Christina Esselman Photography

Triplets!

2010-04-18T18:23:00.001-05:00

Thankfully this wasn't my session and I wasn't paid. I could not get a decent pic of one of the girls. Triplets are HARD. But they are OH SO CUTE!

Bridal Portraits

2010-04-17T19:54:00.000-05:00

Morgan and I had a great time with this session. It was my first bridal session in a long time. I look forward to doing more though, so tell your friends about us!

Downtown with Morgan

2010-04-03T13:08:00.000-05:00

This is my partner for weddings and events. Morgan Evans aka Allie O. Photography. We had a blast getting some head shots for her website.

Testing...

2010-04-01T13:05:00.000-05:00

I rented a lens this weekend and practiced on my sweet friend, Conleigh. Now, I just HAVE to have that lens.

Ellis County Youth Expo

2010-03-31T13:11:00.000-05:00

Took some shots at the Ellis County Youth Expo today. I had a great time and learned a lot too!

(Behind the scenes)

"In The Kitchen" Session

2010-03-28T06:54:00.002-05:00

Thank you, Maria for a first! I loved doing the "In the Kitchen" session with you and your kiddos!

Maria wanted black and white photos of her kids playing with food, to hang in her kitchen. We had a blast. It was messy, but so much fun!

Twins, again!

2010-02-22T22:05:00.003-06:00

Here's a few shots that Morgan got. Enjoy your second preview!

(click the picture to view larger)

Twins!

2010-02-21T16:25:00.006-06:00

This weekend, Morgan and I got to photograph Eva & Drew's first birthday. They are so precious! And their mom threw a great party! Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your special day.

(click the picture to view it larger)

Photo Editing

2010-02-09T11:31:00.002-06:00

I'm going to offer photo editing. If you'd like to have me edit a photo for you. Please send an email to Christina@christinacaptureslife.com. Include the photo and what you would like done to it. If you trust me, you can just let me do it the way I do my own photos. :D Prices will vary so email for a quote. Have a great day!

You will need paypal to pay for this service.

Team Cayman!

2010-01-30T13:04:00.008-06:00

I will be donating 10% of my sales on sessions and prints purchased in the month of March to Team Cayman. If you'd like to help out team Cayman, book your session soon!

New for 2010!

2010-01-01T09:38:00.001-06:00

I am very pleased to have a NEW BUSINESS PARTNER for the New Year!

Christina Captures Life will be teaming up with Allie O. Photography for WEDDING & EVENT Photography. With Morgan and I working in tandem, our diverse styles will provide an even GREATER VARIETY to our customers! Stay tuned for more info.

Giveaways

2009-12-08T09:49:00.002-06:00

What do you think about me doing one giveaway a month? Would you be interested in that? I could offer 50% off my session fee, once in a while offer a FREE session and maybe even other things. I'm going to make a poll. So please, give me your vote!

December sessions are limited. Only ONE more weekend available. (December 19 & 20) Call and book your appointment now, while my December specials are still going on!

Sitting Fee: $75

Sitting Fee & High Res DVD: $175

DVD of images from a past session: $100

Answered Prayer

2009-11-13T08:22:00.003-06:00

Many years ago in church, the pastor was discussing gifts that God has given people. I went down to the front during prayer and prayed to myself. I asked God what my gift was. I asked this silently, where no one could hear me. A minute or so later, someone came up to me, put their hand on me and told me, "You are to heal those who have been wounded by life". I have kept that with me ever since but never knew what it was I should do. Is that it? Heal those who have been wounded by life? Isn't that everyone, in a way? What did that mean? Maybe this man was cooky and just saying whatever he wanted to say? Although, he couldn't have known what I was praying about, he still answered my question. I've never healed anyone.

About a year ago, I realized I have a talent for taking pictures. Sure, it's nothing important enough to grant anyone eternal life, it's something material and we won't be taking pictures with us to the grave. But I enjoy it and I'm good at it. Especially child photography. So one evening, I began to pray, asking God how I could use this talent for Him. I went to bed and woke up to an email message from someone I didn't know. I had been a member of a message board for photographers and I suppose she saw my pics and wanted to tell me something. In this message she told me about The Littlest Heroes Project.
Quoted from their website
"Our mission at The Littlest Heroes Project is to help provide and capture memories for families who are dealing with hectic schedules due to having a child who is suffering from a serious illness or life altering disability."

