I have been an amateur photographer, camera in hand, since the age of eight. It's been a lifelong hobby that I have enjoyed like no other. The art of the photo is my passion.

As of January, 2011, I turned professional... or at least semi-professional. My business focus is on "photographer for a day" for tourist families along the North Carolina and South Carolina beaches, as well as senior portraits and lifestyle photography.

I am a member of Model Mayhem (MM#1833123), currently doing TFCD/TFP photo shoots with local/regional models in order to build my (and their) portfolio. My focus is on learning the art of lighting, portraiture, posing and post processing (LR3, CS4 and PSE9).

On Flickr, I am the administrator for:
5.0 Fox Mustangs
Mustang Week - Myrtle Beach
Moto Droid Wallpapers & Backgrounds
...and the moderator for:
Beautiful Bugs

Additionally, my work has been published in TopGun Magazine (regional sports mag), an UK wildlife education pamphlet, a Huntington, West Virginia restaurant menu, Wikipedia.org and Schmap Guides for NYC.
Recently, I was the second photographer for the 15th Annual Hooters Regional Swimsuit Pageant in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Overall, I do not Photoshop my images heavily. Normal edits are to change size, along with overall contrast, sharpness -- and sometimes color saturation. Currently, most of those edits are performed using Picasa and Picnik.

My primary camera is a Canon 60D (18MP; 50mm prime f/1.8, 135mm f/2.8, the kits lens and a 75~300mm). I also use off-camera flash with flash trigger/receiver, Fancier brand strobes, a DIY beauty dish and various reflectors. As a backup, I normally carry a Canon 350D and a Canon A495 (PnS digital). For film & slides? A dusty, trusty Canon A-1 (with various lenses).



~ FLICKR MILESTONES ~
October, 2008 - Passed 25,000 views mark
April 6, 2009 - Passed 100,000 views mark
October, 2009 - Passed 250,000 views mark
September, 2010 - Passed 500,000 views mark
July 27, 2011 - Reached 1,000,000 views!

I am blessed to have several photos with more than 2,000 views... a few with more than 5,000 views and one with more than 15,000 views. And it's not even my best shot! Haha!

Enjoy the photos and feel free to offer constructive criticism. =)

God bless!
CharlieJ