We are so thrilled today to welcome the talented Christina Block to the Blog! Learn more about Christina in our Photographer Spotlight, then visit her at her website Christina Block Photography . Thank you so much Christina for sharing your work with us today!
Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
I think I was born loving all things creative; as far back as I can remember I always had a camera in my hand. I started to explore black & white film photography back in 2003 {while taking a local community college photography course} & that’s where my love for the dark room began. To this day I am in love with the emotion {and beauty} behind a black & white image. I often tell people that if I could shoot 100% black & white, I would.
How would you describe your photography style?
Simple. Organic. Effortless.
Did you study photography in school or are you self-taught?
A little bit of both. After I had my son, Asher, I went back to school {UNF} to work on my BFA in Photography…I had some amazing professors there that taught me a lot about photography & what makes a good image. These professors were amazing photographers themselves…so I was constantly being inspired & pushed by them. Ultimately my photography business started blooming & I had to put getting my BFA put on hold.
I have to add that I have learned so much from trail & error as well…going on a journey of sorts & letting my career take a natural progression.
What camera do you shoot with and what is your favorite lens?
I shoot primarily with my Nikon D700, and for film, I shoot with a Canon A-1. My favorite lens is the 85 mm 1.4 tied with an 85 mm tilt. The 85 is on my camera 95% of the time.
Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
Make time to shoot in all sorts of lighting…whether that is sunrise, late afternoon or evening; eventually you will realize what suits your style the best. At first I was an early shooter, I used to make my clients meet me before the sun even came up {bananas, I know} but now I love dusk. It’s amazing how the look of your images will change just by finding that light that suits your subject the best.
I tell people to shoot eggs {yes, eggs}! Shooting an egg will help you learn so much about light & the way it falls on a subject. You will learn so much about shadows & lighting and how the light can make or break the image.
What is your favorite subject to photograph and why?
Speaking personally, hands down, my son {Asher}…being able to capture those memories that I will cherish for many moons has been a blessing. The sparkle in his little eyes, his feet or the crevices on his hands…all those little details are so important for me to remember.
As far as my business goes, I adore anything lifestyle or documentary in form…I also love shooting editorials, children & any form of love in general. And I should also mention that I adore still work as well.
{That question is always a tough one for me to always answer because I honestly love it all…each shoot presents me with something different & it’s that aspect that get’s me excited.}
What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
Make time for yourself! I have always been the type of person that put’s other’s needs in front of mine. Often times churning my wheels at both ends & waking up everyday exhausted. It’s a lame {and vicious} circle.
Taking time for you will just not renew your passion for photography but it will allow you to continue making it a love, not a foe.
In the business of photography it’s hard to actually do this. For myself, being a single mama and business owner is quite tolling. We are faced with 8 million tasks at hand, but I try to remember that an over worked me will not be beneficial to anyone in the long run.
If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
Enjoy the process. I have noticed that many new photographers want the inside scoop on everything {right off the bat} & that is not only bad for you, but damages the whole process of becoming your own. I tell people all the time how many days/months I have spent becoming who I am today. Starting a photography business doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time & the reason it takes a while is because you are learning as you go. I look back on my images from years ago & cringe. It takes time to develop a personal style & look for your work and the best way to get there is to follow the process.
If you hold a true passion for photography, you WILL get there. It just takes a lot of hard work. If you are looking for an easy job, photography is not for you.
I feel like I need to be honest with people when they ask me for advice about the photography business…and I am always trying to help support other photographers. I remember being shunned off by certain photographers when I was first started out & I vowed to never be one of those people. We all started somewhere. Remember that.
What do you love most about being a photographer?
The people I meet. I can’t begin to tell you how many amazing relationships I have built through photography. Often times my clients become friends {even family} & I have met some of my best friends {other photographers} attending workshops. The core of the photography industry is filled with creative & inspiring people…I would be lost without them.
I also love watching my clients grow & bloom through the years…what may start off as an engagement shoot leads to a wedding… which leads to a baby & so forth. How awesome is it that I get to capture & be a part of all that? So blessed by that.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Oh gosh, that’s a good question. I will answer it like this…Where do I want to be in 5 years…I am hoping by that time I would have settled down & have an amazing & supportive husband {God willing}, that I would have my own natural light studio & concentrate on fine art portraiture. I have 3 words that I want for the 5-year mark: Happiness. Family. Love. {I want that}
About Christina: Owner of Christina Block Photography, Christina resides in Jacksonville, Fl & is a Mom to her precious son, Asher. Her love for photography started over 10 years ago while taking a film course at a local community college; for many years she did street work with her Canon A-1 in hand & rolls of black and white film. Film and the dark room is still her strongest passion. Christina has successfully been running her photography business over 3 years now where her concentration is in portraiture, lifestyle, commercial work and intimate weddings. Her son and life’s simple moments are by far what she holds dearest to her heart.
What gorgeous images and what a talented photographer.