Fun Post – 5 Things People May Not Know About Christina

Yes I am a full time photographer with Edg Photography, but recently found out that there a few things even my closest friends didn’t know about me.  So here are five (in no particular order) that sparked interest.  Enjoy!

 

5. I’m a bit of a renaissance person, meaning I like to be creative, know how things work, design from scratch, draw/sketch, paint, cook, etc., In short, I know how to do a lot of different things.  I have an Environmental Design degree from the College of Architecture, at Texas A&M University – College Station (Whoop!) with a minor in Theater Arts.  My degree track had an emphasis on visualization and creative design, sustainability (going green), and yes, even some computer programming (not my favorite, but yet something else I know how to do).  While attending A&M I also decided to pick up the classes I would need to obtain an alternative teacher’s certification – so I got to observe and work with students as well.  And of course, all the while working on photography!

 

4. I started out photographing with FILM!  Yes the four letter word film.  J  I’m old enough to have started there and know how to utilize it, but young enough to play with all the new technologies.

 

3. I can operate a motorcycle.  This one tickles me because it’s the one that sparked this post.  Thanks to the patience of the guys over at http://www.trainingwheelstexas.com/ I can now (with practice) function on a motorcycle.  The class they teach is well structured, and they provide the training bike for the class (so no, you don’t have to go out and buy your own unless you really, really want to).  Maurice, Ron, and Melissa are all very experienced riders, as well as great people to work with and learn from.

 

2. I’m a “foodie” as Jamie (Hayes) would say.  I like to watch Food Network and actually make the recipes they demo.  And oh have I gotten some good ones from there.  Really – really, quick, easy, and fresh!  Also, such a blend of cooking personalities! Quite splendid.  J

 

1. Aside from riding around campus when I was in college, after I graduated and gained employment with the University (I did photography part time at this point), I rode my bicycle to work nearly everyday for over a year (including rain days).  And yes, I did just say my bicycle.  Office dress code was business professional too, but using my bike to get there just made more sense at the time.  I did have a vehicle I could have used, but to fight everyday to find somewhere to park just wasn’t worth it at the time for me.  Plus living somewhat near by campus did help (I wasn’t living on campus at this time.)

Where are we today?

Hello everyone!  We are back in Houston today to photograph the University of Houston – U.S. Army ROTC Annual Military Ball.  It is taking place tonight at the Hilton Hotel located on the U of H Central Campus.  It looks to be a very pleasant evening ahead, and we look forward to seeing all cadets.  Special thanks goes to Ms. Maria Harrigan for inviting us to be apart of the event, as well as all of those serving in our  U.S. Armed Forces!  Many thanks for your service and commitment to keeping others safe and free.

Earth Day 2008

Happy Earth Day everyone!

So it’s roughly 5 minutes before midnight, but I’m finally getting to say it. 

Go green, plant a tree, grow a garden.  Make the future special and better for not only your kids, but their kids as well!

Happy Earth Day Earth!

What’s happening tonight?

Are your parent’s in from out of town?  Are you looking for something to do after the Maroon & White game?  Looking for some humor in all of the politics going on?  Need to fulfill that attend a performance credit for class?  Well if you are in College Station, you may be in luck.  

Showing this weekend in the Rudder Theater Complex – Forum, the Aggie Players are presenting “House Arrest: A Search for American Character In and Around the White House, Past and Present” – written by Anna Deavere Smith, and directed by Susan Kelly.  Show times are as follows:

Saturday, April 19, 2008 – at 8:00 pm

Sunday, April 20^th, 2008 – at 2:00pm (Matinee – no late seating!)

Tickets are available at the MSC Box Office. 

$10 – general public; $5 – students

For more info. call 845-1234 or 845-2621.

This show is filled with humor, flippant remarks, and all of the seriousness, our past and current government officials could muster.  There is some foul language, but the emotion portrayed is genuine.  From Abraham Lincoln’s assassination to the Clinton – Lewinsky scandal, Anita Hill, to stories about dining in the White House, and of course, lets not forget the paparazzi.  They don’t hold back.  Don’t miss it!

Below are some cast images from show rehearsals.  More images from the show are soon to follow.   

 

And of course, you can’t forget the crew that makes it happen.

A quick comment

Hi everyone. Just a quick comment. Some of you have known that my uncle was in the hospital and wasn’t doing well. Well he passed away this morning and is now with my grandparents, and we are left to miss and remember him. I appriciate the prayers and words you have shared with me in conversation by phone and thank you. I will be around and about for the next few days as plans are made for the funeral. If you have any questions or need to find me by phone, feel free to email or leave a message. Thanks for understanding.

