CHARLOTTE BERKELEY PHOTOGRAPHY

May 1, 2020May 4, 2020 Beaufort Lifestyle 2322 Views

Capturing Life and Creating Art

story by ROBIN TODD photos by SUSAN DELOACH newborn photos by CHARLOTTE BERKELEY

When it comes to the subject of women in business, it’s important to share the story of the ones who are brave enough to put their fear aside day after day to pursue a passion they know will add value, even if it means complete uncertainty. This is and was the case for Charlotte Berkeley.

Carrying her new baby in one arm and a Nikon camera in the other, Charlotte is a beautiful example of what happens when you show up for yourself with natural talent and a whole lot of faith. Born and bred on the Beaufort River in Port Royal, this young woman has found a niche she never thought would be in her wheelhouse. Photography was something her father had toyed with as a hobby. She always loved it, but never considered it as a career. He loved Nikon, so in keeping with family tradition, naturally, she now shoots with one as well. Charlotte explains, “The magic of being able to go back and see my own family’s memories for generations is something I will always cherish. Those are lifetime moments captured to experience time and time again.”

Charlotte started in the hospitality industry in Beaufort and then put herself on a path to a law career. As she began, she felt a gut instinct that it just wasn’t for her. She followed that instinct and found herself in a local photographer’s studio with a position as an assistant. From there, she felt something click. She was given opportunities to learn and soak in years of experience—Charlotte holds her mentors in high regard. While assisting and editing shoots, she fell in love with the process and the stories behind the lens.

Almost five years ago, she took a leap of faith and started her own business. She started small, photographing families, children, and babies. She was soon contacted by Beaufort Memorial Hospital to fill a need for a newborn photographer. She jumped at the opportunity and is humbled by her role. She has the privilege of capturing many babies’ first breath on film, whether during a traditional birth or suited up to be present in the operating room. She took her business one step further and opened her home studio to offer newborn photo sessions to families after they are home from the hospital.

Charlotte gushes about the absolute fascination and appreciation she now has for the clinical staff on the maternity wing. As a brand-new mom herself, she shares, “I have a whole new perspective after becoming a mother. It’s so fleeting and precious, I want to remember every moment, but the sleep deprivation is real! I am so grateful for the photographs.”

When asking Charlotte what it felt like to leave behind what she thought she had planned for her life, she is calm and self-assured she made the right decision. “It was scary. I had no idea if it would work, but I knew I had to try. My now husband, boyfriend at the time, gave me full support. He told me if it didn’t work out, then we would pivot, and we would make a new plan. His backing made it easier for sure. With his unconditional love and support, my family, and the photographers I absorbed so much from, I felt confident from the start to jump in knowing if I fell, I could get back up.” We can all take a lesson in this thought process.

Charlotte offers maternity and “Fresh 48” sessions as well as newborn sessions at her Beaufort studio. She also schedules in-home sessions where you can document a day in the life of what is your “new normal” as brand-new parents. Maternity sessions are also something she loves offering her clients. Having the entire journey, from beginning to end, frozen in time on print is truly something spectacular and irreplaceable. When it comes to in-home sessions, some may have some hesitation about a stranger coming in to capture the raw life that happens when real life hits. Charlotte explains this is where the beauty lies in the moments you don’t think about while they are happening. The ones that blend together as you are figuring out how to do this thing called parenting, while running on coffee fumes and pure adrenaline. She beams with passion as she shares her experiences. She offers advice to families when preparing for an in-home session: “Do not worry about the state of your home. I will only capture the mess if you want me to, but chaos is beautiful. It’s real and raw, and you won’t want to forget it. Being a new mom, I get it now more than ever.” Another tip is: “Just relax. I do all the work. Pose or don’t pose. Make sure your little one is fed and happy. Just have something to wear that makes you feel beautiful, because you are. Show up and I’ll do the rest.”

Charlotte takes her niche to another level. She has specialized training and certifications to ensure that she is handling your new loved one with the utmost care and attention to every vital detail. Families have to consider safety concerns and trust when looking for a newborn photographer. Her special training allows her to bend and pose these sweet, little bundles of joy correctly and safely. She handles this part of her job with professionalism, respect, precision, and care. She offers advice on the best time to photograph a newborn: “If you want to get this ‘sweet spot,’ the optimal time is two weeks to three weeks old.”

Charlotte is young, fierce, and passionate about fully capturing your moments and memories in time. In asking her what she would say to any ambitious woman who may be scared to take that first step, she says, “Take the plunge. It’s super scary, and the worst thing that could happen is you might fail, and then you pick something else and move onto the next thing. I think more people should follow their dreams. I know it’s easier for some than others. I have a great support system. I know I am luckier than others when it comes to this; however, it’s never the determining factor in success. Show up, add value, and don’t forget to give yourself credit. I created a life I love by doing this, and it’s hard sometimes. I wouldn’t change a thing.”