Dare to get “glamified”

You have spent countless hours searching for the perfect dress that you will wear only for a fraction of the time you spent looking for it. So…I DARE you…no DOUBLE DOG DARE you to take photos with your dress on prior to the wedding day. Still not convinced? What if I told you that I will throw in a FREE “mini session” of your choice when booking with the fabulous Camilla Orosco to do your makeup on your wedding day. Why not show off the fierce “new look” on the day of your test run by having me take your photos. Not only do you get a glimpse of what your hair and makeup will look like on the big day…but you get an incredible mini session with yours truly. Still not convinced you need a makeup artist? Let’s face it…professional makeup = professional photographs and what better way to pamper yourself and be “glamified” (my personal made up word) on the day of your wedding. I DARE you.

(Photo: Camilla adding the final touches to Cissy's makeup before our shoot.)

Cissy looking fierce downtown.



Then off to Alberton's Park in Boise where Cissy is looking so Elegant.




Cissy was married last weekend in McCall...stay tuned for some more photos of her wedding day! Thanks Cissy- you were a gem to work with!!

a man's best friend...

So, while I was in Colombia I was walking with my sister and came upon this scene. I saw each boy at one end of a puppy as they tried lifting him.

I couldn't help but snap a few shots. They discovered me with their wide grins and I continued to watch them play.


Then I watched them wrestle, kiss, hug, and "play" with their little best friend.



Was this dog being tortured?

...but then I got a closer look and could see how happy he was to have his new little friends. I guess too much attention is better then no attention right?

It was pretty cute. A man's (child's) best friend...no matter where you are in the world.

It's a blogger blog world.

Amy and Matt are yet in the blogs again... featuring for their famous Krispy Kreme donuts- Brenda's Wedding Blog spotlighted their unique and very deliscous choice. Brenda's site is fabulous and complete- check it out.

Also, Andri from Always Andri Wedding Design from London also has fabulous ideas worth checking out and even featured a photo of Amy and Matt on her blog.

For the Wedding Planners out there: Both these blogs and sites are great to look at for ideas and inspiration for any upcoming event! Happy Planning!

My favoritist (not a word I know) thing about this couple's wedding was the awesome wardrobe that was worn by them and the wedding party. Hopefully you are not sick of these two yet because there is more of their day-before-session to come!!!

Road Trip!

On our sweet road trip to Oregon we noticed that there was NOTHING but I mean NOTHING but road for miles! So, naturally, we did what any couple would do and decided to take a break. We carefully set my camera on the hood of the car and began to shoot sequences of us dancing and jumping in the deserted road. So, this photo led to another photo…

then another…

then another…

and then 50 shots later we got this lovely shot!

I think we only got one good photo of us BOTH up in the air. All in the name of PHOTOGRAPHY.

I heart ROCK n ROLL BRIDE

I heart Rocknrollbride.com because the weddings that are shown are so...funky...and so...rock n roll... I love it!!! Where were you when I was planning a wedding??? You are the dopesickest wedding site ever and I am so glad you are here for all my brides to get ideas and inspiration!!!

So, I was absolutely honored when Kat asked to use some of my photos of Amy and Matt for her site...so check out Skater Chick post to see my photos!!! I will be posting some of my favorites from this wedding real soon! YAY!

"Trash the Dress"...your dress says so.

Dear Bride,
It seems you have forgotten all about me. I used to be “the perfect one” and we spent one blissful day together. Now it seems you have forgotten all about me. Shoved in a dark and dingy closet… I live waiting… hoping... for you to take me out and put me on again. Please call Cristi Dame to capture the moments we shared together before I fade away. Schedule a "Trash the Dress" or "Fashion Session" ASAP before I begin to wither away. (sob)
Yours Truly,
Your wedding dress (your long lost friend)

i love my dog.

Okay- so, this post may seem like I am obsessed with my dog...but I do love dogs in general...and have been visiting my dad in Bogota, Colombia for the past week and was listening to some Cat Stevens as I gazed out the window of a bus at the passing green farmland... Cat Stevens just seemed to fit my mood and this song came on. It made me miss my dog...his name is EL Guapo (the handsome one)
(Photo of El Guapo taken sometime last year while on a walk)


"I Love my Dog" By Cat Stevens
I love my dog as much as I love you
But you may fade, my dog will always come through.

