Jillian O.
3/5
Don’t get me wrong Christine Sara’s photography is beautiful! But I personally wouldn’t recommend her.
The shoot was way fun! We played dress up and I got to feel pretty. Everyone was very nice. But the shoot was wrong in every aspect.
To start, my shoot was rescheduled a couple times, which is fine. I understand that things happen. I rescheduled and she did. But it got to the point where I didn’t want to do the shoot anymore. But I had to stick to it because there wasn’t a refund. I don’t think that’s fair. I either did it or I was out $300!
When I arrived, Christine met me with a warm smile and excitement. But she wasn’t alone. She was accompanied by the makeup artist and a girl helper. So, not only did I have to get undressed in front of the photographer, I also had to do so in front of two other people. I had no briefing on this. Her helper looked like a 16 years old model. I felt extremely uncomfortable from the beginning.
Then the shoot began, and I had my hair and makeup done. I told the artist that I wanted minimal/natural makeup. That is not what I got! I ended up having oodles and gobs of makeup on my face! The complete opposite of what I wanted. I didn’t look myself at all! Though, she did warn me that she’d put more than usual because the camera would blend it. So it’s not entirely her fault. She also offered to remove it if I didn’t like it. But I seriously just wanted to get the shoot over with. I didn’t want to do it anyways. I was only there because of the no refund. I do have acne scars which are fine to cover up. But other models, in her other shoots, have had way less makeup than me. So it’s like my request was just denied.
Then I was put into outfits. I brought a whole bag of clothing. Christine and her helper picked through my bag. You can wear anything in the studio for free, but there’s a catch. The bras and underwear are not free. Somehow, I was in the position that I had to wear no bra or buy hers. I had brought multiple bras, and I guess they weren’t good enough. So I was like forced to pay her more money. Then she wanted to take my jewelry off in exchange for studio jewelry. My jewelry means a lot to me.
The actual shoot lasted about 30 minutes. The whole time her helper was filming me with a phone. I gave no permission to be filmed. Christine then posted the videos on Instagram without my consent. She also posted pictures that I didn’t ok first.
Maybe it was just the type of shoot I signed up for, but it was not a good time. I felt pressured into a clothing sales gimmick. I was uncomfortable. I felt like I had no control. I had no individuality. I had to be naked in front of a perfect model girl, and I didn’t look like myself.
Then there was the reveal. Christine once again tried to cancel/reschedule. She wanted to do it digitally. But I insisted on going to the studio. I was not impressed with how my images turned out. I found that few of my pictures were flattering! I somehow looked overweight! I was only there for one free photo. Let me tell you, it wasn’t hard to only choose one. Since the shoot, my self esteem has been damaged. Then she turned around and posted them on her Instagram. Not to mention she wanted $2000 for them! No way! Then. THEN, on top of it all, I never received my physical photo only the digitally one!
I didn’t know what I signed up for, I guess, but this is not the photographer for everyone. I only write this because I have done multiple other boudoir shoots after this one. None of my other shoots have been so negative and uncomfortable. My other shoots were flattering, it wasn’t a sales pitch, it was only me and the photographer, they were way cheaper, and they asked what could be shared with the world.
Buyer beware.
