A recent pinch-me moment that I have to share: one of my boudoir photos was recently selected to be part of a photography exhibit called “Nude” by Decode Gallery in Tucson, Arizona! This was my first time having my artwork shown in a gallery, well worth celebrating, so my husband and I flew out to Tucson for opening night of the exhibit.

As a busy mom and business owner, it’s rare that I take the time to slow down and celebrate my accomplishments before I’m rushing on to the next thing on my lengthy to-do list, but I’m so glad we took the time to fly out there. It was a whirlwind trip filled with art, inspiration, history, and lots of delicious Mexican food.

Decode Gallery is located in one of the best preserved barrios in Tucson. The neighborhood is comprised of artist studios, restaurants, residences, and office spaces, and features historic Sonoran-style architecture, with gorgeous, thick-walled, original adobe houses reminiscent of an old Mexican village.

The folks at the gallery told me that because of the historic nature of the buildings, they’re limited in what they can hang on the walls, both inside and out. They aren’t even allowed to fix loose floor tiles inside the gallery! I appreciate that the city works to maintain the original architecture and beauty – it provides so much character and history!

We visited some other art galleries along the same street while we there, including a gallery featuring artwork created by local Native American artists, as well as two other photography galleries.

(Side note: currently dreaming of where I can build an adobe-style studio in Raleigh…)

It was surreal to walk in and see my photograph hanging amongst so many other talented artists! The gallery staff greeted us when we came in, and after they went to the next room, Mike asked why I didn’t mention one of the photographs was mine – I’m just so shy, you guys! He went and told them for me, and they came back into the room all excited and wanting to photograph ME! Ack!

Here are some iphone snaps from the event, including some of my favorite works from other photographers (and a very sweaty selfie – ha!)

All in all, I’m really happy we made the trip. I walked away feeling incredibly inspired and even more committed to improving – and showing! – my boudoir and fine art nude work. May this be the first of many exhibits to come!

Oh, and here’s the photo that was chosen, if you’d like to see it in greater detail…

If you’d like information about a boudoir photography experience for yourself, send me a note and let’s chat!

After more than 15 years of focusing (pun intended!) solely on family photos, I’m thrilled to announce a new venture for my photography studio – ✨ LUMINOUS ✨

I call these sessions Luminous rather than beauty portraits or boudoir photos, because they’re so much more. Luminous photos are a reflection of the glow that comes from inside you. They’re truly a celebration of YOU, of your inner and outer beauty, of your strength and resilience. This is a safe space just for you, where you can shed your insecurities, embrace vulnerability, and fall back in love with the perfectly imperfect woman you’ve always been.

Luminous grew out of my own desire to reclaim myself as a woman from a multitude of things over the past ten years. I struggled to keep up with hustle culture, all while putting everyone else’s needs before my own, which led to burn out and an early menopause. There were lots of signs from the universe that I needed to slow down and take care of myself – slow down and love myself – that I ignored until I was diagnosed with leukemia in 2021. I was finally forced to not just slow down, but to stop, and in that time of rest, a new appreciation for my body was born.

I’m curious … what’s your story?

– maybe you’re falling back in love with yourself again
– maybe you’re celebrating a milestone or achievement
– maybe you’re starting fresh after an illness or divorce
– maybe you simply want to treat yourself, as you should!

As an artist, I’m inspired by beautiful light, little details, and real women just like you. It is my honor to create portraits of you, for you, so you can see what we all see when we look at you:

You are a work of art, a masterpiece, just as you are in this moment.

You are ✨ LUMINOUS ✨

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The Luminous portrait experience is inspired by beautiful light, the smallest of details, and real women’s stories. Christy Johnson Photography provides a stellar experience from beginning to end, including expert posing guidance from head to toe, professional retouching of images, and ever-growing client closet with dresses, drapes, accessories and adornments to bring your self love journey to life. Book a call to learn more and to schedule your Luminous portrait experience today!

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Wake Forest Maternity Photographer | Expecting Evie

I first photographed this lovely family way back in the summer of 2020 when they were expecting Nora, and now she’s a big sister! (Yes, as I write this post, baby Evie is here! I promise I’ll share her newborn session soon!)

Nora was SO excited for the arrival of her baby sister Evie, and she was simply fantastic during her mommy’s maternity photo session! The simple white dress she wore was perfect – you can never go wrong with a white dress for a photography session – it will go with anything and everything!

I absolutely adore these photos of Nora and Charlotte – they’re so sweet together! Nora thought it was great fun to stand up on the stool next to her mom.

Maternity sessions are typically a mix of photos of you alone, you with your partner, you with any older children, and of course the whole family together. The studio wardrobe is available for pregnant and postpartum moms, and I have a few things for dads, too! I love both of the dresses that Charlotte chose from the studio wardrobe. They’re so different from each other, but each was beautiful and flattering on her!

I wish I could share every photo from this session, but it would be quite overwhelming! There are just so many beautiful images, and I know the family will enjoy them for years to come.

Maternity dresses provided by the studio wardrobe

Hi, I’m Christy! Thank you for checking out my work! My Wake Forest, NC photography studio specializes in organic fine art portraits for maternity, newborn, and baby’s first year. I love to create elegant and joyful photos for busy yet sentimental new moms in the Raleigh NC area. Interested in a maternity photography session? I reserve a limited number of sessions each month and the studio books in advance. View my maternity photo portfolio here, and if you like what you see, get in touch for information and availability!

Wake Forest Maternity Photographer | Expecting Evie