Christmas Mini Sessions at Milk House Market

This is the first year I will be offering Christmas mini sessions, and I'm so excited to announce I will be doing them at Milk House Market in Friona, Tx.  

Mark your calendars and book a Christmas mini session at Milk House Market.  Contact Cristy at www.cristycross.com, cristy@cristycross.com or 575.219.9312 to schedule your session.

Here are the details:

$250 for a 15 minute session on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 1-3 PM CST

1-5 people (each additional person is $25)

Includes 10 digital negatives, you select your favorites

 First come first serve.

Session fee is due at the time of booking online.
Once you’ve booked, I will send more details on how to prep for the session as well directions to Milk House Market. This will help make the day go a smoother. Especially if you have little ones.

And if you've never been to Milk House Market, you are in for a treat. Milk House Market is all about creating a home you love with unique and inspiring finds. They offer a variety of farmhouse decor with a mix of vintage pieces that are simple and timeless.

Photographing Those Genuine Family Moments

I recently did a Facebook Live about family sessions and I wanted to follow up with a blog post about it, so here you go.  You can check out the live video here. (excuse the nervousness)

When hiring me for your family photographer, ask yourself why you want family photos?  What's the desire behind having them done?  Also, where do you want to take these pictures?  And, what in the world are you going to wear?

Let me break it down for you.

Why get family photos?  Do you want to document your family and kids while they are little in their genuine, real-life moments? Those laughable, funny and squishy love moments? 

Where should you photograph your family? If you want those genuine moments, photographing in your home is the best place.  Families are in their environment and will be more authentic.  (Your backyard are also a great location)

What to wear? First off, start with mom.  Then work on the rest of the family outfits.  Keeping with solid colors is best.  You want these photos to be timeless, yet trendy. Decide on a color palette choosing between cool tones or warm tones.  For example, gray, cream and tan are a good base.  Add baby blue and dark gray for cool tones or for warm tones add maroon, camel and blush.  

Plan your outfits a week before the session.  Then, lay them out the night before so you are prepared and ready to go. 

Keep the outfits simple.  I want you to feel comfortable and relaxed.  

30 minutes to 1 hour before your session:
-Feed your children a light snack, like apples or a banana.
-Please don't feed your children gold fish, or graham crackers or anything that will
stick in their teeth prior to the session.
Feel free to do all of that AFTER the session :)

Note to mom:

Get your hair and makeup done by a professional.  Nothing crazy or out of the ordinary.  Just having a professional to pamper you is something you deserve.  Consider it a gift to yourself.

Fall 2017 Mini Sessions

It's that time of year for mini sessions, and I would love to photograph you and your loved ones.  These sessions are available to just about anyone.  That includes families (family of five), kids, babies, and couples.
The sessions are quick and simple, and a whole lot of fun.  Like for reals. We laugh, play and ya'll smile and I snap a bunch of shots and everyone is giddy.
They will take place in Clovis, NM at the Hillcrest Park (soccer side).  Directions coming soon.  Each session is 20 minutes.

Want to Book A Session?

Saturday, September 23rd.ONE DAY ONLY
Here are the details:
$250 for 20 a minute session with 10 digital files
Includes up to five people. Each additional person is $25

Available Times:

5 pm-BOOKED
5:20 pm
5:40 pm
6 pm-pending
6:20 pm-BOOKED
6:40 pm-BOOKED
7 pm-BOOKED
 
Email me at cristy@cristycross.com to book your mini session, and provide the time you would prefer.  First come, first serve.  

Session fee is due at the time of booking online.
Once you’ve booked, I will send more details on how to prep for the session.  This will help make the day go a smoother.  Especially if you have little ones.

Santa Fe, New Mexico Engagement Session

When you travel for a session, it moves you to a different place.  Literally.  The scenery changes, and it inspires you.

I am so thrilled for Natalie and Walt's wedding in September.  

Here is a peak of their sweet engagement session we did last month. 

The Handley's Clovis, NM Family Session

The Handley's are one of my favorite families.  We've been neighbors and close friends since they moved to Clovis many years ago. It was an honor to photograph their family and come over as a photographer, not just a friend to create memories in paused moments for them. 

