Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Bradshaw.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It all happened on accident. My first camera actually was not meant for me. In 2009, when I was a senior in high school, I split the cost of a Nikon D3000 package from Costco with my father for my mother’s Christmas present. It sat for months because she never cared to learn how to use it. Which ended up being a good thing for me.
I was dating a boy at that time who was training to be a professional freestyle motocross rider. I’d go to his practices and watch him ride up a ramp, do some trick in the sky and land. He would do that over and over again for hours. So I needed something to occupy myself. I took my mother’s camera and started taking photos of him during his practices. Shortly after, I saw a photo contest on Instagram and decided that I’d give it a try. To my surprise, I won.
After that I slowly but surely started learning about the device. Many failed attempts to become a successful photographer led me to think about giving up. My friends tried to talk me out of it for weeks. They even created social media account for me and posted my work. In 2012, taking their advice, I quit school and day job for 1 whole year. Worked on building my portfolio and one thing led to another. I connected with amazing designers and vendors to capture moments that have people at a loss for words.
So here I am, it is now 2017 and I couldn’t be happier. I completed my dream, I get to take photos for a living, meet amazing people, and travel the world. Don’t ever give up, take the advice of great friends, strive for greatness and always stay humble and kind.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been everything except for a smooth road! I quit school and my day job for a whole year in order to build my portfolio. It was the most difficult year I’ve ever had. There were a couple months where I didn’t have a phone because I couldn’t afford the phone bill. On top of all that my family and other random people never supported me through it. My father wanted me to become a surgeon. So many people told me for years that I couldn’t do it. That no one makes a living from taking pictures. Proving them all wrong is definitely worth all of the struggles.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Christine Bradshaw Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
Christine Bradshaw Photography does not do just one or even two certain things. Even though we do specialize in Weddings and high couture fashion, we do everything from engagements and portraits all the way to boudoir and fashion shows. We are mostly known for our photoshop. Designer Cheri Elizabeth calls me the photoshop queen. I can do anything you want to a photo. I can take a photo of someone in the middle of summer and make it look like they were in a snow storm. I feel like that is what sets me apart from others. if they want to look a certain way or have it look like they are in the Bahamas when they are really in Palm Springs. I can easily make that happen.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I can see myself traveling the world and teaching others about photography. Maybe branching out and doing something bigger than what I’m doing now. It took me 8 years to get to where I am. Who knows what could happen in another 8 years.
Pricing:
- Weddings range from $1,200 to $3,500
- Fashion ranges from $100/hr to $300/hr
- Portraits range from $150 to $750
Contact Info:
- Website: CBradshaw.com
- Phone: 714-600-8499
- Email: christinebradshawphoto@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbradshawphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinebradshawphoto
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/christine-bradshaw-photography-huntington-beach
Image Credit:
Victoria Loera, Ally Piccirillo, Cliff Piccirillo, Scarlett Piccirillo, Darlene Solis, Jen Clement, Frankie Catalano, Cheri Elizabeth, Jena Masero, Shaina Brown, and Brandon Brown.
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