Be happy, make memories, and share your love.

Wedding Package Prices

UPDATE: 2009 Prices are now in effect.  Please refer to website, or contact us for current pricing and details including consulatation appointments and session times.

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

Okay, I received this question several times at Bridal Show and here is the answer.  You build your package.

But wait, doesn’t it say $1,500 in the brochure?

Our brochure does say that, and it is an average estimate of time and service.  I used to say, “You build your package.” at bridal show, and not everyone would understand what I meant by it L – people would still be looking for a price.

So we had the dilemma of not wanting to limit our brides on what they could have done, (i.e. prints, albums, personalized guest book, folios, mini-brag books, pocket Z-album, save the date cards, announcements, personalized accessories and gifts for other members of the bridal party, as well as mom and dad, etc.), but still show a price – hence the $1,500. 

Okay then, tell me about the $1,500 package.

It is based on 6 hours of continuous coverage with two wedding photographers capturing your wedding day.  We start at least one hour prior to your ceremony and capture all of the details as you get ready – from the dress and shoes to small family traditions like a hay-penny in your shoe, or being the next one to wear great-grandmother’s pearls.  At the same time, my partner is with the groom, as he and his groomsmen prepare for that grand moment when you see each other at the aisle. We then photograph the ceremony as allowed by the facility (Note: some churches and places of worship do not allow photography during the ceremony.) Immediately following the ceremony we begin taking all the formal bridal party and family images, unless we have already done so.  We work to photograph the entire wedding party first, so incase any of the brides-maids/groomsmen/siblings/etc., must leave to assist at the reception, they may do so, and allowing us time with just the bride and groom. Once at the reception, we then capture the moments as they happen: arrival of the new Mr. & Mrs., dinner & speeches, father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, the couples’ first dance, the cutting of the cakes, bouquet and garter toss, along with any candid family images, and the couple’s get away.  This package also comes with a private on-line gallery of images from your special day, which is usually posted online within two weeks after the event has occurred.  A proof CD/DVD of your wedding day images will also be delivered to you, which may include more images than displayed online, to preserve the privacy of those “special images” that may be for his eyes only!  (i.e. Those cute underwear you may have on showing that you are the new “Mrs. John Smith” , Note: we also do photograph tasteful boudoir sessions as well, if interested.) Each guest in attendance will be provided with a guest take-away card that details when and where the images will be available for viewing, along with the password needed to enter the gallery. The on-line gallery offers convenient viewing and ordering, so no more stress on you!!

Boy that was long, and yes you get all of that. 

What if I need more time?

Not a problem!  During our consultation we will determine how many hours will be necessary.  Additional hours are billed at a reduced rate, since we like you a lot, and we are going to be together for a while. J  Also, if you realize at the wedding you will be headed for overtime, it’s still not a problem!  It is our standard policy to check in with you 30 minutes before our scheduled ending time, to find out if you will be needing us to stay longer. Just let us know and we will take care of the paperwork after the fact.  We won’t be asking you for a check at your wedding!

What if I need less time?

Again, not a problem!  We can work with you to develop a package that will fit the needs for your special day.  Just give us a call to set up a no-obligation consultation at (979) 314-1032 or (956) 639-1220. 

*Curious about the phone number? 

(Just a note: We ARE in Houston, and our studio is 5 minutes east of Downtown.  We are also set up to service those in Bryan/College Station, and the Rio Grande Valley as well.)

 To find out more about the number, read:  What’s with the phone number? Promise you will enjoy it!

Short update… & Parent’s Weekend @ Texas A&M

Currently working on bridal photos, and looking over images from this morning’s session, and thought I’d drop in and say ‘Hi!’ to all of our online visitors.  If you have any questions, or are wondering how the images are coming, feel free to drop me a line, or an email.  Thanks all for reading!

P.S.  There are Parent’s Weekend – Family Portrait sessions still available, so schedule yours soon! 

Do you travel – to another city/state/country?

The short answer is yes, we do travel upon request.  For how much is a different question.

If you are local to Houston, Bryan/College Station (B/CS), or Brownsville, Texas there will most likely not be a travel charge applied. 

Surrounding cities to these areas will have a nominal charge applied (to cover us for the “nice” rising gas prices) that will be factored into your wedding package, which will be discussed during your consultation. 

