Things are so exciting right now!  These days, in addition to working as a professional photographer, artist and teacher I’m steeped daily in the possibilities of capturing photos, videos and making art using devices. Never before has photography and art been so closely aligned and so possible to so many.  Thanks to powerful software programs such as Adobe Photoshop and amazing mobile apps we can go further into easily creating from our imaginations.

This image was created using one of my portrait photographs as the foundation. I did a line drawing of eyes, added color, another background I created and it turned into something entirely new. It’s a wonderful combination of elements and all done entirely on my Apple iPad using a favorite app! What can be created using apps on mobile devices is amazing and has freed me up dramatically since I can create anytime, anywhere the mood strikes!

I started combining photos and artworks in a long ago world that involved film and printing black and white photos in a chemical filled darkroom.  I still think back with awe about the magical moment that an image would appear in the developer bath while standing in a darkroom filled only with a dim red light.  I was an artist then using my prints as the literal canvas— drawing on them with india ink and painting them with intensely vibrant dyes.

But things changed and technology is rapidly advancing so being a photographic artist has changed our way of working but it has not necessarily changed how we think.  In fact, the world is so filled with possibility and awe inspiring tools at the ready we can now create anywhere at any time thanks to our mobile devices too.  I’m a full-time professional photographer with a fascination for transforming photographs.  It’s who I am, what I do and what I love to share through teaching.

Did you know you’re an artist too, no matter the medium?  True.  Because art is in everything we do, whether it’s preparing a delicious meal or building the perfect doghouse.  It’s in how we choose to dress each day, it’s how we calculate a mathematical equation.  Art is in the design of a rectangular wall switch as much as it is in a rich oil painting now hanging in the Louvre or sprayed onto the walls of an alley facing wall on a downtown street.

Welcome to this ever evolving creative world we live in that has brought us extraordinary access to anything we can dream of to create for ourselves— from our personal self expression to more practical needs like marketing our businesses.

• Do you want to learn how to make your pictures look great?
• Do you want to transform them into works of art?
• Do you want learn how to use your cell phone not only to make better pictures but possibly to do product photography with it?
• Do you want to make videos or slide shows you can use to capture special events in your life or to use in your own business marketing?

I’d be thrilled to help you learn how to do all of these things using easy to access but powerful tools and techniques to make the most out of your pictures– for personal or business needs.  Nothing delights me more than helping people go to the next level with what they need to get the job done.

I was the hired photographer running around with kids at a backyard birthday party and kids move fast!  Then this happened. I turned around and saw this amazing face, got one frame and she was gone. Such a face! Back at my computer, feeling inspired, I began playing in Photoshop to express what I was seeing in my minds eye– a beautiful fairy-like child with flowing golden locks, electric blue eyes, alive and surrounded by glitter.

The Original Image was photographed in Sienna, Tuscany (oh my goodness gorgeous place) of a street performer who’s skill was standing still for hours while dressed head to toe in gold– with the exception of his sunglasses. This image was taken into Photoshop and built with so many layers creating texture that I’ve lost count. It’s the use of lush brush strokes that makes the photographer/performer look like a painting.

Find out more about Digital Imaging and my Photography Workshops:   CLICK HERE.

Want a Portrait Session with me?  CLICK HERE 

Book me as a Speaker for your event:  CLICK HERE 

CHARR’S ARCHIVES — An interesting place to visit and see images from a long career of photojournalism and artistry.