Today we’d like to introduce you to Charleigh Roberts.
Hi Charleigh, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
During COVID-19, I was working in the hospital, which was such a difficult time for everyone. I needed some sort of creative outlet, something that was joyful and not focused on all of the sickness and sadness going on in the world. My husband, in-laws, and parents all pitched in and surprised me with a camera for my birthday. I was in Florida when my husband gave it to me, and I spent the entire trip snapping hundreds of photos. Honestly, some of them were actually really good, so when I got back to Virginia, I offered to take my sister’s engagement photos for her wedding invitations. Once I did that, family and friends started reaching out to me and offering to pay me to take their photos! I was so thrilled, but had so much to learn. I spent the next few months practicing in every spare moment I had, getting all of my legal ducks in a row, and marketing. Within a couple of years, I was shooting so much that I barely had time for my job in healthcare. I would joke that when I would clock out, I had to head to my “real job” since photography was taking up so much of my time! I eventually went full-time into wedding photography and left my career in healthcare. I’ve had the honor and privilege of capturing so many beautiful love stories. About a year after I went full-time, I found out I was expecting my first baby! Since welcoming her, I have shifted to more elopements, micro-weddings, family, maternity, newborn, and couple sessions, and I keep my big wedding books much more limited. I feel so blessed to have such a beautiful career doing something I truly love!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have felt super blessed to have amazing clients who have made the road to becoming a full-time artist about as smooth as that road can be, but it hasn’t always been perfect. After a career in healthcare, I had no idea how to create an LLC, I didn’t know all of the tricks of the trade when it came to golden-hour or lenses or editing, and I also had no concept of photographer etiquette! I had literally never had professional photos taken (even at my wedding!) when I started my business. Learning how to find my style, my clientele, and my confidence were each their own journey. I am so grateful for the patience of all of my clients, my husband, and the support of my friends and family along the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a photographer specializing in couples, families, newborns, and weddings. I am known for my earthy, artsy, and free-spirited style of shooting. I am most proud that I get to share Jesus’ love with my community by capturing the beautiful love and families He’s blessed them with. I don’t show children at all, and I don’t use any form of AI in my editing. I think that in today’s world, this really sets me apart from most other photographers.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think the key to success is treating your clients how you would like your photographer to treat you. Getting to know the faces in front of your lens, extending kindness wherever possible, and making them feel comfortable before, during, and after their session are all really important. I truly believe God has sent my clients my way, and me theirs. I owe all of my success to God and to my clients.
Pricing:
- Ultra-Mini Matrimony – 2 hour wedding – $1,000
- All Sessions – 20 minutes – $200
- Elopements – 90 minutes – $850
- 4 Hour Wedding – $2,000
- 6 Hour Wedding – $3,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vinexbranch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinexbranch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vinexbranch
Image Credits
all credits | charleigh roberts of Vine + Branch Photo Co. LLC
