Here’s a fun exercise that you can try when you’re photographing or editing. Going with a feeling, maybe in the first image with cooler tones, the girl on the bike is heading to her first day of work at the museum, and she’s thinking of stopping at a cafe for her breakfast. In the second image with warmer tones, maybe she’s on her way to meet with friends for dinner on a Friday evening. Have fun with your art. Make up stories and add life to them. You are the artist. Create your little world to your heart’s content.
On Expanding Your Creative Senses
in Inspiration
This past summer, I attended my second retreat with the Elena S. Blair Mastermind. Here are some fellow photographer friends out in the wild. Seeing how other artists work and look at the world is a great way to be inspired. Yet, sometimes, it can also be crippling and then you start to doubt your own work. One of my solutions to this, as it happens to the best of us, is to look at and practice other art mediums. Painting, writing, working with clay… it takes your mind out of the imposter syndrome rabbit hole, and it expands your senses to other ways of creating. I usually put on a movie like Auntie Mame or Amelie for inspiration when I need it. What are your go-to tools when needing to turn off the noise around you?
Hello, 2023!
I've been organizing my files and came across this photo that one of my kids took of me one afternoon at home--probably taken at least 10 years ago. It's not a perfect photo, but it's me in a happy place and a photo of I think how my kids see me, with a camera and smiling at them. I definitely don't smile at them all the time, of course, because that would be weird, especially when they need to be vulnerable with me and I need to really listen. Our lives aren't perfect, but we are a work in progress, independently and together. I'm not sure why I'm sharing this, but I feel like I need you to see me, and I also want to see you. In your happy place--or not. My goal when I photograph you is to really connect with you and really see who you are. How you are with your loved ones and how you are on your own. I encourage you to tap into your inner confidence and the scary parts that you don't feel comfortable addressing. I take my take time working with you so that the images come out naturally and full of emotion. You may cry. I've seen it, and it's ok! Hells, I’m crying now as I write this. It happens. It's a good release. Anyway, I'm rambling, but wanted to reach out in this new year. It's going to be a good one. I hope you're doing ok.
Love, Charmaine🖤
A New Year
My sons returned to school today after a restful Christmas break. Spending quiet time with them was my favorite part about the season. We would take Odin down to the beach by our house on some days. He's getting older and the salty air was very cold, so our walks were not too long. Other days included board/video games, reading, movies, and T.V. marathons. I made soup and we ate lots of cookies. Now, it's a brand new year, and I am excited for this fresh, creative, and abundant beginning. I hope the same for you. Cheers!
Big Kids
Happy Thanksgiving!
With college kids in town for the holiday season, it's a great time to update your family photos now through January. Click on the Book Now link to schedule a session!
Fifteen
Happy belated birthday to this awesome kid! Thanks for letting me play with your makeup and for letting me photograph you, Calla. This was so much fun!
Sisters
I love seeing the Kozu's every year. Watching these girls grow is so much fun, and catching up with mom and dad is always a treat for me. I've been photographing this sweet family since their first pregnancy. How lucky am I?
Autumn Sunday
Last Sunday brought crisp sunshine and brunch. Hoping for the same forecast this weekend. Stay warm and cozy! 🍂☕️ @lepichetseattle @fotorxco PDX Presets
Welcome to the world, Baby T!
I had fun photographing my dear friend, Trinh and her baby, Talia (now almost two months old). There's something about photographing babies and how the world suddenly stops and it's quiet and hopeful. Here's to a fierce future, little one.
Expecting...
One of the happiest mamas I've ever had the honor of capturing.
Parisian Boys
When in Paris, you photograph cute Parisian boys--6 and 11, that is. During my recent visit, I had the pleasure of spending time with my sweet and talented photographer friend Catherine and her beautiful men. It was such a wonderful experience. It was like meeting my sister, and time never escaped us. We laughed, shared similar favorites, drank wine, and ate well. I also learned a little bit of French from a six-year-old, discovered that kids like the same YouTube greats as my boys do in America, dabbing is universal, and that longboarding along Ile Ste. Louis above the Seine is a really cool thing to do. I love and miss you so much, C and gents. You break my heart--in a good way! <3
These Days...
I could post a fresh photo. I could.
I just feel like I need to use words right now. I'm listening to Nico, and I just need to reset and stop.
I want to revisit my Five Senses series. My Milk is Quiet moments. If you need a reminder or an introduction of Milk is Quiet, I'll help you with a memory that I did not remember until I really needed it recently. Ok, I will post this old, blue-lit image.
When thinking of the word 'quiet' what comes to mind? My 4 year-old (who's now 12) responded with, "What about milk, Mama? Milk is quiet." Just like that. Simple. Kids always know. It's too bad that we sometimes forget as we get older. We have too much clutter. It's time to find room for solitude and reflection...
peeking into
the quiet corners
of our world
taking the time
to slow down
and pay attention
to our senses and
the ordinary things that go
unnoticed
dust on the window ledge
cake crumbs on a white saucer
scuffed boots and crooked soles
we begin to see
while we rush
through our days
I just need to slow down. I need to create. I need to shut down the noises around me.
Ile Saint-Louis, I love you
Playing with my Lensbaby Composer Pro Edge 50
School Auction Collage
My boys' school auction is coming up! Here's the collage that I will be displaying for a family portrait session.
What a Difference a Week Makes
It's funny how one weekend the boys are playing outside with a couple of their best friends on a rather warm winter day, and then exactly a week later it's snowing and we're sledding down the neighborhood hill! Magic.
Tomas Turns 9!
This boy. I can always count on him for a good laugh and sweet hugs. Happy 9th Birthday, my beautiful Masi! I love you, I love you, I la-la-la-la-love you! Here is Tomas having a special birthday breakfast with Mateo before rushing off to school.
Lego Bonding and Chilly Weather
Peaceful Saturday mornings with the boys are the best. No plans to go anywhere or do anything. Just enjoying some much needed downtime.
It Might As Well Be Spring
The other day, Stan Getz' It Might As Well Be Spring was on my iPod rotation. Indeed, it sure has been feeling like spring here in Washington. The boys have been able to play outside, having quesadilla picnics, climbing trees, exploring nature, and enjoying some sunshine. No buds sprouting yet, just the warmth on our backs while frost and ice try to hold onto winter. I hope you're enjoying winter where you are. It's still cold, so stay warm!
the kozu family - autumn 2013
I just love this family. Now E is one! It's such a joy to see Mom and Dad growing as parents and to watch their little one with spunk and wonder toddling about the campus on a beautiful Autumn day. And E's outfit? I die over the tights and the navy. She is so stylish, just like her mom. Here are just a few images from our fun afternoon together.
