Thanks for finding my photography journal! My name is Cristina Coco and I am a portrait photographer in the Westchester and Fairfield County area.
I love what I do. I love what I do so much I left a very cool, high paced, world-traveling job in fashion to photograph kids. I know, I know, I must be nuts, right? Well I hope this blog will give you an insight into why I left what some might call a dream job to run after a bunch of munchkins with my camera.
You'll notice that a lot of my images capture those kiddies looking straight at me, straight through the lens. That is the shot I aim for at every session I do. I love that moment when everything else fades away and that child really sees me. Only a kid can naturally look at you like that - most adults can seem posed or even look away in embarrassment. A child can look straight through you and capturing that moment for parents - that look that they know so well? Well, that is why I love to do this so much.
So enjoy my little neck of the web - I hope that it helps you get to know me a little better and makes you comfortable about choosing me to capture your memories.
I wanted to wrap up 2011 the right way, with a little video of my amazing clients and their kids. I know I say it all the time, but I really love doing this so much. I feel so lucky to be brought into your lives for the few hours we shoot together – I get to know you all rather quickly and I love that immensely.
I can’t thank you enough for your support of Cristina Coco Photography. This year brought me three times the clients as last year, a new employee (thank God for Kelly!), and a connection to this craft that I only dreamed of.
Enjoy the video. I think you’ll like it. I know I could watch your kids’ beautiful faces all day.
(p.s. – if you would like to see it bigger, go directly to the youtube page – YOUTUBE LINK TO VIDEO – it drives me crazy that it is so small on here.)
Much, much love and a wishes for a fantastic 2012.
January 6, 2012 - 4:09 pmAndrea Hooper - Unbelievable, so many gorgeous kids, and such talented photography!
January 6, 2012 - 12:45 pmJennifer Steffen - Such and beautiful and uplifting video! I'm so glad we found you this year - you have such a gift! Best wishes for 2012!
January 5, 2012 - 7:59 pmColleen - love, love, love ... You possess a true gift my friend. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. Here's to a fabulous year ahead. xo
January 4, 2012 - 9:41 pmKelly - That was amazing! Everyone of these pictures shows each of these children's personalities...you see things and capture precious moments that we all wish we could. I am so happy your passion is also your gift. I can't wait to see what you photograph in 2012. Here's to you my dear friend!!!
January 4, 2012 - 7:32 pmKim H - wow!!! you drive me crazy with your talent. All are incredible photos - The picture with the mom in the white lacey long dress and the kids in the water with the sun streaming through is just gorgeous. congrats on such a great year!
January 4, 2012 - 4:15 pmandrea - your work is flawless, cristina! what a great year and gorgeous slideshow!
January 4, 2012 - 3:47 pmHaley Lancaster - loved it cristina. your writing is always so sincere and I know how much you love your clients. It shows in your fabulous work. Cheers to 2012! xoxo
January 4, 2012 - 3:39 pmMichele - as always, your images are absolutely breath-taking! thanks for sharing. love taking a peek at your 2011. can't wait to see what 2012 holds for you (and your beautiful clients)!!
January 4, 2012 - 3:07 pmsusan - I can't even finish watching this video...i am full of tears. It is making me reminisce on my year with my little one. You should be so proud of your work, it is so, so beautiful, it always make my heart so full!! Thank you for sharing:) Can't wait for the new year!
January 4, 2012 - 2:35 pmchristine zampaglione - Unbelievable talented you are!!!!! I can't believe how much spirit, energy, love and pure joy you capture in your photography. I am so happy for you that you have been able to perfect this skill and really make memories for all of us!!!! Much love to you always!!! You deserve all of the success that is surely headed your way in 2012! xoxo its gonna be a great year! :)
January 4, 2012 - 2:03 pmandrea isaacs - What a fun year you had!! These families have to be totally excited with the expressive memories you captured!! Some of these images made me lol. Love that you do this. Can't wait to see what your talent brings us in 2012!! :)
January 4, 2012 - 1:55 pmstephanie - LOVED it! That just made me so happy and literally I sit here with a huge smile on my face. Thanks for sharing! It was nice to see images I haven't seen already. xoxo
I feel like I am constantly apologizing for not posting while I’m busy. So I’m not going to be annoying with that this time, we all know by now when I’m super busy I tend to slow down on the blogging. You’d be amazed at how much time it takes me to post something. Really, I’m such a slow poke with blogging. Not today though. Nope. Today I am going to start playing catch up.
