In Their Own Words: Christina Gressianu

I started with a roll of film in 2001. I photographed a family with a new baby in Central Park in New York City. Then I shot the film and handed them the roll. It was the most fun I’d ever had making fifty bucks. After that, I tried just about every genre of photography. But I found something else along the way. Photographing women is the most rewarding work I do — in whatever state of dress or undress they prefer.

I love talking about body issues with women. It sounds crazy, but it’s always a super powerful conversation. And it’s a genre where I get to be endlessly creative.

The experience is co-creative. And every step of the way, we talk about what they like and don’t like. Their hopes and dreams for what they’d like to see play a huge part in what I photograph. So does who they’d like to be. My style can be editorial or old-masters’ painting, racy to girl-next-door, depending entirely on them.

Women who are finding a new chapter for themselves. That time of big transition is a space I’m very comfortable in. So I can be a guide through it for them.

People are so inspiring — their stories, their quirks and preferences make me see things in new ways. In fact, everything in the world influences my work. It’s like I have a giant photo album in my head of every image I’ve ever seen. And I get to draw from it.

As they get used to seeing themselves in my photos, they start to accept their own beauty. So getting to witness that is the best part.

They come to the studio for a consultation before the shoot. There, they meet me and see the space. They also learn where to park and what snacks I’ll have when they come back. So during the shoot, I let them steer. We start with the most covered-up outfit. Then they dictate what comes next.

I want every client to leave feeling like they just had the very best day.

A woman came for a boudoir session for her 70th birthday. She had some mobility issues, so we took special care of her — and she just had a blast. In fact, she was so appreciative that it really meant so much to me.

I’m always down for a trip somewhere tropical! But I can’t say I have one dream shoot right now. Because when I do have a concept, I hire a model to make it happen. I don’t want my dreams to become a concern for my clients. Their session is about them.

So many lessons — it’s a daily exercise in overcoming yourself. Whatever fears or insecurities you have, you’ll have to face them in your business. In fact, you get to face them, daily.

Learn your numbers — cost of goods, pricing, expenses. Having those numbers is vital to your business. And learn your histogram! So much of growth has come from conferences, workshops, and learning from other photographers and business owners of all sorts.

Providing the best experience I possibly can for my clients, and trying to anticipate their needs before they have them.

I’d love to see more beautiful boudoir albums go out the door. In fact, I have some gorgeous award-winning albums. They’re just waiting for the right people to make them their own.

My studio is a big creative space for discovery. And we can create anything in there.