Was that an answer to the prayer I prayed the night before? At the time, I was overwhelmed. Wondering if it was a coincidence? Could it be that God answered me through that email? Was I to join this project and help those little children and their families by capturing special moments that they were too busy or too sad to think of capturing? Could pictures help heal people? I know that when I look at pictures of my children from years ago, it makes my heart feel good. Not quite "healing" but it does bring me joy.
I looked into the project and thought it was a wonderful thing. Then doubt really crept in. Maybe I'm not good enough. Maybe I'm seeing things that aren't really there. At the time I wasn't charging for my services but spent a lot of time out taking pictures and editing and sitting in front of the computer learning more about what I loved to do. This kept me away from my family and my husband didn't understand why I was doing this for free. I thought, surely I can't sign up for something that would take me away from my family even more and I would not be paid. My husband wants me to start charging people, and this just couldn't work out. I'd be out taking pictures for families in need on top of doing it for free for friends. Over time, I completely forgot about The Littlest Heroes Project.

Fast forward to the present...
My husband and I were driving down some back roads, I'm scoping out new locations cause now I'm charging people and booking sessions. It's a real business for me. I remembered The Littlest Heroes Project. I had told my husband about it before but I think he completely forgot about it. So, I told him again. "Remember when I prayed and got that email about the project where you take pictures of sick children and you do it for free to help the families out? Maybe I should do that." He thought it sounded good. I told him about praying one night and waking up to the email message. He told me, "God answered your prayer.". He told me I should get involved. And we talked a little more about it and that was it. I still wasn't sure. I knew I wanted to, but I don't know if I'd be good enough. Later that evening we had our last football gathering for one of my son's football team. We were cooking hot dogs and chit chatting. A dad of one of the boys had seen my website because I had taken some pictures of the football games. He came up to me and said, "Have you ever thought about taking pictures of terminally ill children?" I about fell out! Chills went all over me. My husband jumped up from his seat and said, "That's how you know!!". There's no way it is a coincidence. I know this now. A man I had never spoken to, had only seen at games and a practice here and there, gave me conformation. I know without a doubt that God has given me this talent to help those who are hurting. I would love to be a part of something so great. I want to do this.
Another quote from their site...
"We understand that in the midst of being thrown a diagnosis and having to switch from a “normal” life to a life that is totally different, and often scary, things like getting photos taken is sometimes a huge challenge and is one of the last things families are thinking about. But when everything is done, and either the child has reached the end of their battle, or has proven the odds against it many wish they had more time to stop, and capture the journey that they lived through for so long."

Please pray for me in this journey. I know without a doubt that there is a God and He does answer prayers. Even if your stubborn and don't listen the first time, He will continue to give you conformation until you stop and listen to Him.

For more information on The Littlest Heroes Project visit their website.

http://www.littlestheroesproject.org/

I hope to be a part of this very soon.

Watson Boys

2009-11-01T19:06:00.004-06:00

Look at these handsome little boys! I had so much fun spending time with them. We made a day of it and got some cute shots! Thank you so much Kelli for letting me photograph your cuties!! Hope you like your preview.

And look, I sort of straightened that crooked car. haha!!

Crabtree Maternity Part 1

2009-10-29T08:27:00.004-05:00

Thank you April! I had so much fun doing these shots. Can't wait to do the family session on Friday.

The Garber Family

2009-10-27T21:02:00.002-05:00

Thank you so much for letting me photograph your beautiful family. I hope you enjoy your preview.

Humphreys Kiddos!

2009-10-26T12:39:00.003-05:00

Thank you Dustin, Austin, Bridger & Alyssa for being so good during your session. I had a lot of fun with you guys! And thank you Tiffany for letting me work with your children.

Abby

2009-10-25T13:26:00.003-05:00

I had such a great time with Amanda and Abby. Abby is a doll. And seriously, the BEST baby! Thanks so much, Amanda!

The first and last pics on here are 10x20 story boards.

I also did this one with a pink background. I can add her name to it, too.

Steele Family

2009-10-21T10:46:00.004-05:00

The Steele family got to be the first session where I used my new camera. I enjoyed spending the afternoon with them. I just wish I 'knew' my camera better.

More cards!!

2009-10-13T10:11:00.002-05:00

Hope to have more in the next few weeks.

Fenton

2009-10-13T07:14:00.002-05:00

It was cloudy, cold and on the verge of raining during our session but we made it through. These are some great kids!

Sample Christmas Cards

2009-10-09T09:24:00.004-05:00

Here's a preview of some Christmas cards I'll be offering. I plan to offer more designs too. Keep watching my blog!!

