Charli

iPhoneography, 2011 Compilation

2012-01-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

iPhoneography has been a fun world to explore. To me it does not mean Photography, but does give me a small handheld tool that is easy to carry, and easy to take fun photos with. The world is full of fun tools to play with, and my iPhone is one of many. I love my DSLR camera and lenses for professional work, my film cameras for leisure travel and projects, my Polaroids are for fun ideas and moments. and my multi-toy cameras that hide discretely in my purse. In a couple of years, I will gather quite the collection of cameras and tools for different types of photos. All are special in their own way.

2011 was a good year, and here is a brief view of my past iPhoneography.

Charli's iPhoneography on Flickr

Happy Holidays!!!

2011-12-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

The Holidays are here, I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, but it doesn't seem to be coming. Christmas without snow is kinda odd, but sunny weather is kinda nice. Hope your holidays are filled with wonderful memories, laughter and joy! From Bella and I to you!

Thankful times

2011-11-27T20:10:00.001-08:00

There are many things in the world that I am thankful for, Thanksgiving is always a time I truly enjoy. It is a celebration with true meaning behind it. A celebration I enjoy with family, loved ones and friends. I do not look to Thanksgiving because of how it began. I look to Thanksgiving for what it means to me today. A day to fully appreciate, enjoy and give time to those who mean the most. This past Thanksgiving could have not been any more perfect or beautiful. It was the best Thanksgiving I have seen in a while.

I look to wonderful times such as these to reflect upon the matters that I consider most important . . . my family, the earth, my community and my peers. Working hard everyday, I often find the struggle to be the reward, and it is important that I have morals, that I care for others, and that I strive for progress in a humble manner.

New Polaroid Land Film

2011-11-22T10:44:00.000-08:00

Unlike the expired 669 film, you know you are getting for colors with Fuji's FP-100c Professional Instant Color film. Jack sure looks cozy on my new couch.

Something New but Old

2011-11-18T14:39:00.000-08:00

Polaroids

Note: These Polaroids are photographed on expired film I intentionally purchased. The colors and washed out look is a style that comes with expired Polaroid film. I will post more taken with new Fuji Polaroid film, which has more vibrant colors. 'Stay tuned'

Better Homes and Gardens do it YOURSELF (DIY) Editors page November 2011, Photos shot by Karla!

2011-11-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been honored by having my photos published in a nation wide magazine. As many know, I work for Meredith Corporation, and have been having more opportunities to shoot for nationwide distributed books and magazines. Recently, I was accredited for photos I was hired to photograph for the wonderful and fun Do It Yourself Better Homes and Gardens, Special Interested Publication November 2011 issue. The team is amazing, and great to work with. Even better, the project was fun to photograph as well. Thank you to the DIY team for choosing me to be apart of this project!

Emma

2011-10-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

In this past week, I was able to work with a little girl named Emma, who is wanting to get started on a modeling portfolio. Emma was great to work with, and has the personality to be a model. Here are a few shots from our shoot.

2011-10-21T10:27:00.001-07:00

I am really focusing on LOVE, love of life, love of people -with and without their flaws, love of work, love of the world, creativity, imagination, beauty. When a person focuses on love, your view of life, the world, and people turn for the better. But at first you must love yourself, in order to love the world.

Mi Bella

2011-10-12T11:00:00.001-07:00

Food Photography for Walmart Meal Solutions

2011-08-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

This past July was a busy month for me, picking up shoots for LaBellaPhoto, and doing shoots for Meredith Corporation's clients such as Walmart Meal Solutions, which is a Facebook page for the regular Walmart consumer, and application page for iPad, and iPhone. I have had a chance to shoot with more of Meredith's AMAZING clients. More information to come!

click here to view WalMart Meal Solutions Facebook page and iPad application

To New Life-Olivia

2011-08-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

I recently visited one of the most beautiful new born babies I have ever met. Olivia, daughter of Katie and Mike Leporte. I don't believe words can express how fortunate Olivia is to have parents such as Mike and Katie. I have never seen a couple as ready for their new life as these two. As much as Olivia is fortunate to have them as parents, Mike and Katie are just as much fortunate to have such a healthy and beautiful baby.

