrating a cure. celebrating a jump over a medical hurdle. celebrating lives as they continue to be lived and no longer celebrating in memory.

every year, the Susan G. Komen organization in Amarillo hosts an “In the Pink” luncheon to recognize and honor Breast Cancer survivors. This year, i was blessed (and i cannot say that enough) to be asked to photograph the event.

i pray that you never have to look at Cancer in the face and demand that it back down. that you never have to watch someone lose their battle to Cancer. but most importantly, i pray that you all find time and passion to contribute in any way you can to help find a cure. there are so many ways to help and become involved. please visit the Komen Website and be sure to mark your calendars for this year’s Race for the Cure on September 25th!!!

******** WE ARE THE CURE *******

KomenLuncheon

there were several times during the luncheon when i had to fan away tears. or when i would cringe just hearing statistics. and while it was all very pretty and elegant and the food was perfection… the reason behind the event was a serious undertone.

please… pleeeeeeeeeeeeease find a way to get involved in your local Komen organization. Find a way to help with any sort of Cancer research. give. so that the minds and hands in the medical field can find a way to cure our heartaches.

again, i’m thankful for the opportunity to have shared in this event and am anxious for this year’s Race for the Cure!

*******************************************************

The event was flawlessly executed by Parie and her team at Secret Garden Fine Flowers, providing floral decor and lighting design.

Audio & Visual provided by New Day Production

Catering by Panhandle Restaurant Group

with Andy Justus and Faith Miller of KAMR Amarillo as Master of Ceremonies.

party favors were graciously provided by Dr. Elaine Cook .

Guest Speaker was Dr. Clifford Hudis, M.D. of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in NYC

Chriselda Photography

Lauren | Class of 2010

Meet Lauren!

Lauren is graduating this spring. we have been in the “works” for her senior session since last summer.

Lauren is one of the sweetest girls i have had the pleasure of working with. she has a sweet bubbly personality and we spent much of our session talking about travels, goals, and life!SLauren2010

lauren, thanks for making the trip into town for your senior portraits! you have such a strong head on your shoulders! i’m excited to see what the future holds for you!!!

Chriselda Photography

Trevino Family | families

it’s funny the way things work in life

bernice lives in houston and somehow found my blog. neither one of us knows how it all started.

but she’s been a faithful blog reader for about a year.

earlier last year, she sent me a really sweet email saying she wished i lived in houston so i could photograph her with her boys. so when i emailed her a few months ago to let her know that i was going to be in town for a wedding, she was excited and jumped to have a session. when we finally met a few days ago, it was like seeing and old friend.

we spent the afternoon running around the Woodlands snapping photos. here are the favorites!

Trevinobernice… it was SO nice to meet you and your boys. they are precious and you are doing such a wonderful job! they are so cute and happy and respectful! and i just wanted to take that little one home with me!!!! thank you for asking me to do this for you! it warms my heart to know that you believe in my art so much!!!

Chriselda Photography

Peyton & Ashley | Sneak Peek!

over the weekend i went down to Houston to photograph Peyton & Ashley’s wedding

this was my first wedding for 2010 and i can’t think of a better way to kick start wedding season!

they had a breath-taking wedding and were surrounded by friends and family that traveled from all over the world to help them celebrate!!!

enjoy this sneak peek

i can’t wait to share the rest of their day with you!!!

Woodyardhappy monday!

Chriselda Photography

Olivia | Newborn

i met John and Niki briefly a couple of years ago. circumstances didn’t really provide us with much of an opportunity to converse or even get to know each other. but somehow, they remained etched into my memory and heart.

a couple of months ago, i was randomly thinking about what it is that i am privileged to provide for my clients. i never take lightly the memories i capture for families. the life that i prove for them. and everyday… i’m thankful for the opportunities.

for unknown reasons, i remembered John and Niki again. a couple of days later… she sent me an email, letting me know that she was expecting Olivia and wanted me to photograph her as a newborn. i blinked at my computer monitor for several minutes in complete surprise and disbelief! what a coincidence! i feverishly typed a response stating how i had JUST been thinking about them and was glad to hear that they were doing well. i was completely humbled by their request to photograph their baby girl.

never have i anticipated a session as much as i did this one. i was so anxious to meet Olivia and see John and Niki again

OliviaNBjohn and niki – i will never be able to adequately describe how humbled and honored i am that you remembered me. that you gave me the wonderful opportunity to meet this sweet little angel of yours! i am overwhelmed by your love toward this tiny little being. i am touched by your strength. courage. perserverence. and faith. you had both changed my heart that day in September and the simple request to capture this time in your lives moves me in ways you will probably never really understand. thank you!!! thank you for allowing me to witness this miracle in your lives. thank you for gracing me with your lives, spirits, hearts and souls again. i am FOREVER thankful. appreciative. and indebted to you for giving me this very special and tender glance into your family! olivia is perfection beyond definition and you have been chosen by God to be her parents.

Chriselda Photography

Cozumel Mexico | Vacation Time!

wondering where the heck i’ve been? well… i’ve been on vacation!

i mean… a FULL vacation. i didn’t pack a laptop. or my big bulky camera. i didn’ t access the web for any.reason.whatsoever while i was on this trip

we hopped on the Carnival Ecstasy Cruise last week for five days of out-to-sea goodness

and for the first time ever, i actually took a vacation from work and the real world

now, some of you might ask “vacation in february?”

you see, one of the (few) downfalls, of this career is that i am at my busiest during the months of March-November. so i don’t get to take vacations during the summer months like the rest of the world does. and since i’ll see more airports this month than i will nights on my couch, i decided to book a week getaway with the kiddo. I cannot say enough good things about the Carnival Cruise line. I have never been on a cruise before, so this was a great way to kick things off! There was great food, excellent service, and much fun both onboard and off.