Front:
Back:
Front:
Back:
Front:
Back:

Holiday Mini Sessions

2009-10-09T07:30:00.004-05:00

I'm planning to do some holiday mini sessions. These can be your fall pictures, pictures for your Christmas cards or just some regular ol' pictures to print and frame. I'm excited because I've never done this before. And hoping it will be a success! I haven't set up dates yet but I do have most of the details worked out.

HOLIDAY MINI SESSIONS
(20-30 minutes)
$50

Up to 3 people. More people are welcome but will you will need to book a second session so that we have enough time. Session includes 5-10 images in an online gallery with 10% off prints, 1 5x7 and 8 wallets.

The first 3 people to sign up will also receive 1 - 8x10.

Holiday Cards will be available for order. Look for examples to be posted on my blog soon!

(contact me for more details)

Miss Avery

2009-09-29T08:42:00.004-05:00

I had the pleasure of taking pictures for a friend of mine this past weekend. I had a great time. My favorite pics ended up being the one's not posed. As always. Anyway, here's a few from the session.

Candy

2009-09-11T13:24:00.003-05:00

Just some candy. Mmmm...

Cambrynn - 6 Months

2009-08-07T21:56:00.003-05:00

I finally had another shoot! It's been a LONG time. I'm a little rusty, but I had fun and I'm ready to do it again. Thanks Brandi and Cambrynn!

Mmm.. cotton candy!

2009-04-29T11:09:00.000-05:00

Baby B Again!

2009-03-19T09:17:00.004-05:00

I got to go back and take pics of Baby B again. He's gotten so big and he's still SO cute!! I had a good time. And even got paid! Even though I didn't ask for payment. Too cool! Thanks Camille for inviting me into your home and letting me use all your wonderful props. :D

Smarties

2009-03-11T11:07:00.000-05:00

A post dedicated to one of my favorite candies. Mmm...

Pretty Pink Party

2009-03-11T11:06:00.000-05:00

Ooh, I love Spring!

2009-03-11T11:03:00.000-05:00

Silhouettes

2009-03-11T11:00:00.006-05:00

Puppy Portraits

2009-03-05T10:58:00.000-06:00

Whispery White

2009-03-03T10:55:00.000-06:00

Naturey Stuff

2009-03-01T21:51:00.001-06:00

Butterfly

2009-02-27T19:31:00.001-06:00

24/365 They're Home!

2009-02-17T15:50:00.001-06:00

My kids came home today. Minus one. Kyndal is staying with my aunt in OK. After they got home, Caleb rang the doorbell and this is what I saw. SWEETNESS!!

Exploring

2009-02-16T14:58:00.002-06:00

While the kids were away, Jarrett took me exploring. And of course, I brought my camera.

22/365 Grocery Store

2009-02-11T23:22:00.003-06:00

So today I kept myself busy with something other than photography. Can you believe it? Anyhoo... I just snapped this at the grocery store. As soon as I sat down to take the pic, she started coming toward me. Oh well, I got a shot in.

21/365 Noisy

2009-02-10T13:13:00.002-06:00

In low light I have to raise my ISO which makes more noise in the pics.

Sometimes noise looks good in a black and white photo. Like the one here.

20/365 Blurry Bubble

2009-02-09T23:49:00.003-06:00

She's sick of the camera. Wouldn't be still so I snapped as fast as I could and it came out blurry. That's what I get for waiting too late in the day to take my 365 pic.

19/365 Candids

2009-02-08T21:15:00.002-06:00

365 of my kids is a tough one. I'm finding myself just following them around with my camera, hoping to get a decent shot for the day. I couldn't decide which one to upload so I just did both. :D

18/365 A Little Camo

2009-02-07T17:46:00.002-06:00

Just a little...

Nobody wanted their pics taken today so I snapped this one real quick.

17/365 Leg Warmers

2009-02-06T13:34:00.001-06:00

Thank goodness I have a practice pair, huh? They aren't perfect but I think I know what to do next time. I can't wait to make the good ones. I need more socks and less kids in my way. HAHA!

16/365 - Caleb

2009-02-05T19:14:00.001-06:00

I think Karly really wanted to be in the pic today.

15/365- Connor's Turn

2009-02-04T16:25:00.002-06:00

14/365

2009-02-04T09:15:00.001-06:00

Karly got a new frisbee today. The weather is so nice right now too. Lovin' it!!

Going for a retro/vintage look. I think I succeeded. :D

L's Mini Session

2009-02-04T09:12:00.001-06:00

I got to babysit this little cutie today. So of course I stuck her in front of the camera. She wasn't feeling well so we only did a few shots. Just had to share!

