Today lovely JUSTINE is taking over the blog…

If you would have asked me a couple years ago what I’d be doing today… I would have never guessed that I would have the honor and privilege to be working with the CHAR team as the 2013 intern! Here is some of my takeaways…:)

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Justine and I have found my passion and love with photography. Shocker, I know ;) I have always enjoyed finding new and creative ways to freeze a moment. If you ask my grandparents, they would say I taught them how to get a new perspective by laying on the ground to get a shot! I was born and raised in Minnesota where my entire family still resides. I moved here five years ago for my handsome husband Lance. ( you may have seen our story in the Lancaster paper a few years back). Shortly after I moved here, I found Char Photography on facebook and fell in love with her work. Fast forward a few years when I took my sisters senior pictures and a spark started inside me. I knew then that I wanted to start my own photography business. One obstacle in my way, I had a lot to learn.

Well God opened a HUGE door for me, I logged on to facebook one day to see Char had posted about a position as the 2013 intern. Long story short, I was blessed to be chosen as the intern this year! I have learned so much this year and I will forever be grateful! My main focus this year has been working along side Andrea and Char assisting with weddings. At weddings, I was in charge of the timeline which plays a huge part in the flow of the day. I made sure Char and Andrea would get the shots they needed and that we were staying on time. That could be very stressful at times! I loved being able to see weddings through a photographers perspective, meeting couples in love, and of course, hanging out with Char and the hilarious Andrea ( if you haven’t met her, you need to, she can put a smile on anyone’s face!) After weddings I would help with the editing process. Anna so graciously took time to teach me how to edit well. Anna truly has a gift when it comes to editing! It can be a lengthy process, especially when teaching someone who hasn’t had any previous training. It takes someone who loves their job and has a heart for others to do what she does! After the editing, designing the wedding albums was up next (My favorite)! Kathleen taught me the how to design albums, Char showed me how to make images flow together, and I went from there!

My favorite thing about Char Photography is that everyone works as a TEAM. We all have our roles and jobs, but it is all about working together. Every week we have a team meeting where we talk about what we are working on and something that’s going on in our personal life. You don’t see that very much in the work place and I’m so grateful to experience such unity.

The past few weeks Char has really poured into me all that she has learned since starting her business. She has mentored me, shared tips, taught me how to get my business off the ground. There is still a lot in the works for Loran Justine Photography (Check out my page HERE). The CHAR team has taught me so much and if you are wanting to learn more about photography or help your business…. Check out their mentor program. Trust me, it’s worth it!

This year has been amazing being apart of the Char team. Char, Grace, Karen, Andrea, Kathleen and Anna have taught me more than just how to be creative, and take pretty pictures. They have showed me genuine team work, love, and friendship. Being the 2013 intern is an experience I will remember and hold dear to my heart for the rest of my life!

A
Thanks CHAR TEAM for letting me join you this year!
Xoxo -Justine

Few shots I grabbed of Justine yesterday when she was working on an album design…:)

We love you too Justine and will miss you like crazy!!!

If you are interested in our Mentor Program, let us know! Positions will be available in 2014. Applications will open in February 2014.