Other major cities throughout Texas, as well as the United States or abroad will have a travel fee applied, and will vary depending upon the amount of time we are out of the studio, and if overnight stay accommodations are necessary.  (i.e.  If we have been working an 8, 9, 12 hour, etc. event, it would not be safe or prudent to drive back from another city, or to the airport, putting ourselves or others in danger.)

Well we would really like your work and would like you to be our photographer, but it will probably cost a lot to go to another city/state right?

Not true.  Some of the best deals you can get on flights and hotels, can be done several different ways such as:

·      simply planning ahead to find cheaper rates (if you know this is what you want to do, plan ahead and go for it!  You will be happier that you did, and have money left to spare.)

·      talking to the hotel the rest of your wedding party or family may be staying at (they may have partnerships with airlines that you didn’t know about – think Vegas baby.)

·      discussing it with your travel agent (especially if you are already thinking of going on a cruise or abroad for your honeymoon – there is nothing like a little leverage when your already looking to invest more)

·      or by checking out the last minute weekend deals they have on several online travel sites such as Expedia, Priceline, Orbitz, or Travelocity

·      also have you thought of your frequent flier miles lately? (yet another way they can come in handy)

Also, just talk to us.  If it financially just works better for you to use another photographer, let us assist you in finding a reputable and credible one that works for your budget, who’s image style you would be happy with, and that you would have confidence in capturing your wedding day!

 

What’s with the phone number?

Where is area code (956)? 

956 is the area code for the Rio Grande Valley (think South Padre Island).  I grew up in the Valley, but then went on to college at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas where I received my degree – hence the area code (979) also on my business card. 

Okay then… so why Houston?

Great question!  I have many different reasons why, but here are a few. 

• One is I have family that lives in the surrounding areas (Katy and Sugarland to be exact). 
  
• The second is friends.  In college I met so many people that were from all over (Houston/Austin/Dallas/Louisiana/New York/Africa… you get the idea) that landed jobs in Houston, so now it’s easy to go see and catch up with them.  Also, thanks to the PPGH (Professional Photographers Guild of Houston) I know many established professional photographers that have worked in the Houston area for as many as 10 – 30 years, that like to share and educate, and I have become friends with over the years. (Or more like friends that are like my family!)
  
• Third is the culture and opportunities.
  But isn’t this getting away from weddings?
  -No, just keep reading and you’ll know why.
  
  Just like every wedding has something that makes it different, and all its own, brides and grooms of different races, cultures, traditions, and religions celebrate differently.  Some have a mass or service, while others appear before family elders, some have a civil union or commitment ceremony, while others have a celebration that can last for days. Brides can be seen in the traditional white on their wedding day, while others are in red, pink, or gold.  And it’s because of these different types of weddings, ceremonies, events, and celebrations that I get to meet and be apart of the culture.  And not just until their wedding day, but as they grow as a new family as well. 

  Hope that clears up some of the what and why.

So in short, went to college and just kept the same number since many people seem to have cell phones these days. (And easier than keeping up with a bunch of different numbers. )

So are you in Houston?

Yes.  We have a studio we work from, by appointment, that is 5 minutes east from Downtown Houston.

WANT TO KNOW MORE OR TRY THE NUMBERS? 

Go for it!!  If you would like to meet us, sit down and talk about your wedding day, photography, planning, referrals, or just have questions in general try out either number:

(956) 639-1220   OR  (979) 314-1032

Bridal Symposium – Houston… What a Weekend!

 

So we have been in Houston all this weekend (since Friday evening) preparing for this bridal show, and how wonderful it was!  The staff that heads and plans the show was very helpful, and always gracious, and we thank you all so very much!!  We are looking forward to the next show in September and here are the details and show times:

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Show Hours: 10:00:00 AM - 5:00:00 PM

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Show Hours: 11:00:00 AM - 5:00:00 PM

Place: Reliant Arena – Houston, Texas!!

BUT IT’S THE BRIDES THAT REALLY MAKE IT A SUCCESS!!

We met so many wonderful brides at the show and wanted to express our thanks for stopping by, signing up, and for taking the time to chat with us for a while.  We know there were many vendors to meet with, and lots to see, but its your questions, comments, and feedback that we use to make it a better and very enjoyable experience.  Like I said to those that stopped by our booth, we want to be the EASY PART of planning your special day! 

So as a follow up to the bridal show we will be posting on various topics and questions throughout the next few days regarding weddings, family, recommendations, photography, what makes us different, and of course, why we are the photographers for you!