I am a classically trained portrait photographer in Charlotte, North Carolina specializing in baby, child, and family photography as well as professional headshots. I have photographed families, babies, high school seniors, and business people in the studio, at home, the beach or location of your for over 30 years.
I also love creating mixed media portraits and abstract oil paintings. My interest in the world of art is something that has driven me to create portraiture that is so much more than simple documentation.
My creative process begins with a conversation, whether your desired end product is a statement piece for your wall, a gallery of images, an album or a mixed media painting. I enjoy collaborating with clients as we plan your photography session. It's so important to understand your goals for your session - after all it's your family. What do you like to do? Where will the images live in your home? With a little planning, your photographs will reflect your personalities and style. The final result is a handcrafted piece that you will cherish for years to come.
My Journey in Professional Photography
While managing Phil Aull Studio for 11 years in Charlotte, I learned Phil's classic portrait style, and opened my own studio in 1994. I attended workshops every year and studied with the best of the best photographers across the country. I am a lifelong learner.
A darkroom class at a local community college ignited my obsession with photography in 1983. I mastered the black and white darkroom, specializing in black and white photography since I could make my own prints. As digital photography improved in the early 2000s, my curiosity peaked, transitioning fully in 2005. Today I continue to happily print my color work as well as B&W on a variety of fine art papers that produce exceptional quality images.
Photography Awards
I continually strive to improve my work and be the best photographer for you by competing in print competition sponsored by Professional Photographers of America, the oldest and largest organization for pros. I became a PPA International Judge in 2006 and have judged on state, national, regional and international levels which I find to be a source of continual inspiration and keeps my work fresh. As judges we are required to critique the work that we evaluate and mentor our peers, helping them become more proficient at the art and craft of photography.
Professional Photographers of North Carolina:
2005: 1st Place Children
2007: 1st and 2nd Place Children, 1st Place Women, 2nd Place Groups,
NC Photographer of the Year
2008: 2nd Place Children
2011: 1st Place Bridal Portrait, 1st & 2nd Place Photojournalism
PPA Medalist: (4 of 4 entries accepted and exhibited at Imaging USA) 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017
My Service in the Photographic Community
Having grown up in a rather devout Norwegian Lutheran household, I was taught at an early age to give back as well as receive. To this end, I became an active volunteer in the Professional Photographers of North Carolina, serving on the Board of Directors and various committees for most of the more than 25 years I have been a member. In 2009-2011 I served as Director of East Coast School Photographic Workshops, a week long school in Raleigh, NC for professional photographers seeking to improve their skills through education.
I served on the board of The Light Factory and in 2014 was an integral part of the reinvention of the 40+ year old photography center in Charlotte.
I also love to volunteer my time to charity to raise money and awareness for worthy causes. Besides donating to many charity live auctions I donate my photography sevice to Baby Bundles, a Norht Carolina charity started by 3 Charlotte moms that gives "a baby shower in a bag" to more than 1000 moms each year in need of support.
Teaching
Teaching is a delight that has happened organically during the course of my involvement in the trade associations throughout my career. I have been asked to speak and share with other professionals my process of photographing children and families at seminars and conventions in North Carolina, Oregon, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Tennessee. I have taught intensive week long classes on children's portraiture in Indiana and North Carolina.
My work has been published in several Professional Photographers of America Loan Collection Books and I have written articles on a regular basis for Southeastern Professional Photographers magazine as well as occasionally for Professional Photographers of North Carolina and Texas Professional Photographers.
Most recently I have taught at the Light Factory and have taught one on ones at my studio in Charlotte.
Hobbies
Having photographed more than 1500 nuptials during my career, I found it curious as to just what people did on the weekends besides going to weddings. It wasn't long before I discovered things like gardening, hiking, kayaking, travelling, and just hanging out with friends and family. I still love to photograph weddings but limit the number as it does get in the way of my free time. : )
NorthLight Photography by Janet Boschker ~ 704-641-4810 ~janet@northlightphotography.com ~@jbnlight ~ Charlotte, Shallotte & Brunswick County Beaches
