{Hickey Cousins} Long Beach, CA Family Photographer

I've lost track of how many times I've had the privilege of capturing these cutie cousins. It is one of the best parts of my job...to see families and kids growing over the years. I truly feel like I get to play a special part of their family. The cousins stay here is coming to an end, and back to Argentina they go. I'm so glad I got to see them while they were visiting and hear their awesome accents and Spanish (so fun coming from a little blonde toe head). Happy Birthday Grandma and I hope you enjoyed the images of your beautiful grandchildren.

 

 

 

 

{Studio 404 Weddings} My New Home

It has been so incredibly exciting, scary, and just a bit overwhelming launching our new consultation studio (with a wedding florist, cake designer, & graphic designer/stationer). I honestly have not done a ton of work since I was even gone for two weeks, but the space has occupied my every thought and has contributed to a few sleepless nights. I'm so proud of all of our work and incredibly honored to be working with these three other talented women.

I'm still in the process of getting more images on the walls and printing sample albums but I wanted to post our work in progress. We get our new window signage next week. I cannot wait! I honestly have to pinch myself every time I take the keys out of my purse, put it in the door, and open it! It's such a fabulous feeling to know that I am a business owner and doing something that brings me so much happiness and joy. So many doors are opening and I'm enjoying this journey. Please follow the journey with us....

Follow us on Twitter: @404weddings
LIKE us on Facebook: Studio 404 Weddings
Visit our site: Studio 404 Weddings
But most importantly, come visit us in person: 404 Termino Ave, Long Beach

 

 

{Kristy + Maoni | Part II - The Ceremony} Dana Point Wedding Photographer

More beautiful moments for a beautiful day...

Contact Charla / View my portfolio / Become a fan on Facebook

{Kristy + Maoni | Part I} Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel Wedding

This past Saturday I shot a wedding at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel. It was an awesome venue with a super fun couple. I was happy to have Carol Cobb shooting with me (especially since she's a Nikon shooter too) and my new intern Stefani. The day could not have been more beautiful! I drove down the coast on PCH to the wedding and was reminded again of the fabulous place I call home. I was also reminded of this crazy dream job that I never knew I had. I pinch myself on days like Saturday.

It was great working with Melissa of Paper Lantern Events. Here are some of the other vendors that made the day perfect...

Venue:  Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel
Florist:  La Tulipe Floral Designs, Laguna Niguel (Annie)
Officiant:  Reverend Bruce Danzara

I remember when I got married how anxious I was to get our pictures back. Sometimes your wedding day can be such a blur, that it is so awesome when you finally get to relive the moment in images. So, I'm trying really hard to have a super fast turn around time for my couples. I am unbelievably close to being done with editing this entire wedding. I'm hoping to finish by Saturday, in time for my next wedding.  Wish me luck.

Here is just the first sneak peak into Kristy & Maoni's wedding. They have been together for some time and have two beautiful daughters as proof!

Kristy's friend was practicing walking down the aisle with her daughter Olivia. It was so cute!

I love this moment! The moment when a loved one sees the bride for the first time. It's priceless.

Kristy, you looked stunning! I mean STUNNING!

Sisters! Yes, their parents make pretty girls. As did Kristy!

I love this decorative beaded wall! It's located in the Ritz Spa. Hello beautiful, again.

Kristy & Maoni, I'll be posting a second and maybe third blog post as I continue to work on your wedding images. I wanted you to get a sneak peak right away though. Thank you again for inviting me to be part of your day. I had a blast! A big thanks to Vu Bui too for the referral. Cheers!

Contact Charla / View my portfolio / Become a fan on Facebook

May Promo & Giveaway

Portrait Pricing will be changing June 1st! You can order a session with current pricing until 6/1, and you can use the session anytime (when paid in full).

In honor of the studio changes and moms, dads, & grads...I'm giving a session away, during the month of May. Why? To thank you for being a fan and to help me grow my business! Deadline is Saturday, May 8th by midnight. I'll be announcing the winner on Mother's Day!

