Jessica Miller: Ballet Lines

Model: Jessica Miller
Williamsville, Buffalo, New York

In the winter time, when there is no snow, but the temperature is as though there was snow, what better to do than a photoshoot in dancewear?

Thank you Jessie for braving the chill, greeting passer-byers and for creating beautiful movement to be captured!


Have a Blessed January,
Christine

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Back to the Bunhead: Part I

I have recently found myself rejoining the ballet world, but this time as a teacher. I have pretty much accepted that my dancing days (aka experiencing dance through dancing and pushing myself my very hardest technique and physically) are over because my knees and hips just can't anymore. But hey, if you can't do it, why not teach it?

I also am super stoked that my ex roommate Ali Campbell was able to do a ballet photoshoot for me! I have always wanted to do a professional ballet photoshoot, and seeing these photos it was amazing because the feeling that I feel when I dance was actually what I saw in this photo- and it was amazing. I think these photos turned out so beyoutiful that looking at them I basically was super shocked that it was me! haha. I guess that's enough self-obsession for the day. God bless and happy Tuesday y'all!


Feeling whimsical,
Christine
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Photography on Lago Atitlan: On Poise and Perfection

Happy Thursday evening everyone!

I am so excited to share some of my new inspired photography from Guatemala. :) Between my fellowship, my thesis, scholarship applications and moving into a house, I have been swamped with no time to blog. But alas, I am here on my little space on the internet. Today I bring to you photography inspired by poise. There is something so beautiful, graceful and attractive about being poised. Not just being poised physically, but being poised as a young woman, knowing that even with flaws, we are beautiful creations of God.

What creates poise in a person anyways? Is it confidence? Upbringing? Culture? Money? A false mirage copying a particular social class? Looking into scripture, it isn't really poise that is valued. But instead, things rooted in confidence and truth. 

"So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart."

- 2 Timothy 2:22

With this I wonder if poise attracts me because it seems to be perfection from the eyes of this world. What we should be striving for is perfection in Christ, not in this world. What does perfection of this world mean anyhow? Striving to be your best is always my motto, but I always say be true to your truth, not that peers say. I suppose we can be somewhat perfect based on our definition of perfection. However, it is God who has the ultimatum always and His perfection is the Alfa and Omega.

Blessings from Guatemala,

Christine

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P.S. Gracias a mi amiga Carla por ser mi modelo! <3 

A Summer Trance

You don't always have to travel far or spend a lot of money to experience something new. Perhaps it's finding a new place to relax or taking up a new hobby. Whatever it is, go on an adventure this summer and don't be afraid to spend a little money and time to do something new and out of the ordinary that will push you to think a bit differently or meet new people. 

Photos taken at Taughannock State Park in Trumansburgh, New York.

God Bless,

Christine

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IDENTIFY: Part III

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your path straight."

Proverbs 3:4-5

It may not seem like much but I pushed so limits with this photoshoot. I use to be scared to take photos of my face straight-on, I didn't like wearing shorts for photos, I would never wear no makeup, and I'd never part my hair down the center. It's makes me giggle because these things seem so nominal and pointless in a world with real problems. However, how you see yourself molds the container which greatness comes from and if this container is cracked then it won't function as it should.

In my past post, IDENTIFY: Part II, I discussed the importance of surrounding yourself with those who strengthen you. Today I take a look in the mirror. All those little critiques that I had about myself were based on me comparing myself with other bloggers on the internet. Why? Well obviously because I am also a blogger on the internet and they are my community. It's kind of ridiculous how we are always comparing and competing with one another. This is many times a good thing, for example in our academics, but when it leads to inner self-disdain it can be detrimental to us. 

The verse I share today, Proverbs 3:4-5, is a tough one for me. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart... lean not on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:4)... hmmm... this basically tells us to fully trust and give up who we are for God. Just one line later, it proclaims that God will work everything out. It can be so difficult to trust people, especially as we recognize how many mistakes we all make on a daily basis and how cruel all of us can be to ourselves and each other. However, this act of trusting God can alleviate us from stress and pressures of this world (even better than an Aleve tablet lol). So where does our fear come from? I know mine stems from doubt -- when I don't see result in the short run. But when I sit down to think about it, and I mean really think about it, God honestly blesses me and has worked out any struggle I have been through - especially when I gave myself up to Him and did so with the promise that the outcome will be for His glory. What holds you back from trusting in God?