My Best Friend's Family Pics

2009-02-02T21:20:00.003-06:00

13/365

2009-02-02T19:12:00.003-06:00

My 365 and some extras...sometimes you gotta click to make them larger for better viewing. :D

12/365 Let's pretend it's summer...

2009-01-29T16:25:00.003-06:00

Picking back up where I left off on my 365. Things have been crazy, and now it's getting back to normal. Thank goodness!

Ice Storm 2009

2009-01-29T16:20:00.000-06:00

Self Portraits

2009-01-23T22:25:00.003-06:00

Kyndal

2009-01-20T18:36:00.001-06:00

Big Sis,Conleigh

2009-01-20T18:04:00.002-06:00

I love this child. She was all about being in front of the camera. What more could I ask for? I hope she gets to come back and let me practice on her some more. We had to cut our session short due to her mother having a baby!!! Btw, baby is beautiful and I can't wait to practice on her either.

11/365

2009-01-13T08:20:00.001-06:00

Sundays are video game days. And lately I haven't been in the mood to take pics so I'm using snapshots as my 365. Hoping I'll get back in the swing of things soon.

10/365

2009-01-13T08:19:00.001-06:00

Kyndal played her very first basketball game today. Yes, my shy Kyndal got out there on the court and DID IT! She had a great time too. :D

9/365

2009-01-09T17:51:00.001-06:00

Couldn't find any shade today. The wind was crazy.And Karly would barely look at me. Maybe the 365 project isn't such a great idea. :/

8/365

2009-01-09T17:48:00.001-06:00

Wow. I don't like photographing basketball. I stink at it. Trying NOT to use flash. I seriously need to read up a bit on this.

7/365

2009-01-07T19:52:00.002-06:00

6/365

2009-01-06T22:16:00.002-06:00

I had a visitor come over just as I was getting ready to do my shots for the day so I had to make it quick. I had hoped to get something a little better than this, but it'll do. She's cute enough. :D

Throwing in an extra pic. It's a little bit too high key but I still like it.

Crazy Texas Weather

2009-01-05T16:18:00.001-06:00

Just a couple of days ago it was 84 degrees.

5/365 Back To School

2009-01-05T16:16:00.000-06:00

Just Boots

2009-01-05T16:15:00.000-06:00

4/365

2009-01-04T19:24:00.001-06:00

I was running out of time to get a pic today so I did this real quick.

3/365

2009-01-03T14:26:00.001-06:00

This one definitely looks better larger, so click it and see it big. I chose this because it makes me happy to see my kids having fun. Lord knows I need something to make me happy today.

2/365 Their Feet

2009-01-02T13:01:00.000-06:00

What A Way To Start 2009!

2009-01-01T20:30:00.004-06:00

Sweet!!!

1/365

I've joined in on Project 365. Where I will be taking a picture every day for one year. Instead of just random objects or self portraits, I decided I'll use my kids. It may just be one kid, it may be two, or even all of them. We'll just see how it goes. I'd like to do all of them every day, but I don't think with their busyness and my laziness, that will work out.

Dead Peppers

2008-12-31T15:38:00.003-06:00

With the Coffeeshop Attic Vintage action and rounded corners.

And SOOC

Dead Marigolds

2008-12-31T15:21:00.002-06:00

New Self Portrait

2008-12-29T21:28:00.001-06:00

What's Left

2008-12-18T00:19:00.000-06:00

Still Learning

2008-12-08T16:12:00.000-06:00

I learned how to do this today. :D

I have a problem. An addiction, I guess.

2008-12-04T10:53:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of having my camera. In one year, I have 20348 shutter releases. That's CRAZY.

Fruit

2008-12-03T15:48:00.003-06:00

For a challenge - bokeh
* Now changed to Shallow DOF but it still works.

Self Portraits, Again

2008-11-27T23:06:00.005-06:00

Since the kids have been gone, I haven't had much to practice on but myself. These are not as good as I'd like them to be, but it's tough taking a picture of myself. I can't get the focus right.

Self Portrait

2008-11-12T15:27:00.001-06:00

#3 of my 52 pieces of me challenge. I used to LOVE doing gymnastics. I still do but I can't do all the really fun stuff anymore.

LEVI'S

2008-11-05T21:29:00.002-06:00

Made this little billboard at bighugelabs.com. Love that site.

