Costa Christ Elevates Natural Light Photography to Fine Art

Costa Christ knows exactly what he wants — and he isn’t afraid to go after it. The mega-talented photographer discovered his niche in architectural natural light photography and propelled it into a thriving business.

Realtors and designers quickly embraced his unique style. Editors followed suit. Since launching his company 10 years ago, Christ estimates he’s photographed over 3,000 projects for more than 1,000 clients.

“A lot of people ask: ‘How the hell did you do that?’”

The answer is simple — literally. “My method relies on simplicity and symmetry. I’m trying to utilize what is given to me in its most organic form.”

It wasn’t easy convincing clients to shoot with the lights off, he admits. “Natural light photography was a different look than what they were used to. But the agents who trusted me found their listings sold faster.”

Christ began building a portfolio that would attract a wider audience. In the beginning, he shot massive projects for as little as $50. Sometimes he even did them for free. His hard work and perseverance paid off.

“I began to establish instrumental relationships with leaders in the local industry, many of which I still proudly hold today.”

The shooting style that initially hindered his career became his registered trademark: Strictly Natural Light.®

Another benefit of Christ’s technique is speed. If the house is made ready, he can photograph a 6,000-square-foot home in less than an hour. “The clients I work with value time over money.”

“They would rather pay for a more efficient and effective shoot that helps them list and sell their property than save a few hundred dollars and go with a photographer that might take all day.”

Christ has worked with some of the country’s most accomplished architects, agents, builders, and interior designers, and his photographs have been featured in Forbes, Southern Living, Veranda, and Architectural Digest.

He cites a shopping trip to Whole Foods as the spark that led him to explore a second phase in his career: fine art photography. Out of nine magazines on the checkout rack, four featured his photos.

“While I had achieved one dream, I realized I wanted a tangible product with my name on it — something that wouldn’t expire with an Instagram post, that would outlive me and stay on the wall for decades.”

Not surprisingly, Costa Christ Art pushes boundaries. Case in point: his series of Porsche hoods wrapped in photos printed on vinyl — the first of which he donated to the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center.

“They put it in the live auction. My wife Jackie held it up on stage, and it raised $28,000.”

Porsche soon came calling. A corporate-sponsored art exhibition elevated his brand to new heights.

Currently, galleries in Dallas, Aspen, Nantucket, and Naples feature his work. His ultimate goal: to sell out of his limited editions.

“This work, and everything it represents, is bigger than me. My hope is that it will endure beyond my time on Earth.”

To view more of Costa Christ’s work, click here.