Olivia has grown significantly since these photos, every day that goes by the children in the world grow older and older, and get bigger and bigger.
Katie is a super talented designer, artist and crafter overall. Check out her blog for more updates on Olivia, or even for fun design tips.
http://happinesspatrol.wordpress.com/

Food Photography for Meredith Corporation, Des Moines

2011-08-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

As most people who know me, I have been working in the Photo Studio Department with Meredith Corporation for the past year. I have been extremely fortunate, and happy to work for Meredith. Even more recently, I have been coming across even better opportunities as a hired photographer for Meredith Magazines, Book-azines, and web photography. I have photographed for 30 Minute Meals, a Special Interest Media Magazine, Wal-Mart World advertising, and DIY (Do It Yourself-Better Homes and Gardens Magazine). Here is a link to some of the food photography I have shot in the past handful of months.

Click here to view Meredith Food Photographers work and photographs I have shot

80-35 Festival 2011, Des Moines, Iowa

2011-07-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

Hello 80-35 people, fans, and music lovers! I am narrowing down my shots from the festival and I am submitting them to a contest. I know there are a lot of talented people out there, whose opinions, and feedback I would greatly appreciate. Please leave feedback so I can narrow down the shot!! Love all of you!

Series of Crowd shots

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

More, more, MORE!! Bands getting crowds attention!!

6. Patrick Fleming (Poison Control Center) crowd surfing during performance.

7. Okkervil River gearing up the crowd

8. This guy was obviously a little too tired to join the festivities, or maybe he had been enjoying them a little TOO much!!

Summer days begin

2011-06-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

We are nothing but ready for summer around here, another depressing Iowa winter is gone (yet this past year was the best we have had in awhile). We can't be any happier when summer comes.

Bella and the Mad Hatter Tea Party

2011-04-03T19:12:00.000-07:00

The Art Center in Des Moines had a Mad Hatter Tea Party, and Bella could not be late for it!!

Natural Light, Corbin and Michelle

2011-03-15T10:41:00.001-07:00

New Year's Eve 2011, Human Ball Drop in Des Moines, Iowa

2011-02-13T12:32:00.000-08:00

Satori- Ann Stimmel Aerialist and Satyrus Jeering works

2010-12-07T15:13:00.001-08:00

Ann Stimmel is an aeralist who is locally based in Des Moines, Iowa. A few months ago, Ann Stimmel, Ian Miller, Eddie Clearwater, and myself worked on a production shoot for a film called Satori. The performance, and costume design was done by Ann Stimmel, with direction by Ian Miller, myself as the lead photographer, Eddie Clearwater as second camera, and Satyrus Jeering designed masks.

Ann Stimmel is one of the few aerialists based in Des Moines, Iowa. Ann will be performing this New Year's Eve at The Bash, which is located at The Des Moines Social Club. For more information about The Bash, check out their website
http://www.dmbash.com/index.html

For more information on Satyrus Jeering's designed masks
http://satyrusjeering.blogspot.com/

Vitae Design Collective: An Artist-Run Boutique in The East Village -Des Moines, Iowa

2010-11-29T10:25:00.000-08:00

I am proud to inform people of an outstanding collective team of designers who are blossoming in reinventing the independent style for the Des Moines area. I recently started working on creative photoshoots with this talented group of women, and can't be more appreciative of their work. Here is a sneak peak from the shoot, and their designs.

left: Acanthus v-neck tunic with a Magpie sweater skirt, vintage belt and shoes
Model on right: Necklace by Girl Friday and top and skirt by Pink Revolver, vintage shoes

Left dress by Pink Revolver with vintage belt
Right dress by Pink Revolver with vintage shoes, Vintage clothing finds by Magpie

Acanthus Apparell v-neck tunic with Acanthus cardigan, a Magpie sweater skirt, and vintage belt

