{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.