Giveaway Session details:
- Session giveaway may be used for family portraits (up to four members), senior portraits, headshots, newborn/children, or engagements (not eligible for boudoir sessions). Valued at $300.
- One hour on location (within 30 miles of 90808 OR 98516) or in studio
- Includes disc of high resolution images
- Online album of images
- Session must take place before July 1st.

Complete any ONE of the following to be entered to win a free session. You may complete more for additional entries.
- Become a fan of charla BLUE photography on Facebook.
- Post my May Promo image or this link to your Facebook wall.
- Tweet about this giveaway. You are free to copy the following sample tweet: charla BLUE photography (@charlablue) is giving a session away, during the month of May. Details here: http://bit.ly/cuZz2J
- I'd also love for you to follow me (@charlablue) on Twitter.
- Follow my blog with Google Friends connect (scroll down to bottom center of blog)
- Make a comment on a blog post.
- Blog about this giveaway and why you're hoping to be chosen (you may also do this on the Notes section of Facebook).

When you're all done, please email me with a list of all your completed entries (charla@charlablue.com) & links, when possible. Please also include who/what you'd like to use your session for and why you're hoping to be chosen (you may also enter on behalf of someone, if you're hoping to give this as a gift). Thanks!

{Loire Valley} France Travel Photographer

After returning from a trip and sorting through my images, I often wonder if I realized the beauty of what I was viewing in the moment that I saw it. I'm pretty sure I didn't, because I'm always struck by the images when I get home. I think that's pretty normal when you travel to Europe. You encounter so much beauty, history, and mystery...that it can become a bit overwhelming! I think it takes some time for it to all soak in to really absorb it all. And that is the wonderful thing about photography! You get to relive it, forever! I have to say that France is not my favorite place to visit...but for photography purposes, it is! I know, I'm conflicted and that may not make sense...but it is what it is.

 

 

 

 

See the full book HERE...

Loire Valley, France by charla BLUE photography

{Valentines Day} boudoir by CB promo

Okay, so I've received several last minute boudoir inquiries...so I thought I'd make it a win win for everyone. Do it all in one day at half my normal boudoir session fee. Please contact me ASAP, as I will be doing limited sessions.

 

 

 

Contact Charla / View my portfolio / Become a fan on Facebook

{About Me} The Story Behind the BLUE

Hi! Welcome to my little corner of the web. I'm Charla and I'm so excited you found me. If you already know me, you can skip this blog post because it's probably old news to you. If you don't know me, I hope to meet you soon! Please leave a comment, so that I know you visited. In the meantime, grab a coffee or diet coke and read a little (or a lot) how charla BLUE came to be...

Sometimes I still can't believe this journey that has led me to photography. In other moments, I can't believe that I did not discover my love for photography earlier. I have been an avid picture taker since I was in elementary school. I have filled up so many photo albums and scrap books throughout the years and my travels, that I probably would have had to invest in a storage facility to store them all (if it wasn't for digital photography). During college, I even taught a film developing class at the state juvenile detention I worked at. I love pictures and the stories they tell. They are my prized possessions.

There was an actual moment that I discovered photography! As a fulltime high school Spanish teacher, I have been taking my high school students abroad during Spring Break for 11 years. In April of 2007, after just marrying the month before, I led my largest group yet of 54 to Spain, France, & Italy. My friend, co-worker, and co-chaperone Aaron Volkoff lent me his DSLR to shoot with for the day in Barcelona. From the moment I took my first photograph with his camera, it was love at first click! Seriously. I couldn't believe the speed of the shutter, the sound of the click, the clarity of the images. I declared that day that I wanted to be a photographer while shoe shopping in Barcelona. I even took a picture to commemorate my declaration...

Taken in Barcelona on April 10, 2007

I called my newlywed husband back in California that day. I told him I was going to be a photographer and he had a little chuckle and replied "what?" It was a bit out of left field at the time, but he is use to my crazy ideas and spontaneity. Upon returning home from Europe, I bought my first DSLR and launched charla BLUE photography. I started shooting everyone I knew...my pregnant friends, newborn babies, or practicing at weddings that I attended (from my seat of course). I jumped into it head first and have learned so much on this journey. I knew nothing about the rule of thirds, fstops, shutter speeds, and ISO 2.5 years ago.

