Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Soto.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Christine. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Having owned a camera as far back as I can remember, I grew up taking pictures with point-and-shoot cameras, progressing to “fancier” film cameras as marriage and children came along. I ventured into the world of digital photography in 2009, and quickly began taking photographs for family and friends who fell in love with my style. My photography business grew naturally from that experience. I dabbled in many different genres of photography, and enjoyed them all. Through the years, though, I really settled into my niche–families, children, and events. This remains the bulk of my photography.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road to where I am now has had both challenges and rewards. Never having started a business, I jumped into the deep end of getting my business off the ground–licenses, finances, gear, website, marking. Many of these areas were completely new to me, and I’m still learning my way as technology changes. I wouldn’t trade any of the challenges, though, because the rewards of being a business owner and being proud of my work outweigh those challenges!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I love working with families, building rapport with the children and capturing their beautiful candid moments. Within this genre, I have unique experience with hard-to-capture kids (those wiggly ones who won’t sit still, or who don’t want to pose) and special-needs kids. Both of these types of kids are represented in my four sons, one of whom has autism, and all of whom have had “adventures” I could write a book about! In these special sessions, I’m known for taking the time needed to work with these amazing kids, working within their comfort zone to capture images that Dad and Mom will treasure.
Also, because I’ve been surrounded by males most of my life, I’ve developed a solid reputation for high school guys’ senior portrait sessions. I realize guys don’t generally like having their picture taken, but I have a knack for working with them to get great shots. In addition to these one-on-one sessions, and because I want to keep photography affordable for my clients, I love doing student sessions in groups. These are fast-paced sessions with any number of students, they’re a lot of fun, and parents come away with several images from which to choose print products.
Capturing candid moments ties in with event photography, where I love shooting typically from a guest’s perspective to create beautiful images. I’ve photographed everything from surprise birthday parties, to mother/daughter conferences, baby’s homecoming, and high school football games (a personal favorite!).
In all of my photography, I’m most proud of those photographs I really had to work for. One that stands out is a little three-year-old sister who walked into the portrait area at an event I was shooting; she had her arms crossed and a scowl on her face, determined not to smile or pose. After engaging her in fun, silly conversation, she ended up in her seat, giving her older sister a sweet, messy kiss. That photograph remains one of my favorites!
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was an introverted, shy girl who wouldn’t even talk to her teachers! I was studious, and loved to read. I also developed many interests which I carried into my adult life, including gardening, pottery and photography, and love of sports.
My personality really developed after my family moved from the east coast to the Chicago area, and I had to acclimatize to a Midwest lifestyle. I was still introverted–even am to this day–but I learned to engage with people, conquer my fear of new places and things, and gain confidence as I matured.
Pricing:
- Lifestyle sessions starting at $90.
- Mini sessions starting at $60.
- Custom quotes for group sessions and events.
Contact Info:
- Address: Bolingbrook, IL
- Website: www.ceeanne.com
- Phone: 630-399-4430
- Email: ceeannephoto@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceeanne14/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CeeAnnePhoto/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/christine-anne-photography-bolingbrook
Image Credit:
Christine Anne Photography
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