Charla Blue Photography: charla brummel

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{Charla Blue} In Wedding Action | Long Beach Wedding Photographer

First, a huge congrats to Chip & Mavy for winning the couple photo session giveaway! It was such a fun contest and it came down to a very close race. Thank you for helping to spread the word and taking time to read their stories and vote.

Since Amanda has been shooting all of my weddings with me this year, she always takes five photos of me in action. I thought I'd share a few of here on the blog since I rarely share photos of myself (I must get over this!)...

Thank you Amanda P!

{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.

Making room for baby B...

For the past few years I've had the luxury of having a guest bedroom AND an office in my home. My home office is especially important since that is where I do all my photography editing and biz work. However, we only have 11 more weeks to make room for baby Brooklyn. So I had to combine the spare bedroom and office space. We really need to have an extra bed since grandparents, aunts, & uncles will surely be coming to visit as soon as the little one makes her appearance. So it's a little cramped...but this is the combined office and guest room now.

I'm planning on hanging prints from this bar that use to have a tapestry from Spain on it. It didn't match the new decor so I took it down.

This is me...

at 7 months pregnant. For all my friends and family that don't get the pleasure of seeing me grow by the day...I thought I'd post an update. The countdown has officially began for me...12 weeks before my due date. I can hardly wait for little Brooklyn to join this world and our family. If you know me, you'd know that I'm not very good at waiting. Pregnancy has been the biggest torture because it has been one big waiting game. I've counted the days, weeks, months...and they seem to be passing at snail speed.

Scott & Stacey's Wedding

I have been so excited for this wedding because I just knew it was going to be beautiful. Bride Stacey has a fun & funky style, so I couldn't wait to see her dress and all the wedding details. She did not disappoint! To begin with, she was absolutely stunning! She had a very classic glam Hollywood look...that I'm sure left the groom breathless. The best part of the wedding was the laughter and the tears. Easily flowing before the ceremony even began. Congratulations...you guys make a beautiful couple! See the slideshow HERE.

Stacey anxiously awaiting her entrance to the wedding ceremony...

The grand entrance to the courtyard ceremony at Hotel Laguna...

I love this sweet look Stacey is giving Scott...

I now pronounce you man and wife...

The kiss...

The sweet embrace...

Time to celebrate...

Some detail shots from the wedding...

Taylor Family

I had the honor of photographing my former principal and his family yesterday. I say former because Al just retired as co-principal of Lakewood High School where I also teach Spanish. Congratulations Al! You will be missed.

Here's the whole clan!