If you look at my life story, photography really just makes sense. I'm so grateful to have discovered a career that brings passion and love to my life every day. But really I think photography discovered me!

So, why BLUE? Because I am obsessed with the color turquoise and have been for as long as I can remember. You can find various shades of blue decor throughout my home, my clothing, accessories, and it was even my wedding colors. My husband coined the term charla BLUE around the time we were getting married. I'm just drawn to the color and it makes me happy.

Thank you for visiting and I hope to capture your story.
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A huge thank you to my friend and co-worker Cora, who is the one responsible for incorporating my personality and colors into my logo, for being my graphic go-to-girl, and my all around biggest cheerleader!

To Aaron for sharing your camera with me! You are the reason I am a photographer.

To Kristi for talking shop with me, teaching me all the technical mumbo jumbo, and providing me with beautiful photographs of my family.

To my husband Dan who has supported all my crazy ideas and big purchases. He has believed in me and supported me every step of the way. I have big dreams for us, babe!

To my baby girl Brooklyn for making me smile, laugh, and grow as a mother and human being every day. You are my inspiration for everything.

To Becky and Dana for being my models and guinea pigs from day ONE. It has been an absolute joy to watch your families grow!

To all of the rest of you it makes me just emotional thinking how awesome you have all been with your kind words and encouragement on this journey.

{CB Blog} gets a facelift

A huge shout out to Ellie of Rain Day Designs for working with me on a new layout! I'm so excited for my shiny new home on the web. Check her out if you are on Blogger and are looking for something fresh and clean. I love her layouts and she is super friendly and easy to work with.

 

This is the layout I chose....

 

And, voila, my customized version...

 

Banner photos by Amy Hinden.

So what do you think? Leave a comment, so I know you were here. Cheers!

Summer Special

Hey everyone! I'm running a summer promo for the next 3 weeks. Please spread the word and book soon! I'm encouraging you all to get your family photo sessions done while you're still relaxed, tan, and in the summer vibe. The holidays are right around the corner and I will have limited availability. Cheers!

 

New Website

Well, I'm super excited to have upgraded my charlablue.com site to a flash site! It is still under construction as I add new images daily but love it so far. I think it showcases my photos better and has many new features that will help my clients. For example, there is an interactive calendar where you can view my availability and submit a request for a particular date. I think one of the coolest new things is the ability to offer my brides their own mini-site, hosted by me. It's been a great trend for brides to create a site to inform guests of all the wedding details and now they can get it included with booking me as their wedding photographer. How cool is that? Take a minute and see what www.charlablue.com is all about! Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

 

My studio

I am so excited right now because I have a functional fun studio. It's still under construction but I'm excited for it's possibilities. I love to do natural light on location photography but sometimes there is a need for privacy and protection. I'm hoping to use this space for newborn, maternity, and boudoir sessions. In fact, I already used it yesterday for a maternity session and tomorrow have an "intimate" portrait party. Considering the "private" nature of both these sessions...I'm not sure if I'll be able to post the images here on my blog. I'll have to get permission from my models first.

We are lucky to have this additional space in our backyard that is protected from the elements. Our good friend Frank of Made in the Shade awnings installed this kick A retractable awning. It protects the space and also allows us to have privacy while we're shooting (we live in a duplex with upstairs neighbors). Check it out...





I call this my inspiration wall. I spend so many hours surfing other photographers sites to get ideas for poses and setups. These are collages I made to help pose my boudoir sessions tomorrow since I've never done it before. It's also nice to show my clients all of the possibilities and see what they like. I hope to replace the images with my photography eventually. You can check out the amazing photographers behind the collages...

http://boudoirmoncheri.com/
http://noirebellestudio.com/
http://katemcelweephotography.wordpress.com/category/boudoir/
http://www.womancaptured.com/index2.php
http://www.flickr.com/photos/charlablue/3174714131/