Hey! I’m charity

My home studio is based in Portage, Michigan. I’ve been a professional photographer for over 24 years, and have specialized in teens and High School Seniors since 2007. I am a life long do-it-yourself-er, and I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves to build new props, sets or backgrounds. I’m learning to embrace the fact that I am an introvert (it’s one of my superpowers!). This personality trait means that I’m a great listener, I prefer to be ‘outside the box’ with my creativity, and I come alive in one-on-one collaborations. I deliver a photo experience that is unmatched in the portrait realm. My comprehensive prep process, and decades of experience with equipment, lighting, digital art and design work together to bring your personality and style to life through your photographs. I am passionate about making unique-to-you images that are fresh, modern and capture who you are as an exceptional human.

I love being a photographer because I get to be a force for positivity and self-empowerment in my client’s lives. As a (possibly mid-life adjacent) woman, with three daughters, I can relate to the difficulties of being a teenage girl AND to the challenges of raising teenage girls - all the while fighting like heck to maintain a healthy self-identity. Being able to connect one-on-one with so many incredible individuals gives me the unique opportunity to showcase your authentic personality through your photos, and allows me to create one-of-a-kind images that you will fall in love with.

I am a photographer because I see every year how my work builds confidence in each client I photograph, and I find that process to be deeply rewarding!

When I’m not collaborating with clients, I love to photograph my own kids. I may or may not have been accused of having an art gallery of Finstrom kids in my home - everything from sports, to snapshots, to their Senior pictures, to full-blown creative sessions. Spending time with my family is of utmost importance to me. That includes supporting them in their activities, hanging out at home, watching movies, family meals, planning our next family adventure, or making time just to be available as my kiddos transition into adulthood and spend more time away from home than in it. I know that the time we have right now - under the same roof - only lasts so long, and I want to make the absolute most of every minute.

My husband, Scott and I are originally from Cadillac, Michigan. We both graduated from WMU in the mid-90's, and moved to Grand Rapids - where I serendipitously found my calling as a photographer. After adding two kiddos to our family (Charlie the girl and Jarod our son), I gave up my IT job to open a portrait studio in my home, and took a part-time position in a photo lab (back when we still shot film).  It was there that I learned Photoshop, and it opened up a whole new (digital) world for me.

In early 2006, we settled back in Portage, at 6 months pregnant for Allie - kiddo number 4, and with Sidney age 2 added to the mix. I started right away building a new portrait client following, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Fast forward to 2024, and I’ve added travel photographer to my repertoire! I’m building a stylized branding and headshot clientele in both Michigan and Texas, with destination experiences coming soon!

-Charity
Owner/Photographer