All he asks from me is the food to give him strength
All he ever needs is love and that he knows he'll get

Chorus

All the pay I need comes shining through his eyes
I dont need no cold water to make me realize that

I love my dog as much as I love you
But you may fade, my dog will always come through.

Na, na, na, na, na, na, nana...

and pretty much repeats the chorus over and over. Gotta love the “Na Na Na" part - What a rad yet random song. Cat Stevens is a genius!

The three-year-old window.

When working with a three year old…there is always a window…if you blink…it’s over.

This is Chloe…she is a spunky three-year old who loves the camera and I LOVED taking photos of her last November.


We started strong…she posed…trying to put her foot up against the wall (adorable) and was what we say in Spanish- Pura modela (pure model) Note: I am in Colombia right now so my mind is thinking Spanish.


Once the window of time was up...we knew it was time to change it up.



It was uncomfortably cold for the poor little Nena (once again…Spanish on the brain) So, we had to pull out the good old bag of tricks…TICKLE MONSTER.


Play into her “DOGGY GAME”


“Don’t you dare give me a smile”- REVERSE PSYCHOLOGY...


Then through the viewfinder I saw this look. Her face in this last photo is telling me everything… it was time…the window was gone.

wrinkly feet.

Why are we born with wrinkly feet?




Photos taken one year ago of sweet Gracie and her momma Diana. She was only a few weeks old. Newbies are pretty dang cute...with or without wrinkles!

Graduated. Freedom.

After three INSANE years…graduation arrived this May. (this is a little late I know) For the last three years, I have been working on my Masters in counseling and hope to incorporate art and photography in therapy to provide an outlet for young people to be able to express themselves. Art/photography seems to capture a feeling that words can not do justice and I love being able to use photography in my work.

So, I am now free... free at last...from homework checklists, vending machine dinners, extra strength deodorant (worn on exam days), and juggling… juggling my insanely busy life. I am a FREE woman!!! So, my new years resolution…(oops-beginning in July) is to clean out my external hardrive and desktop ( both can’t seem to hold another image) and post these “forgotten photos"… and I mean posting often. I want this to be a place you look forward to visiting and escaping through photos and simple thoughts. I love hearing from you so- PALEEESSEEE leave comments!

COUPON: If you are a bride to be or a client to be- subscribe and make comments to this blog and receive 10% off your total package. Offer good for the rest of the year 2009!!! New Year Resolutions can start any time of the year right?

FREEDOM.

free·dom: n 1. a state in which somebody is able to ACT and LIVE as he or she chooses, without being subject to any, or to any undue, restraints and restrictions 2. the RIGHT to SPEAK or act without restriction, interference, or FEAR 3. the ability to exercise FREE WILL and make CHOICES independently of any external determining force.



Dear USA,
While visiting my little sis in New York...I saw a your flag floating down the street in a sea full of people. So, naturally, I followed it to see where it was going. How beautiful those red, white, and, blue colors floated carelessly through the streets of downtown New York City. A man held tightly to the flag while a group of tourists followed faithfully behind him. It left an impression... watching those people scurry to keep up with their only point of reference...your flag. It remiinded me how grateful I am for our nations freedoms. I promise to not take for granted the opportunities you offer us each and every day. Thank you for letting me live here.
Yours truly,
-cristi dame

Amy {hearts} Heath and Heath {hearts} Amy.

[LOVE} n
To have an intense feeling of tender affection and compassion.





I LOVE { LOVE}. ;)

Amy and Matt Sneak Peak...Part I

Well…wedding season has officially begun and seems like forever since I have posted on the blog… so, I thought I would give you a little flavor of what is to come this season. This is Amy and Matt and I shot their wedding in California a few weeks ago! Stay tuned for more photos of this adorable couple and their wedding coming real soon!

A Soiree Birthday Giveaway!

Someone is having a birthday!!! Brandi Reiland (the fabulous owner of Soiree Wedding and Event Planning) is having a birthday today!!! To celebrate, she is offering a day of coordination service (up to $800 value) for the 2010 season!!! Why not have an expert help ensure you have a smooth and fabulous wedding day! So, you must not miss this opportunity... hurry and go now to Brandi's Blog for all the details on how to enter and win!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRANDI!!!!

