I started my photography career at a local newspaper in my home town of Dargaville when my daughter was only eight months old.  I was employed as their weekend sports photographer which didn’t last long and soon lead to wedding photography and the odd portrait here and there.

Photographing weddings was one of the most scariest things I had ever done.  For weeks leading up to my clients big day I would be flicking through magazines, searching for ideas, my heart pumping and going over and over the day that was yet to arrive.  This was a day I didn’t want to mess up.  As time went on and I photographed more weddings, the easier it became – well less sweaty palms and a steadier heart rate anyway.  Weddings became exciting for me, a great celebration to be involved in and capture for so many families. Yet after 14 years and hundreds of weddings I decided nearly two years ago to stop and have a break from them.

You see, my husband and I had started to extend our little family, and with two kids and me away most Fridays & Saturdays during the summer months (as most of my weddings were outside of Tauranga), I was missing out on so much family time. Plus, I felt like I was standing still with my wedding imagery and lacking creativity, so taking a break seemed like the right thing to do for me, and for the couples getting married.  Now with 3 kids and another on the way – yeap #4! – weddings are not the right fit for me and my family at this time.

Portraits have been a big part of my business for about 4 years now, mainly childhood portraits which have included everyone from families and babies to children & teens. I have had so many great moments with my childhood portraits because as you all know, kids keep it real and I have had some real characters.

Anyway… at the end of 2011 I came across an amazing photographer – Sue Bryce, well actually I knew of her years ago but just re-discovered her. She is a kiwi who is based in Australia, a glamour photographer and an amazing teacher – she share’s everything she knows and is such a giver. I love her style of photography and it really interested me. I got really excited and I couldn’t stop thinking about her beautiful images.  When she began to teach photographers around the world her style I tagged along, watching, learning & listening. Six months ago I introduced ‘Beautiful Women’ portraits to my business, and I am loving every moment.

After finishing weddings it felt like there was something missing and I was unsure what it was until just recently.  I had never really thought about glamour photography before. The thing is I enjoyed weddings because of the celebration of the day and I loved working with brides.  They felt beautiful, they looked beautiful and it was such an honour to photograph them on their special day.  With glamour I am doing the same thing, however, without all the bells and whistles that weddings bring.  I am photographing women who want to look and feel beautiful, who deserve to look and feel beautiful and I truly believe every women should have a gorgeous portrait of themselves – It is a celebration of one’s self.

I am so excited about my glamour portraits and already I have meet so many amazing women.  I am looking forward to the next 12 months and sharing my journey with you, so be sure to tag along.

Charmaine xx

www.charmainemarinkovich.co.nz

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