Yesterday I spent some time with an "influencer." You know, one of those people who make you content with the world and whose perspective really jives with you and makes you think. Anyways, he said some things to me that served as validation. Who you are and where you are going is an individual category in itself. As long as you know that you are an individual, you do not need to be conforming what makes you an individual to what may be most popular. This isn't necessarily a new message to me or you, I assume. But even so it reminded me how I feel like I walk a fine line between what I say and what I do in this aspect. As a person who continuously tries to better myself, I sometimes forget when my standards become conformity of those I look up to. Of course the ultimate glory is in Jesus Christ and being a reflection of His love and grace and mercy. Still, we live in society and are asked to do our best. 

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, and not for human masters."

Colossians 3:23

I am just grateful to have had someone, and a handful of someones, in my life who helps me see myself for the goals I have and the young woman that I am becoming in the context of living for Jesus Christ. I hope that this post and my blog can help inspire you, as a reader, as well. We always need people there who can support us as a whole, even if it's for a short while and we don't know them that well. God places people and season in our lives for a reason. And I am so blessed to see God working through me and others. May you too be inspired and blessed as you take one day at a time and continue onward! :D

Thank you Dante and Danielle for being these "someones" to me.

Really Actually Truly Grateful,

Christine

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IDENTIFY: Part II

"Don't be deceived, bad company corrupts good manners" 

- 1 Corinthians 15:33

Sometimes it is up to you to decide who will define you. Of course we decide our own actions for ourselves. Yet it is true that those people with whom you surround yourself with are the ones who most influence your mannerisms and thought process. Sometimes it may be necessary to bid adieu to those whom you know are negative influences. Or if this isn't logistically possible, at least decide how much time you should give to them. Being there for others if it harms yourself isn't healthy. I think we have all learned this at one point in our lives. The Lord teaches up to support each other and give ourselves to others (John 15:13), but He also teaches that we must better ourselves before judging and nit picking others (Matthew 7:3). In friendships you become the judge of both yourself and your friend - since they depend on you to help them make decisions and care about your opinion. Be sure that you are in a healthy place individually before you try to go around and save the world. Just some words for thought. 

Pensively,

Christine

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IDENTIFY: PART I

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one anther, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies - in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

1 Peter 4:10-11

Thank you to my beautiful model Courtney, who is not only beautiful on the outside but is such a beautiful soul who is also very intelligent and driven towards her goals. She reminds me that so much goes into what a person represents- from that first impression based on appearance, to those superficial conversations, to the actions that people make that define them. Never forget that how the world sees you is a mixture of the external and the internal. We can't constantly blame others for who we are or how we are treated. Our environment of course plays a role, but we have a responsibility to ourselves and to God as well. How you develop who you are and how you offer that to the world will define how you will impact the world. We all make an impact on lives, since we are a part of society. This also means that we decide how deep of an imprint we want to make. We live on this planet for only a short life span, but as we are here God through Jesus Christ has not only provided us with numerous and diverse talents, but has equipped us with each other to use each other as instruments to work and grow together. We need to take those talents and run with them confidently. I have to admit that during the grind of the semester, especially now at the end of the semester, I feel like I am not contributing to society and am just studying and relaxing when I can no longer study. However, there are also moments of cultivation that are important to prepare us for when we go out and take action. But even in this challenging monotony, we/I need to use our/my talents daily with and for those that we do interact with, like friends and family. What will you do tomorrow, even through something small, to utilize who you are and what cha got?

With Love,

Christine

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Into The Woods

Photographer/Stylist: Christine

Photography Assistance: Thenappan

Model: Sang Hee

In the beginning of this month, Thenappan, Sang Hee and I set out to do an "into the woods" inspired shoot. I don't mean the book, play or movie (which I wanted to like, but am not really a fan) - I just mean, we literally had a goal to do a photoshoot in the woods and it just so happened that Sang Hee looked best in my red dress and this jacket was the warmest for the climate. So these coincidence culminated in this small set of photos, which are edited a bit darker and mysterious than my usual photography style. Why not try something new?

