A few things you may not know about me…

1. I start and end each day with a prayer of gratitude.

2. I was born in the Philippines. While I don't speak Tagalog, but I understand enough to know when it's time to eat. As immigrants, we never lived off or accepted any government assistance. My mother worked 3 jobs and went to nursing school while my dad worked as a welder and pastored a small church. We wore 2nd hand clothes, lived in a tiny 2 bedroom house in the one way streets of Norwalk, and drove a used car. Years later, dad's employer's daughter was one of my favorite high school teachers.

3. I am the 3rd daughter out for 4 girls.

4. My younger sister suddenly passed away a week before my 23rd birthday. I named my daughter after her. They have the same beautiful smile, so I still feel she's with me everyday. Both have taught me that life is precious…so I try to make the most of every moment and fiercely preserve those memories so your family legacy can be passed down for generations.

5. I'm left handed. In elementary school, my teacher gave me an unsatisfactory in cutting. My mom marched down to the school chewed the teacher out for not having left handed scissors. Years later, I did the same for my son when his teacher when she told me he had poor penmanship. I told her to quit forcing my son to be right-handed.

6. I am close to being an empty nester. When my kids were little, I used to sneak in their rooms from time to time and watch them sleep or listen to them breathe. It sounds creepy...but it's ok because I'm their mom and you will get this if you are a parent.

7. When I pay the utility bills or buy gas, I have round up in increments of $5.

8. My parent cut off my allowance 1 month before my 21st birthday. It was the best thing they ever did for me.

9. I have lived and studied in a foreign country (England).

10. The first time I caught a glimpse of San Marco Piazza in Venice, Italy, I felt it deep in my soul and wept uncontrollably. I felt like I was home.

11. I have serious Adult A.D.D. that I have to talk myself and run several lists simultaneously each day on my calendar: work, priority, goals, bills, home tasks, family, that you will hear constant pings from my phone all day.

12. I swear like a sailor yet ridiculously sentimental and reluctant to admit I’m an ingenious romantic. I hope the latter two are conveyed in my of photography.

13. I LOVE coffee or a good strong cup of tea. My day is lost if I don't have either or both. It is almost unsalvageable.

14. I met my husband Steve while working in a bar. Every single day in our marriage, Steve and I have told each other "I love you" at the start and end of each day.

15. I don't like straight lines. There has to a be a curve or something that shows movement.

16. When I look at you, I am trying to figure out the best light to capture your beauty and showcase your personality.

17. Money doesn't impress me but how you interact with people and problem solve with people wins me over every time.

18. I am a late bloomer. I didn’t pick up a camera until I was well into my 40’s. Once I did, I couldn’t put it down. 4 years later, I opened my studio.

19. I'm finding out that life is a series of sweet circles. Good people that are meant to remain in your life will circle back around, especially if you didn't realize or recognize their value and impact the first time.

20. I'm a shoe addict and have passed these tendencies on to my husband and kids.

21. I was incredibly shy growing up…to the point where I didn’t speak much and didn’t have many friends until I reached middle school. It took me a long time to be comfortable in my skin and comprehend that different doesn’t mean inferior. So I am a fierce advocate and slightly obsessed in supporting and helping women get there too.

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.