I don’t have many sessions planned for the next month, just newborns and a baby or two so I can spend some quality time with my family after working like crazy for three months. I miss them!
I do however want to show you what I’ve been doing so you’ll be seeing some beautiful fall images even though it’s going to be cold and dreary outside. I hope it will warm you up a bit and get you through the next few months of chilliness!
I loved this family. Mom rocked the outfits from Zara kids, one of my FAVORITE places to send people to shop for their session.
This is one of my favorite sibling shots of 2011… what you see is what you get – after a little over an hour with them I feel like this shows each of their personalities to a “T”.
For example, this guy could not NOT smile if you paid him a million dollars. Sweet as could be, this one.
Mr. Handsome. His mom is in T-R-O-U-B-L-E with all the girls that are going to be stopping by when he’s 16…
Cute as a button and very inquisitive little man… this one cracked me up. I think I told him there was someone in my camera lens and asked if he could him in there.
This lady LOOOOVED the camera. It loves her right back.
I am so sorry I haven’t updated my blog! It’s just been so crazy (in a really, really, good way) that I haven’t had a moment to do so. I try to update my facebook page with session images – so please go visit so you can see what I’ve been up to! http://www.facebook.com/cristinacocophoto Like the page too, you’ll be the first to hear about any promotions, contests, and special shoots I’m doing.
Just taking a second to show you what I’m working on today… editing this beautiful family session. They drove an hour to come see me, thank you so much! I love this image of them. Those slice of life images where it’s like no one is watching. This whole session was sun kissed and I love it…
Everyone got a little mommy and dadddy time…
And we had a ton of fun with some of the toys I brought to play with…
Your gallery will be up super soon Jen! Thanks for a fun time – so much more to see!
Oh these girls. These girls! They were just so kind and sweet and fun to photograph. I probably could have kept shooting, but as one of them mentioned, “I think you took 1000 pictures!”
“Nope,” I said, “1004.”
Love the clothing their mom picked, their red hair… I seem to be on a freckle streak, which is ALWAYS a good thing. This session can show what a difference a cute outfit can make on a session. The girls felt pretty, it was fun to photograph. I usually don’t love when everyone matches, but this really worked here!
This is just heaven to me. Loved this location. It’s a private club or you would all be seeing more of it!
yes, FOUR girls! {jealous} Couldn’t you just squeeze her? The faux mohawk!!
All the girls and mom… heaven.
Thank you so much Sue, I had a blast. I could have posted a million images!! Can’t wait for you to see the rest.
I have been photographing this little girl since she was a year old! It’s been so amazing over the past three years seeing my clients’ kids grow up and see the changes in their personality and how big they get each year!
I love that she remembers me now and thinks I’m kind of fun. (The feeling is mutual, by the way) I love that she’s a tough cookie and lets me in just enough to see her soft side. I love that she’ll sit still just long enough to get a lollipop. Which is exactly what we told her when I took this shot…
Before the lollipop suggestion we had quite a pout, but that is just the sort of thing that happens when you are three. You all know that I like a little pout now and then.
After the lollipop there is always a fantastic sugar rush!
Stephanie gets an album from me every year. I just love it when she tells me how they look at it together all the time and how special they are to their family. I am secretly hoping that this is the album cover because it’s kind of perfect in my eyes…
and this will be a such a cute spread, don’t you think?
Busy, busy, busy. That’s me. Just wanted to drop a quick blog post of these beautiful siblings before I hit the road again tonight for another session.