Before & After

2008-10-30T17:08:00.001-05:00

Not In The Mood

2008-10-30T13:23:00.000-05:00

Template Action

2008-10-24T08:15:00.002-05:00

A NEW action! It makes these templates. How cool is that? I was so excited that Rita needed another tester for PSE. It works great. The hard part is deciding which pics I want to use. I can't wait to use this again. I've been sick all week so I haven't gotten out with the camera much. Anyway, just wanted to share. If you have Photoshop or Photoshop Elements go see The Coffee Shop blog and get yourself some really great actions.

Fauxtobooth

2008-10-14T17:01:00.002-05:00

As sort of a challenge, I had to make one of these. It's ok, I guess. I'm a dork. Fauxtobooth

Baby B

2008-10-06T15:06:00.006-05:00

I got to photograph my first baby!! It was so exciting and if I ever do make money at this, I'm hiring his mom to help me out. Seriously, she was great!

Playing with shutter speed

2008-10-03T13:28:00.002-05:00

My kids give me ideas. I don't know why Connor made this, but when I saw it, I stole it. He just colored the back of a styrofoam plate.

I grabbed my camera and set my shutter speed really slow to get this blurred effect. So cool. That was a good 10 minutes of camera fun.

April

2008-09-19T07:57:00.005-05:00

Did a practice session with April yesterday. I'm pleased with the results. I took over 200 pictures, but have about 105 to give her. I guess that's OK. I'd rather have more good SOOC shots, but whatever. A lot of the ones I shot were practice shots, trying to get my settings right. I must say, it's more difficult shooting adults. Trying to find poses and places around here that work with adults. Kids are pretty easy. Maybe cause I've got so many and lots of practice with kids. :D
Thanks for letting me practice on you April. The pictures I give you will not have the watermark.

Moon

2008-09-15T21:57:00.002-05:00

My first attempt at shooting the moon. It's not quite what I was hoping for. I need to read more and learn what to do to get it right. Sharing the pic anyway, since it's been a while.

First Football Game

2008-09-08T20:45:00.002-05:00

Cole & Max

2008-08-29T20:46:00.005-05:00

Thanks to Melissa for letting me practice on these cuties!

The Wedding

2008-08-25T17:54:00.005-05:00

Photographing A Pout

2008-08-21T15:07:00.002-05:00

The day started off pretty good.

My NEW bag came today!!

2008-08-15T11:19:00.004-05:00

I ordered my bag a few days ago and it's already here! I'm so in LOVE with this bag. I had no idea it would be so roomy. From the description on her site, I thought all my stuff would fit and that's it. But I still have room for more lenses or a flash or whatever else. YAY!! What do you think? Is it CUTE or what??

Oh and you can see my super cute new neck strap in this pic! Got it from Etsy.

Kyndal, again

2008-08-13T20:16:00.002-05:00

Playing with Kyndal

2008-08-12T10:24:00.002-05:00

This would be a cute pic if she hadn't had dirt on her forehead. That comes with babysitting your little sister at football practice.

I used the Powder Room action on her. It softens the skin and brightens the eyes. And probably does more that I haven't used yet. I love this action!!! If you have Photoshop or Photoshop Elements you can get it at Coffee Shop Photography.

Bubbles!

2008-08-09T23:05:00.004-05:00

I took Karly out this evening to play with her bubbles. *So I could play with my camera. I'm excited about how these turned out. I'm not sure why. Maybe the bright colors?

More Actions!!

2008-08-06T11:59:00.003-05:00

Adding one more... we've got snow! How cool!

I've got to get up! I am having too much fun here and geez, it's already 12 o'clock!!

My first try at actions

2008-08-06T11:28:00.002-05:00

SOOC (has black spots from dust on my sensor- I fixed that btw)

Slightly edited
Orton Effect w/ contrast
I still like the original a LOT, but these actions are too cool. I just need more practice.

Woohoo! Actions for Elements!

2008-08-06T07:20:00.003-05:00

And it's free!! If you have Photoshop or Photoshop Elements you can get these actions for free. Go on over to Coffee Shop Photography and download them. I've been looking for something for elements for a while now. I'm so excited!!! If you use them, share your photos with me.

Backroads

2008-08-03T22:05:00.001-05:00

Tin Man

B&W Bicycle

2008-07-29T19:07:00.003-05:00

Don't you love his boots?

Karly saw this picture and said, "That's me, riding my bicycle?" I said, yes. She said, "I'm a little girl?"

Wonder what she thought she was?

A Barn

2008-07-28T14:59:00.001-05:00

Seriously, I need to get out and get some better pictures. A barn? Really? This is what you get to look at today. You're welcome.