The mama and I workout together, eat together, shop together, chat about our children, take walks together and my kids adore her kids.  They are moving away this summer and we don't know what to do about that.  So for the moment we just don't talk about it and enjoy our time with them before they leave. So before I cry, here are my favorites I want to share with you.

Senior Graduate Lookbooks

Hey seniors.  Let's tell a story together with a Lookbook.

The Wilsons Clovis, NM Newborn and Family Session

The Wilson family welcomed their sweet baby girl into the world.  And look at how precious she is?

The Curtis's Clovis, NM Family Session

This year the Curtis family changed it up for their family session and did a batman theme.  How cute is this?  And because Batman saves lives down in the "city", we went to an urban location to complete the look. 

What ideas do you have for your family session?

Claire and Jared's Clovis, NM Portrait Session.Take 2

The fall colors are just booming right now and Claire and Jared only made them look better.
While shooting, Jared saw an owl fly by and we tried to act like bird watchers as we looked in amazement while it set up high in the tree. All we needed were our binoculars. It was so cool.

And I just LOVE this shot of them.  They are so cute, and so crazy for each other. 

Have a happy Thursday everyone.

The McAden's Vintage Township Lubbock, Tx Family Session

My ultimate goal as a family photographer is to grab a shot of mom and dad and their kids in a moment.  A sweet and real moment. Creating something that tugs at your heart even if you don't know the people. 

Well, this shot tugs at my heart times 10, because I DO know these people-quite well.  This beautiful mama has known me since I was in high school and she has been a role model to me for the past 18 years.  Holy moly!  I just did that math and I am shocked that it has been that long.  Woah.  Her goodness and kindness and tender heart are characteristics that are loved by her husband and overflowed and shared by their children.  My husband and I just basically love this family. 

We all have friends out there that make us complete.  We may not see each other for 6 months at a time, but we love each other just the same.  She is my cream to my coffee.  I just can't live without.

(okay enough of the gushy stuff...now take a look at my favorite shot from their session)

Aren't they so adorable?

The Brewer's Rainy Day Session

Last weekend we scheduled a session for Claire and Jared.  A down pour of rain came on us and we had to call it quits.

Currently, Clovis weather is in the 60s, and warm and sunny.  So we are going to do round two this afternoon.  I can't wait!

Enjoy your Saturday.

2016 Christmas Cards

Hey everyone! Does it seem crazy to you that we are getting closer to Christmas?  Who is excited? 

Well since we are getting closer, I need to show you what we are doing for Christmas cards this year.  Yay!

Click on the image below to see the pdf file larger :)

Martha and Riley's Engagement Session

As we arrived at the park for their engagement shoot, it was a little cold and rainy.  The weather motioned Martha and Riley to cuddle and stay warm, which made for perfect lovey dovey pictures. Look at them being so cute :)

Family Session Chaos

Do you ever feel like a crazy mad woman dripping with sweat when you have your family photographed? haha Don't worry.  You might feel that way, but it's probably going a lot better than you think. Sometimes family sessions may seem overwhelming, but I guarantee to work my magic and photograph beautiful, and memorable pictures for you and your family.

Fall family sessions are booking up, and I would love to have the opportunity to photograph you and your family.  Fill out the form on my contacts page and I'll get you set up with some info on how to book.

Cole's Allen, Texas High School Senior Session

Last weekend I went to Allen, Texas to photograph Cole for his senior session.
Cole will be attending University of New Mexico next year on a baseball scholarship.  So cool! 

Check out a few of my favorites.

Janie's College Graduate Session

If you know Janie, you know about her genuine heart and beautiful smile. There are just some people out their that pour out happiness when you are in their presence, and Janie is one of those people.

The Hendley's Lubbock, Texas Family Session

Let them be little.
Explore and play with ladybugs.

A sneak peek from the Hendley's family session. 

Wild Thing's First Birthday Shoot

The Davis family celebrated their little boys first birthday with a family session and a "Wild Thing" birthday themed shoot.  I think little man was a huge fan of the cake!   

Celeste and Brandon's Clovis, NM Couples Session

"Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire."-unkown
Cannon Air Force Base has brought many couples together including these love birds.  It was sweet to witness their kindness and love towards one another.  Thank you Celeste and Brandon for tonight.  I can't wait to share more.

Modern Desert Sneak Peek

Sometimes you just have to take action and feed your creative thoughts.  If you don't, they will fizz away.