Charla Storey’s talent extends far beyond the camera. Her true gift is the ability to connect with and understand her subjects. This superpower allows her to anticipate the moments they'll want to preserve and create opportunities for them to unfold naturally. Charla has turned this skill into an art by utilizing a relaxed and intuitive style to produce photographs that will still look damn good 50 years down the road.
Charla learned her craft while working at a children’s photography studio. Continually promoted every six months, she rose through the ranks to be in charge of quality and training company-wide. By the end of her seven years there, Charla had literally written the book on both. This experience gave her the foundational knowledge and passion to start her own business as a wedding photographer (plus, the ability to wrangle even the most difficult subjects).
Now, Charla travels the world photographing couples, pulling inspiration from each new destination, culture, flavor, and person she encounters. This adventurous spirit and drive propel Charla in all aspects of life - not everyone can make it to the 2nd round of America Ninja Warrior tryouts, and she did it twice!
Adopting the mentality of a “witty warrior,” Charla brings the perfect combination of enthusiasm and tenacity to any situation. A bona fide team player, she’s never afraid to roll up her sleeves and jump-in wherever needed. Between her time spent jet-setting and her two Boxer pups at home, she can handle anything.
With over a decade of experience, Charla’s talent isn’t a secret. She’s been voted Best Photographer by some of the fiercest critics: her mother and sister. Martha Stewart Weddings and Style Me Pretty also happen to agree.
Charla lives by the philosophy, “Work hard and be nice to people.” Here are the three ways she does just that.
Having worked in nearly every aspect of the wedding industry (on purpose), Charla knows how essential each member of the team is to an event’s success. By actively listening to clients and their vendors, Charla makes everyone feel both valued and appreciated. She understands and respects each person’s vision, acting as a partner to ensure it comes to life. Quite simply, Charla has everyone’s back.
Every move Charla makes is backed by intention. With an incredibly organized and detail-oriented approach, Charla produces a customized and stress-free experience. This allows everyone she works with to feel like the most important person in the room – especially her clients. She keeps their story in mind at every step, thinking through the details to deliberately make space for it to unfold.
Delightfully down-to-earth, Charla has yet to hear a story that she couldn’t relate to. Between being a young mom and recently getting married, she lives a life full of color and knows what’s essential. Her empathetic personality lets her find common ground with people, putting them at ease and encouraging real relationships. Clients can expect honesty, vulnerability, and fierce loyalty from Charla, and can depend on her help to feel like their most confident, comfortable selves.
My family is my world. I love going on adventures with my husband—whether it’s exploring a different city, trying out a new recipe, going on a hike or ski trip, or building things (I’m a carpenter’s daughter). My son is an old soul and we share a passion for music (mostly classic rock) and breakfast (eggs and bacon is our go-to order). And then there are my two dogs, Brutus and Ethel. The goofy pair of boxers always make me laugh and remind me about unconditional love and the importance of companionship.
I’ve been to most major cities in the States and love traveling the world. I believe that seeing new places presents a chance to not only expand your horizons, but the love you can have for cultures, people, flavors, situations, and surroundings. I love being inspired by new destinations. Paris will always be the most romantic spot I’ve ever been, and that’s not just because it’s where I got engaged. I love the Northeast corner of our country for all its nostalgia and character. And I’m dreaming of a trip to Germany in the future, as an opportunity to explore my past.
And then there are my two dogs, Brutus and Ethel. The goofy pair of boxers always make me laugh and remind me about unconditional love and the importance of companionship.