These kids were so good, so sweet, so cute!
I could die over the oldest’s freckles, and the twins – well they were a ton of fun and so much personality!
Just a glimpse of my favorites from last night – I know I am skipping clients! Clients – I have put a ton on Facebook, just hit the “F” facebook button on the bottom of this post if you are looking. You are welcome to tag yourself! Also, if you would like your images blogged, (I know some of you just can’t wait until that gallery!) just shoot me an email and I’ll get them up for you! These were just on my computer this morning and I wanted to share!
First shot of the day, literally. One of my favorites too!
Her big sister…
and her freckles…
How adorable is he? Wanted to scoop him up and take him home.
I love when clients bring something of their child’s that is special! This doll goes EVERYWHERE with her. I love that it’s part of her image and something she’ll have forever.
Mom wanted a group shot where they were doing their own thing and not looking at the camera. Done!
Please don’t think I haven’t posted because it’s been quiet around here. Quite the opposite, and with every family I meet I am more and more grateful for the amazing job I have!
Yes, it’s here – the fall portrait season has begun! I’m sure fall has seeped into your life too – the crazy sports schedules and the school buses driving by and clogging traffic in town. The nutty rain has started and it’s darker earlier. It’s cooler at night and my AC hasn’t been kicking on quite as much. Today my little guy showed me some leaves had changed color. I told him, “SHHHH! I don’t want fall to hear us, it might come soon and I love summer!” He laughed and told me I was silly. “Fall will ALWAYS come, Mommy.” Smart little man.
So with the Fall comes the Holiday portraits, and my schedule is looking full. I’m currently booked about six weeks out, so this is not the year to procrastinate folks! Pick up the phone, send me an email, text, smoke signals… however you get in touch, please, if you are thinking about doing it – get on my calender as soon as you can. I’m not saying this to be pushy (I swear!), it’s because every year I turn people away and I feel just awful. People call me a week before Thanksgiving for holiday card pictures and I feel like a big old jerk for not being able to help them. I’m just giving you a little nudge is all. A little nudge to start planning!
Ok, so my update is over. Back to the fun stuff. An image. ‘Cause a blog post is just so boring without one.
My God, I love this girl’s freckles. Do you remember the book “Freckle Juice”? When I was little I wanted them SO badly. I will always think they are beautiful… the way they dance across the nose and the hairline. Just magical. She was pretty special too. I love that she is looking to the side, playing with her hair in a shy sort of way, and in thought. I can’t remember exactly what I asked her, but so happy that she was thinking of something that made her smile.
September 28, 2011 - 11:49 amCristina - Erika, Yes to your last two questions. I will send you an email for the first. Thanks!
September 28, 2011 - 9:49 amErika Soiman - Please provide your holiday package pricing. Is there a session fee then print rates? Can we purchase the digital files only?
We’ve had a rough week at the Coco house. The hurricane left us with no power for a while and a basement full of water. Slowed me down incredibly this week and the whole thing has left me exhausted.
I needed a little pick me up so I decided to post these image I did for myself of my own son. I don’t put my own stuff on here often. I get nervous. Which is silly right?
Sometimes, I need to do a little something for my own inner artist, something to just make me happy, tell a story, get me to think outside the box. I need to dream and put it out there.
I found these wishing lanterns – you light them and let them go into the water as you release your wishes and dreams into the universe. I loved them. The symbolism of this got to me. An idea was born.
I wanted to tell a story of a boy and his dreams and letting them go out into the water. We all have so many dreams as kids! If we only dreamed as big now as we did then we’d be pretty unstoppable. This lovely little model is my own little guy. It cost me one Optimus Prime Transformer Talking Mask.
I told him to make a wish, let his dreams go…
He was pretty excited.
and then a little nervous…
and then excited again. (and distracted by this really cool crate. He’s three and a half, after all…)
He’s dreaming big. Bigger than the moon he tells me. To the stars and back.
