Biography

Christie is a second generation photographer operating out of Germantown, Ill. Christie’s passion for photography started at an early age working with her mother who established the studio in 1977. Now a co-owner with her mother, Christie took over the shooting in 2002. Growing up surrounded by the love of photography, Christie is proud to carry on her mother’s dream.

The studio, “Sonshine Portrait Design”, is located in a one of a kind studio built in 2006. While babies and children are the studio’s specialty, they serve a broad range of clients. Christie feels that by getting to know each client individually, she can create a product as unique as they are. The end result is a portrait tailor made for each client. Christie’s talent for design, light and final composition sets her apart from her competition. Her personality and attention to detail keeps her clients coming back. Her new “Posh Collection” has received rave reviews from clients and other photographers alike.

Christie, holds the Professional of Photographers of America, “Master of Photography” degree, Craftsmen degree and is a Certified Professional Photographer. She is a member of Professional Photographers of America, Northern Illinois Professional Photographers and Professional Photographers of Illinois. Since 2006, Christie has won numerous awards for her photography on a local, state, district and international level. These awards include the prestigious Fuji Masterpiece Award, three Kodak Gallery awards, lexjet award, CPP award and others. Her work has been featured and published  in the PPA International Loan Collection. She has also been named in the top ten photographers for Illinois the past five years.

Christie is now speaking and sharing her success with other photographers across the United States. Giving back to the profession that has given her so much.

Christie’s Program

“Babies Dream… Why Can’t We?”

It seems like in this day and age, anyone with a camera thinks they are a professional photographer. As legitimate professional photographers, we need to set ourselves apart and give our client something more. Christie will show a new approach to baby photography. Let’s dream a little like our clients, the babies.

Newborn photography is beyond just a cute fluffy blanket with a baby sleeping. Christie creates an art piece for her clients. She will show how to take your portraits and make them into personalized products your clients have never seen before.

Photographers are wanting to know the tricks of how to have less work and make more money. This isn’t what its about. It’s about taking the time to know your client… learn what they want and using your craft to give them something extraordinary. Put the effort into it and give your client the experience they will never forget.

Christie will photograph a newborn session to show different techniques in posing, lighting and composition. She will also show little tricks on how to get the babies in dreamland.