We docked in Cozumel and laken and i got to swim with dolphins at Dolphinaris. it was surreal and relaxing. Cozumel is absolutely gorgeous and i want to go back VERRRRRY soon.

Enjoy a few highlights from our trip!

(all taken with my brand new point and shoot that i love almost as much as i love bacon)

Cozumeli’m so glad to be home and in my own bed tonight. thankful that i was able to take this time to spend with the wee-one and excited to kick start my Senior and Wedding Seasons!!!

happy Wednesday!!!

Chriselda Photography

Baby McNutt | Maternity

you might remember Wade and Sadie from their adorable wedding last summer.

if not… you’re in for a treat. these two people have been making me laugh (side splitting laughter) since the day i met them. they are AMAZING individuals with a zest for life that constantly surprises and inspires me. they are fun loving and truly dynamic individuals.

after sealing their nuptials, Wade and Sadie got started on their own little “basketball team.” Over the weekend, i met them for a yummy brunch and Wade and Sadie announced their plan to have 20 children. after choking on my mimosa, i realized that they were most likely serious. these two people… are going to take over the world with their own group of McNutts. of course, they are waiting to find out if baby McNutt is a boy or girl – promising me that their first daughter shall be named after me. When i asked Sadie why they wanted to wait, she said:

“there are few good surprises in life”

this is one of the best

McNuttyou… are BOTH very special people in my heart. there isn’t a doubt in my mind that you are both going to be the best set of parents a child could ever hope for. you have poured so much love, compassion and joy into the lives of so many people around you (present company included). you are such wonderful gifts to all of us! i am so excited to meet the baby and can’t wait to help you capture the first year of memories. i love you more than i love cake, crepes, chocolate combined! thank you for sharing your morning and afternoon with me! ((hug))

Chriselda Photography

Chris & Brenna | Engagement

chris and brenna are getting married this fall in San Antonio, TX

one of the best parts about the engagement is the engagement session. the part of the journey to the altar where you really get to display your love for one another and have that frozen in time. it’s an exciting time in every couple’s journey.  You hear me repeatedly talk about the differences in the way my couples love each other. I love that chris and brenna had a distinct bond – playfulness, adoration, comfort.we had such a laid back afternoon of shooting that included a stop at Crush Wine Bar to catch a glass of Lambic Framboise and chat about their upcoming wedding day and their engagement.

here are a few favorites from our session!

Brennai’m so glad to have the opportunity to spend my afternoon with you both!  you are officially one of my most relaxed couples! it was nice to just hang out and relax. thanks for allowing me a small peek into your relationship!  Chriselda Photography

Savannah | Portraits

one day… Savannah will grace the silver screen. and i’ll have my claim to fame!

seriously, i am overly excited when i get a call for “headshots” because actresses are

the.best.clients.ever.

Savannah is NO exception to the above statement. we met last week to update her headshots so she can take them with her to NYC for auditions. the temperature that day topped out at a whole 30 degrees. and we were out in the thick of it. i was bundled up shivering and teeth chattering, but savannah showed me her acting skills and made it look like it was the middle of the summer. not one complaint. not one peep. absolutely amazing.

SSavannah2

Savannah – again… thank you for being such a great sport in the bitter cold. for looking fabulous. for your great smile. for the laughs that afternoon. i expect great things from you! and can’t wait to be able to say “i photographed her before she was famous!!!!” thank you for asking me to do this for you!

Chriselda Photography

FAQ | Whatcha Wanna Know?

based on my blog survey last week, majority of you want to know some tips and tricks about photography or have general questions

well, i’m all for sharing the “wealth”

when i first started out with my own business, i had a very nice and generous group of photographers that were willing to network with me and help me out! They are very INTEGRAL parts of my “growth” as a business person in this industry. So, let’s pay it forward, shall we? Whether you are a photography student, newly minted professional, budding photographer, established brand, serious hobbyist, a client, or someone with an SLR camera and a handful of questions you’d like answered… i’m here to help.

Truth is, i get a lot of emails weekly about photography. If you’re a regular blog reader and comment often, you’ll know that i take time to respond to each and every one of your comments. I also respond to emails asking photography related questions. it occurred to me one day (after answering the same question for the 8th or 9th time) that i should just open up a FAQ thread and let you ask away. Then i’ll post the questions and answers for everyone to see. :-)

You can either leave a comment in the comments section or shoot me an email with your question and i’ll be sure to respond in a blog post on saturdays!!!

so…. ask away!

and because every post is better with a photo …

this week i was able to go “home” to San Antonio, TX verrrry briefly. I was really wanting to get out to one of the missions. Here are my favorite photos from Mission San Jose.

as a side note: recently i was asked to donate some prints of my landscape/abstract/still life photography to raise money for a non profit organization.  sadly, i didn’t donate anything because i rarely shoot anything that doesn’t involve humans. however, i have discovered that i find a quiet joy from shooting outside of my comfort zone. so, if at any point you are interested in any of my still life photography – and want to purchase it… all of the proceeds will be donated to a charitable organization. :-)

Mission San Josehappy monday!

Chriselda Photography