September 10, 2011 - 6:23 amAnne - These are amazing!
September 1, 2011 - 8:45 amJulie - how amazing and true. i often find myself wishing i could dream like a kid again.
September 1, 2011 - 8:01 amLee Arrington - These are incredible! Thanks for allowing us to share his joy and the beauty of your work.
September 1, 2011 - 6:55 amstephanie - so awesome, Coco!
August 31, 2011 - 2:05 pmNatalie Clayshulte - These are so amazing! Thanks for sharing!
August 31, 2011 - 2:01 pmCarrie - I agree - you should share your "personal" stuff more often - the images are beautiful!
August 31, 2011 - 1:34 pmsusan - Christina~ These are both beautiful and inspiring!! They are so so dreamy...and so lovely to see right after the wrath of Irene...I was in a small town outside of Boston, so I got a nasty little taste of her! Finally back home with my babies in Vegas though and extremely grateful! It's the little things, and their big dreams that make children so special:) So happy to here you and your family are safe also!
August 31, 2011 - 1:31 pmLauren - I love the kind of mom you are to that beautiful child. Talk about light. xoxo
August 31, 2011 - 1:28 pmKelly Ridgell - WOW!! I love them all but that last one really tugs at my heart. You should share your "personal" stuff more often!
I have about three Cape Cod sessions to post and I think I’ve been slow about it because I just miss it so much. It sort of pains me to look at them. I miss being able to walk to the water every day, drag my kayak out my garage and within minutes I’m in the water paddling off for a secluded beach picnic with my 3 year old. That the most beautiful beach is just down a bumpy road from my house and it’s like my own private island on the most gorgeous sunny day. I love that the people are so kind – to friends, strangers – always greet you with a true smile and a sweet gesture… It actually takes me a few weeks to get used to driving here again because everyone on Cape Cod just lets you go if you are trying to merge into a lane or turn into traffic. EVERYONE. They just slow down and wave you in front of them. It sounds like such a silly thing, but I can always tell the tourists because they don’t let people merge in – I find myself mumbling under my breathe at them every time. Tourists. Hmph. It’s so nice being in a place where people consistently put others before themselves.
This family is that sort. Cape Codders through and through. They live on the Cape year round and they are kind and sweet every time I see them. I met them through my best friend and it’s been so nice getting to know them through the years we’ve been staying on the Cape.
The wind was not our friend this day. It was crazy. We didn’t see it coming because it was so calm by my house, then we drove the 1/2 mile to the beach and BAM! Crazy, crazy wind! Hair EVERYWHERE.
I don’t care, though. Hair everywhere or not. I love this image.
This seemed like a good idea at the time – maybe too high of a jump for my heart… it stopped a bit when he landed.
Their daughter is at that age… I love that these are seconds apart and you can see two completely different sides to her!
I have the pretty posed family shot, but this so much more their real life to me.
I am skipping blog entries, I know. I’ve been a terrible, terrible blogger! I suppose I’m just in summer mode – something has got to give and I’m afraid it’s my blog. I’m sure you are all in the summer mode too – although I think the end of summer is looming as my phone is starting to ring a little more and my email box is a little more full. People are getting ready for those fall portraits so if you haven’t booked yet, get moving! It’s filling up really fast this year! I love planners.
I just had to share these two beautiful girls though, even in my summer-blog-hookey-mode. They are actually from California, but their mom and I went to the same high school and connected over facebook. She was in Cape Cod this summer and had me come to photograph her little ladies. It was so much fun and so gorgeous by the water! A photographer’s dream. Beautiful light and scenery and adorable girls to photograph. Sigh!
I am loving this shot. Big time.
Her little sister with the rose before we decided to start tossing petals…
I’m pretty sure if I had to I could go to this house and photograph her every day.
Her too…
Oh, and did I mention there was a dock?
Anne, it was so nice seeing you after all these years! Thank you for sharing your girls with me on a cloudy afternoon!
by Cristina
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