The Windows to the SOUL.

They say: "Eyes are the windows to the soul." I couldn’t help but title this image that.

Doesn’t this photo leave you wondering what he is thinking…what is his story? What is he trying to tell us without words? The cool part about photography is that you get to choose the story- so, I want to know some of your thoughts…IF YOU ARE READING THIS (all four of you)…YOU MUST WRITE YOUR THOUGHT IN A COMMENT: in one statement…what do you think this boy is saying or thinking? Have it be the first thing that comes to your mind…can be ANYTHING...okay I will go first…first thing that pops into my mind is: “ Enjoy being present every moment.” Hmmmm…wise kid. Okay now you try. Lets see how different each person's perception is! I love to get comments!

P.S.
Well, the time has come…I am working on (as we speak) an “Art Gallery” for my personal work where one can purchase different products. This addition will be available JUNE 2009!!! What are projective cards??? Wait for the next post and I will explain! ;)

ATTENTION ALL SENIORS!!!

ATTENTION ALL UPCOMING SENIORS!!! I am now accepting 2009/2010 Senior Applications to become a Cristi Dame Photography SENIOR SPOKESMODEL with the opportunity earn a FREE senior session!!! E-mail today for the application and spread the word to your friends!!! Speaking of friends, I am also now offering Senior Photo Parties where you can invite up to 5 of your friends to get their senior photos done at the same time for a highly discounted price! E-mail for more details!!! E-mail me at: cristi@cristidamephotography.com

HOT POPPIN'

So, I LOVE YELLOW….it’s so hot poppin’ against the brick wall! If you haven’t noticed…I LOVE bright colors and it shows in my photography! So, I was stoked to see Kim with her yellow jacket when we were shooting her senior photos! Isn’t she is such a cool girl? I loved getting to shoot her photos! Thanks Kim!

kickin' it old skool.

Not only do you get the “HOT POPPIN’” color photos but some “OLD SKOOLS” as well! I love the way an old worn faded photo feels…so, I wanted to work that into my photography designs. Austin let me play around with his senior photos to design some “old skool” photos. Here are a few in his batch! Let me know what you think! Thanks Austin!

Got Style?

This is Lif, one of the brides and faces of Cristi Dame Photography! We had a fabulous time shooting her photos downtown! Thanks Donnie Mac's for letting us use your couches! I am offering a free Fashion Shoot (like this one) when booking with Camilla and me. Included in her packages are “test runs” where I will come and shoot your photos after getting your hair and makeup done to perfect your wedding day style. She will make sure you look fabulous and I will make sure to capture it all for you to treasure forever! Five reasons to get a fashion bridal session done:
1. Less stressful of a day = better photos
2. Fresh makeup and hair = better photos
3. Fun locations = better photos
4. Funky accessories = better photos
5. Using Professional for makeup = better photos

Check out Camilla at http://www.breathtakingbycamilla.com

Sanjay and Shraddha

I was fortunate to travel to Mumbai and experience an Indian wedding! I loved wearing the Saris and having having my hands decorated with henna! It was amazing!



Meet the bride and groom Sanjay and Shraddha.

Wedding... Mumbai style.

After a night of Bollywood dancing and another night of Henna and food- the final ceremony day is here.The morning begins at Sanjay's home where his mother places his flowers over his head and drummers and dancers greet us. We begin down the road dancing and celebrating the whole way to meet his bride.

The Ceremony

Black and Whites

Despite the colorful backdrop- I had to do a few black and whites to really focus on certain focal points. Here they are a few.

India Through my Lens

Below are a few of my personal works from my trip to India. Oh how I love what I do! The wedding ceremony was three days long!!! So, editing is still in the process and photos will be up real soon I swear! The photos above were taken of me on a reflection of a large silver vase...I thought it was interesting to see how different angles would distort my image. This represents to me the different perspectives a photograph can bring. Enjoy the photos!

Train Station

Some of my favorite moments in Mumbai was hopping on trains and getting lost. Of course, I had my camera by my side at all times to capture the moments and continually found stories to document. Anyone recognize the train station from Slum Dog Millionaire?