Today we’d like to introduce you to CHRISTEN WEBB.
Hi CHRISTEN, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had Cinematography at the forefront of my life. As young as I can remember I was always holding a camera and capturing the memories in front of me. My mother would always complain about the cost of film and the amount of photos that I was taking, so she would in the end give me the camera without film. I believe this taught me a whole new perspective of photography.
I mean, who shoots a camera back in the day with no film in it I mean what you do with that? my mom was like you can’t have any more film, and so she took my film away, but left me holding a camera. These types of challenges really sent me up for success later on in my adult life.
Many of my clients compliment me on my eye and angles of photography, but a fun fact about myself is that when I was born, my mother was in need of having an emergency C-section and during the process the surgeon cut my right eye underneath my eyelid, leaving me, scarred for life. Thank God, he did not cut out my right eye.
Now, as an adult, I am diagnosed with an ANA positive auto immune disease, and then in need of taking plaquanuel, which causes eye damage. So people are always trying to come after my beautiful eyes. I believe that my eyes meant to share my story and that is where all of this began.
I started taking photos of the animals in my home, my baby dolls, and any type of beautiful nature I could get my hands on. As digital photography became more of a popular thing around my high school days I was able to really advance with my hobby. taking photography classes in high school along with the popular YouTube and online resources coming available I was able to really teach myself some amazing things about documenting my life.
My clients have become an extension of my life story, a branch if you could say that I am able to touch through creating lifelong memories for each and everyone of them. The children that I capture become part of my heart. They steal my love!! well actually I give it willingly and through sharing joy and laughter we are able to create these lifelong memories that each family cherishes. Many of my art pieces become wall art, profile page portraits on Instagram, Facebook, and most importantly prints that lasts longer than life.
Because we were on such a low income and I was able to understand the fact that film and photography was an expensive hobby to experience. I started my packages extremely low while building my business. I wanted to make sure that many of the families I was around had the opportunity to have beautiful photos. After this, I decided to just have a wide range of packages so everyone had the availability to book with me. I didn’t want to turn away people because of their financial status. I felt that that always held me back, so I didn’t want to hold any other families back. I very frequently give when guided to and love to share my talents with those around me.
Once I had my children, my photography really started to advance my kids, friends, and family wanted me to document more and more of their lives as well. During this time I was documenting a lot of my current lifestyle through film and digital art, but didn’t share it so much. I have a huge backlog of content. I’m actually in the works of writing a book in coming out with a more larger platform for my clients, friends and family. Let’s look forward to more growth coming soon.
Some days I sit down over by the beach, preferably my Manhattan Beach and from the sand, I document the surfers. This is my ZEN place. I put my headphones on and listen to some beautiful music while capturing the surfers in motion writing the wave. I love the water and I love the beach. I love all the God is created here for us and I try to capture it to the most beautiful essence possible.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like everything I have had learning lessons along the way, but I have been blessed with the amazing people. My clients have become like family. So even though the road have had its highs and a few lows I feel so blessed to have been on this journey. A big struggle back in the day was the cost of gear. I would have to work very hard to save up to buy all the equipment, but luckily, I was young and eager and full of energy so it worked well for me. I have a beautiful collection of gear that I have accumulated over the years along with have gotten to try out some pretty awesome brands. I used to shoot Sony and Canon but now at this point, I’m only using Cannon gear. I really love my 85 and the portrait that it creates along with my 35 but my favorite versatile lens is the 24 to 70 which I use most frequently. Of course, when they come out with new things, I always want to try them like when they had the option to go mirrorless. I did try this for a few years. It was beautiful, but I love the look of my full frame digital. dlsr.
When I had my children, my schedule became a little more limited, but I did build a big chunk of my clientele through my mommy and me classes. I was very social and love to get my kids out and play so this was the perfect place for me to collect New clients.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is a source of immense joy for me, as I have successfully maintained a harmonious balance between work and play, allowing me to truly love what I do. As a lifestyle digital photographer with a specialization in documentation, I am recognized for my exceptional skills and unique approach. I am particularly proud of my ability to adapt to a diverse range of family types, which is reflected in my extensive and varied client base.
What distinguishes me from other photographers is my commitment to being budget-friendly while maintaining a warm and approachable demeanor. I find it easy to establish rapport with clients, and children, in particular, are naturally drawn to me. Often, after family sessions, clients express their appreciation in a lighthearted manner, saying they wish they could take me home with them.
In the realm of newborn photography, I have earned the affectionate nickname “the baby whisperer,” as infants rarely cry or fuss during my sessions. Mothers frequently share how their babies are often fussy and difficult, yet they remain calm and content with me. I view this ability as a God-given talent, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to share it with others.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my most cherished childhood memories is attending to my baby dolls in my playhouse. I found immense joy in playing house, imagining the future, and envisioning the many babies I would care for and nurture. With multiple dolls arranged throughout my playhouse, I cared for each with grace and ease, delighting in the pretend world I created.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.christenwebbphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christenwebbphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristenWebbPhotography/
- Youtube: https://share.google/cJmU5iUgyNl8oEcpY
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/christen-webb-photography-santa-clarita-2
- Soundcloud: https://www.yelp.com/biz/christen-webb-photography-torrance-4?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
