Have you ever met someone and you just knew they were going to change your life? That was immediately my sentiment the summer of 2012, after meeting Christi Williams. On the advice of my bestie Anissa, I signed up for my first pinup shoot. No experience or even a clue of how to pose, I walked in to be greeted by the brightest smile I’ve ever seen.
Right away, she introduced me to her friends who would be my hairdresser & makeup artist that afternoon. The day was flawless. I got to be a girl… laughing with everyone, trying on outfits, fulfilling a bucket list item, to feel pretty and going outside of my comfort zone. Later that day it would occur to me, I felt so beautiful inside and out.
Christi was the best teacher, guiding me thru my poses & smiles, assuring me I was doing great. It was such a validating experience. If I may say, if you are in the market for a photo shoot, I recommend you do it with Christi. I’ve done three other photo shoots with Christi over the course of the last ten years…every one going so wonderfully and me walking away feeling accomplished & confident.
I’ve left every session with more knowledge and appreciation for my inner girl But it wasn’t until February of this year (2022), that I didn’t realize how much I would need her and her photographic gifts. I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was heart broken. I was about to lose my best friends. To make lemonade out of lemons, I decided to seize the moment & make it count. Right away, I contacted Christi to share my diagnosis and asked if we could memorialize this chapter in my life.
Without hesitation, she said Let’s get you in now! Before I knew it, I was greeted with that same infectious bright smile I know her to have and have come to love. Knowing what I was about to do, I knew Christi was the person for the job. Her calm cool collect personality was exactly what I needed to pose for the images of my life. It was such a wonderful day! Her team of friends proceeded to make up my face & grace me with a beautiful hairdo.
While I got ready, Christi & my bestie Chauntee worked on picking out my outfits for the shoot. I felt so taken care of, looked after & loved by her & her team. Christi took a most vulnerable moment in my life and made it beautiful. The time she took to ensure my poses were sharp completely took the pressure off of “performing”. I have still yet to conquer the seductive eye, but she always knows the right thing to say to prompt the look she’s going for. She does not disappoint!
I want everyone to know Christi cares about her craft, she cares about you and she cares about her end product. Every photo I have taken with Christi represents a moment so special to me, and I know care was taken to make my visits the most wonderful they can be. Her guidance and specialty make her royalty in her craft. And if you ever get the chance, I say go for it. You won’t regret it. And that first part about changing your life… I guarantee you, it will.