{Last Flight} | Virginia Beach & Oceana Photographer

Some things in life, I just can't fathom. Flying a jet is one of them. Sometimes I feel so detached from the life of a pilot. A conversation that a good friend had with her husband pretty much summed up the difference in the lives we lead. It went something like this... Husband: "I'm flying out to Ohio today to have lunch with Dad." Wife: "Oh, that sounds nice, when will you be back then?" Husband: "Probably no later than usually. Should be home around 5 o'clock." And so leads the life of a pilot. Pilot wives will probably recognize the story behind this picture. A ritual for every last flight. For this pilot it could be THE last flight. Always guided by the needs of the Navy, only a specific career path will lead him back into the air. Another thing I just can't fathom. Never knowing if you'll take up your passion again...Always at the mercy of someone else. This pilot and his wife have meant so much to me these past few years...through two deployments and the birth of two babies. I wish them all the best in their new Navy endeavor and hope to see him in the skies again!

{Rockstars} | Sandbridge and Virginia Beach Family Photographer

I can't even put into words how much fun I had with this family. Well I guess I should preface this by saying this session was gifted to them by a good friend, so that should tell you what an awesome gang they are! "C" was reserved but so incredibly kind and such a gentle spirit. I'm sure he gets tired of hearing this, but he has the most gorgeous hair! Seriously rockstar quality! "A" was a bit more sassy and always willing to be the star of the show as long as I wasn't photographing her :), and little "P" reminded me so much of my littlest sister-in-law. Sometimes swallowed up with the whole group but you get her alone and out comes her amazing spunk and sparkle! And since I had the hardest time deciding what picture to sneak peek for this family, I decided to do a mini collage of the kids. And the last picture has a story behind it and perhaps a tip for you as well. I always try to engage my families in some sort of activity. Especially if they have elementary aged kids who get bored all too easily. So, we made seashell garland by the waters edge. I could take mom and dad for some shots of just the two of them and big brother helped the girls string their shells together. But what touched me the most was at the end of the shoot, while we were gathering ourselves together, "A" decided to make her garland into a necklace and draped it over her momma.

Life is composed of moments that truly take your breath away and make your heart smile.






To schedule your family session or to give the gift of a session, please visit my website at www.csphotopro.com for more information or email me at christene@csphotopro.com

{The Morning Light} | Sandbridge & Virginia Beach Family Photographer

How I talked this family into hitting the beach at first light this morning with TWO small kids in tow, I'll have no idea. :) But so worth it! The morning light reflecting off the ocean was gorgeous and dreamy. What a great way to start the weekend off and you'd never know we started out in 45-degree weather. :) Thank you to the W family for fulfilling my dream of a morning beach shoot! Hope you enjoy your sneak peek!



One of my fav's from this session. Daddy didn't even know I was snapping away while chatting it up with his wife. :)



To schedule your family session, visit www.csphotopro.com for more information or email christene@csphotopro.com

{Lets Go Fly a Kite} | Virginia Beach Family Photographer

Today we flew a kite, chased crabs, explored the sand holes looking for that mysterious lobster and played fetch with the two rambunctious labs that were just itching to dunk their heads in the breaking waves. We stayed, soaking up the warm evening sun, until the last of the surfers had called it a night. I feel so at home with this family. As we headed back to the cars, I overheard them discussing dinner plans which happened to include ice cream on the drive home as an appetizer. What a perfect treat and treasure that made a wonderful afternoon that much more memorable for their little boy.



A special thanks to the P family for inviting me out today! If you would like more information on booking a family session with me, please visit my website at www.csphotopro.com or email me at christene@csphotopro.com

{Dress Up} | Virginia Beach Children's Photographer

I'm playing catch-up on the blog! Would you believe me if I told you these pictures were taken with the noon day sun?! It's true! Let me introduce you to my little friend called the fill flash :) I strapped on my Canon 580 EX II (on camera), put a diffuser over it and using the high speed sync mode started shooting away! High speed sync allows you to use your flash at higher shutter speeds than 1/250 sec. (Were you ever wondering why it never let you get your shutter above 200 or 250?) The trick is to have your subject face away from the sun, so they aren't squinting, and you aren't getting that horrible mix of flat/shadowed light casting over their face. Shooting in manual, expose for your background and use enough fill flash to bring the light back into their face/skin, etc. I adjusted the flash's power right from my camera. (You can consult your camera's manual if you don't know how to do this). Or just leave me a comment below and I can try to walk you through it!

ISO 100, f/2.5, 1/3200sec


ISO 100, f/2.2, 1/1000 sec


ISO 100, f/2.5, 1/3200sec


ISO 100, f/2.5, 1/2000sec


And this one was taken in the shade but I had to include it because they are going to have a beautiful 20x20 gallery wrapped canvas hanging on their wall! Love it when clients go BIG!

ISO 200, f/2.2, 1/250sec


To schedule a children's session, please visit my website for more information or email christene@csphotopro.com

{Pier Side} | Virginia Beach Family Photographer

I always look forward to fall sessions at the beach. There is something magical about the light, like the sun is trying squeeze the last bit of summer rays in before the darkness falls on the afternoon commute. I adore shooting families and I've had the honor of shooting this one a few times now.



To schedule your family session, visit my website for more information or email me at christene@csphotopro.com