Someone reminded me that the other day. It's exciting to apply it to my product producing hobbies as well. When it comes to photography I don't really make much time to invest in learning new styles, so I typically stick to what I know best. However, I went out on a limb (well, Sang Hee actually did this for some of the pics in this shoot which I didn't publish). Let me know what you think in the comments below. As for me, back to finals month, AKA: writing until I die (because it feels never-ending). I remember the good old days of (undergrad) just having a finals week...

Trying Something New,

Christine
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P.S. May God be with all of you during your finals! xoxo Keep me in your prayers too!

Capture the Sky

Photography/Direction: Jas Kaur

Concept Assitance: Thanappan

Edited By/Model: Christine Tjahjadi-Lopez

Model: Ana Alhoud

A few months ago I did this long exposure photoshoot in a team of four, listed above. Jas led the shoot and we played around with the bulb setting until we got to her vision. One thing I love about photography is how each stage of the photography process makes a huge difference to the final product. From initial concept, to concept assistance and input from models, then final editing... everyone contributes so much. It is a real testament to the power of team work and the importance of utilizing differences. :)

Also, Merry Christmas to all! I hope your Christmas is going splendid. My Christmas was filled with family, church services, food and gifts. The most wonderful time of the year, because we celebrate that Jesus is here!

Warm Hugs and Big Smiles,

Christine

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Patiently Waiting -- Dreams, Expectations, Life, Faith

Sometimes our dreams seem too big or too far out to seem realistic. Sometimes we forget what it even means to dream. Other times we are so busy following "the correct process" to achieve our dreams that we forget what we are even doing and why we are chasing after the goals we have. Over and over I realize that I get so caught up in this perfect idea of how I am going to reach my goal that I don't leave much room for variance. At the crux of this, I see that it is an issue of control. However, at the end of the day I know that God's got my back and that I don't need to follow the path that I have seen others walk down to reach a goal. My goal and my future is my own.

I do get frustrated because I look around and see that others may have reached my dream goal. I suppose I sometimes doubt my ability to reach a goal because it is taking me more time to get there. I don't know about you but sometimes I am so determined to reach my goal that I obsess and when I do I lose patience for others and even myself. I need to remember that this is life and I am not a robot. I do make mistakes, and some have been blessings in disguise. I do hurt others and get hurt. But at the end of the day(and really, in every moment) it is(or should be) God and me. I need to open my heart and embrace patience so that I can allow God to become a bigger part of my life... even if opening my heart means losing control. 

"24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. 

Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for 

what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. 

We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit 

himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 

27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the 

Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the 

good of those who love him, who[a] have been 

called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew 

he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, 

that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 

30 And those he predestined, he also called; those 

he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."

-- Romans 8:24-30

Remember patience, and never forget what your goal is. You have a specific God-given purpose in this world. Don't take the chance you have at life lightly. Allow the Spirit to lead you, after all, God and Jesus sent the Spirit to be a helper to us in this world. You aren't in this world to live a purely hedonistic life. We all have dreams, or have had dreams at one point. Find your dream again. It may take a year or maybe even 5. When running towards this goal you may fee like you hit a ditch... and it may happen over and over. Just never forget that you do have purpose and keep your heart open to God. Perhaps you need to change those you hang out with, what activities you do for fun, add more God time in there, pick up a new hobby. Just never lose hope in yourself, God never lost hope in you.

Be wary of falling into the motions and losing yourself.

Be wary of becoming enamored with life itself and losing site of God.

Behind the Photoshoot

So my BFF Jas had the awesome idea for tea lights in the river, and that's were it took off! We actually did this photoshoot back in September and intended to edit then post them. However editing never happened and still hasn't, so I have decided to share the unedited photos because honestly, I think they are gorgeous. Hope you like them!

Blessings,
Christine
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P.S. To my friends Andrea, Nana, Danielle, and Brenden... hang in there, open your hearts and stay strong!