HEY...I'M CHARMAINE
PHOTOGRAPHER, ARTIST, CREATIVE
Welcome to my little corner of the world
A LITTLE ABOUT ME...
I love life. It’s something I don’t take for granted.
I genuinely feel lucky that we get to experience this crazy, beautiful thing called life.
The little moments, the unexpected moments, and even the messy ones... all of it.
It keeps things interesting, right?
An early riser and a lover of slow mornings. It’s honestly my favourite time of day - the world is quiet, my cacao is warm, and no one needs anything from me... yet.
Those quiet moments are golden.
Writing helps keep my mind clear, photography helps me make sense of the world,
and music is how I start my day. I feel like I can truly breathe when I create.
Nothing beats a table filled with good food and good people. Sharing a meal, laughing, telling stories, and lingering a little longer than planned - feeds my soul.
I’m an extroverted introvert by nature.
I love the energy of a busy room - the conversations, the laughter, and being around people - but I also need my quiet corners to recharge.
Music filling the house. The stillness of nature. The ocean never too far away.
Creating alongside others. Disappearing into my own little creative world.
I’m a sentimental soul. I keep the things that hold meaning - the little reminders of people, places, and moments that matter. And a little bit woo woo with a practical twist.
And then there’s my favourite role...Mum of four. Baba (aka Nana) to three.
Family is everything to me. They are my greatest gifts in life and the reason I understand just how quickly seasons change. One minute you’re holding tiny hands, and the next you’re wondering how on earth they got so tall.
AS A PHOTOGRAPHER...
I’ve had a camera in my hand for 28 years & began my studies in 2001 and completing my Diploma in Photographic Imaging in 2002.
I began photographing weddings, where I discovered the beauty of connection, emotion, and the moments that matter most. But over time, I found myself asking…
Why do we wait for the big occasions or a reason to step in front of the camera to be celebrated?
Because who we are in this season of life is worth remembering too.
My work has evolved into creating portraits that allow women and families to see themselves the way I see them - the beauty, strength, softness, connection, and the person underneath all the roles they carry every day.
I believe a portrait is more than just an image. It becomes your daily reminder of who you are - a moment where you can look at yourself and say, “Hey… that’s me.”
My goal isn’t to create an image of who you think you should be. It is to create space for who you truly are to come forward.
The image you hold in your mind’s eye - I want to help bring her forward.
A photoshoot with me is an experience. We talk, we laugh, we do a little dance (if that’s your thing), we pause and just allow moments to unfold naturally.
Because the experiences we allow ourselves to have are often where we discover more of ourselves. Stepping outside what feels familiar and seeing ourselves in a new way is where confidence grows.
The most meaningful photographs happen when we stop trying to be anything other than ourselves.
And then comes the moment I love most… seeing your portraits for the first time.
You finally see what I saw all along.
I would love to photograph you...
BEHIND THE LENS,
years
AWARDS & EXHIBITIONS
2012 - Present
Studio portrait photographer for women & families
2025 - Present
Founded CHAR+CO - an online fine art photographic print store
2022
Held my second 40 over 40 portrait exhibition
2020
Held my first 40 over 40 portrait exhibition
2011 - 2014
Outdoor family portrait photographer
1998 - 2011
Wedding Photographer
2003 - 2004
Worked full-time at Superlab, Tauranga — a professional photographic lab.
2001 - 2002
Completed my Diploma of Photographic Imaging - UCOL, Palmerston North
1998 - 1999
Weekend sports photographer for the Dargaville Times newspaper
