About Christel…

The Woman Behind the Lens

I didn't pick up a camera until I was well into my 40s. Once I did, I couldn't put it down — four years later, Christel King Studios was born. I say all this to tell you: it's never too late to fall in love with something that changes your life. But long before I was a photographer, I was a lot of other things — and every one of them shows up in the way I shoot.

Where I Come From

I was born in the Philippines, the third of four daughters. My parents built a life for our family from nothing — through work, sacrifice, and faith — and I carry that with me every single day. It's part of why I start and end every day with a prayer of gratitude, no matter how full my calendar is (and it's always full). I grew up shy — painfully so. I didn't speak much and didn't have many friends until middle school. It took me a long time to feel comfortable in my own skin, and even longer to understand that different doesn't mean less. That journey is exactly why I'm a little obsessed with helping other women get there too — in front of my camera and off to the side of it.

What Life Has Taught Me

A week before my 23rd birthday, I lost my younger sister suddenly. Years later, I named my daughter after her — they even share the same beautiful smile, so in some small way, I still feel her with me every day. That kind of loss teaches you something you can't unlearn: life is precious, and the moments we think we'll always have are the ones we should be fighting hardest to preserve. That's not a tagline for me. It's the whole reason I do this work — to fiercely capture the people and moments that make up a family's legacy, so they can be passed down for generations.

A Few More Things About Me

• I'm left-handed, and I come from a long line of people who refused to let anyone tell their kids they were "less than" for it.

• I've lived and studied abroad in England, and the first time I saw Piazza San Marco in Venice, I wept — it felt like home in a way I still can't fully explain. Travel has stuck with me ever since — I'm an avid traveler, and every couple of years I plan an exclusive girls' trip and shoot, bringing a small group of women somewhere beautiful to connect, unwind, and be photographed in a way that actually feels like them.

• I don't like straight lines. In life or in a photograph, I want to see a curve, a bit of movement, something alive.

• Money has never impressed me. How you treat people and solve problems with them — that's what wins me over, every time.

• I run on coffee, strong tea, and probably too many overlapping to-do lists.

• My husband Steve and I met working in a bar, and to this day, we tell each other "I love you" every morning and every night. Nearly three decades in, still the same words, still meant the same way.

• I'm an empty nester, and now with 2 beautiful grandsons. I'm holding on tighter to every ordinary moment because of it.

Why This All Matters to Your Photos

When I'm behind the camera with you, I'm not just looking for good light (though I am always chasing it). I'm looking for *you* — the real, specific, unrepeatable version of you and your family, right now, at this exact point in your story. I know better than most that people and moments don't stay the same forever. So my job isn't just to take your picture. It's to help you hold onto something that matters, long after the moment has passed.

How my friends describe me:

Christel’s dedication to work makes her a role model in many mays. The true grit of life has taught her to capture its essence through the camera lens. She has a vast knowledge of photography and brings a fresh perspective to its approach. Her growth from a hard working young college student and waitress, to a dedicated professional and mother, all the while still remaining a loving sister, daughter, aunt and loyal friend to so many. Through these important relationships, Christel has developed a deep understanding of human consciousness. She expresses this understanding through her photography. And just like the unique creatures we are, her artistic renderings each have an individual story to tell. In her photography, one notices the empathy she feels for her clients. She captures exactly the thoughts and emotions that are in one’s heart and mind. As a client, one feels safe in front of the camera while working with Christel. Her integrity for the profession allows her clients to trust her and bare their souls in front of her camera. Additionally, Christel’s breadth and depth of photography knowledge ensure that clients receive the best quality in design and production. Christel hones her craft carefully while always looking out for the needs and desires of those whose image she captures. This is particularly noticeable in the images of the various women she photographs. Whether its purpose is to promote a profession, provide a profile picture, capture a moment in time, or fulfill a personal dream, each photograph tells a unique story. For these reasons, and many more, Christel has gained the trust and eagerness to be photographed by so many clients from across the country and around the world.