Re-amped vintage coat by Magpie

Reconstructed T-shirt dress from Pink Revolver

Acanthus Apparell L/S Tee, scarf-Pink Revolver

Acanthus Apparell T-Shirt dress over a L/S burnout tee, hair accessory by Downtown Bow Brown

For more information, and to check out these one of a kind designs, go to Vitae Design Collective's website
www.vitaedesign.com

Social Networks and Randomness

2010-10-12T09:31:00.000-07:00

Facebook, what a lovely social networking site. I am a mid 20's female, who gets caught up in it once in awhile. Yet enough to have a real social life away from the computer, or a life period. Social life is not much of an importance to me, it is mostly about real connections with real people, but there is a connection you can make online with people sometimes, if you don't have much time to get out a lot. From one point to another, I came across a post from a new friend named Palina, she is a movie/film buff similar to me :) I enjoy people of the sort. Enjoy the video, I did.

Indie Style clothing shoot

2010-07-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

Indie Styling Photo Shoot
Styling by Ha-lim Park

Models: Heather, Joelle, and Allison

Vitae Design Collective Shoot with Chantell

2010-07-26T16:50:00.001-07:00

Amazing clothes from Vitae Design Colletive, this boutique is locally owned and stocked with beautiful clothes from outstanding designers! Make sure to check out their website and location in the East Village in downtown Des Moines!

http://www.vitaedesigncollective.com/

Surreal Photoshop Quirks

2010-07-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

I am a traditional black and white photographer, but absolutely admire all the quirks to photoshop manipulation! Recent works!

CAUTION:
Some worms were harmed during this shoot, they're real.

ATTENTION WORMS, MAGGOTS AND CRICKETS:
Please be aware and utterly frightened of Serana Rose. She will devour you!

Show Devils

2010-07-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

A sneak peek at photos with the Show Devils, Enigma and Serana Rose. It was Serana's un-birthday, and we had a tea party! But of course it was not your conformist tea party . . . .

www.showdevils.com

Sneak Peak of stills from their current film in the works.

Muchori Children

2010-07-15T09:42:00.001-07:00

A glimpse into an amazing shoot with an amazing group of children.

Lightning Strike

2010-07-15T09:38:00.001-07:00

Top Favorite Directors- Woody Allen interviewed by Godard

2010-07-12T14:10:00.000-07:00

I am intrigued by Jean-Luc Godard and his films. He is considered one of the radical film makers of the New Wave for the French. After watching a few of them, I have been awed by his scenes and the imagery integrated in his films.

Favorite Quotes:

"I don't think you should FEEL about a movie. You should feel about a woman. You can't kiss a movie."

"A story should have a beginning, a middle and an end, but not necessarily in that order."

Personally, I think the last quote is the epitome of Jean-Luc Godard's films.

Fair Photography Salon Submission -Des Moines, Iowa 2010

2010-07-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

Here are the two photos I submitted to the Photography Salon for this August. I hope the judges understand my photographs and enjoy them. If they don't, I will not be disappointed, since I have my own reasons for why I love them and wanted to submit them into the fair. I hope you all enjoy them.

Category: People-Black and White
Title: Tara -a little girl living on the East side of Des Moines, Iowa. Having a typical day playing outside.

Category: Iowa Places-Color, Title: The Subjective Circus
Ed Fallon- an accordionist who performed at The Subjective Circus 2010 @ The Des Moines Social Club

80/35 Music Festival in Des Moines, Iowa -Update!!

2010-07-07T16:22:00.001-07:00

This past weekend I was apart of a group of photographers for the 80/35 Music Festival in Des Moines, Iowa. It was a great honor to help document this event with amazing performers, musicians, and great people overall who blessed us with their presence and talents.

Please check out these flickr links. One-personally mine, and the other includes works of the group of photographers I shot with.

Link to 80/35 flickr account with my work and other photographers' works

Link to 80/35 flickr with my set of photography shots

Link to 80/35 flickr with Modest Mouse shots

Turkey leg chronicles -80/35 2010

2010-07-04T11:37:00.000-07:00

80/35 2010 in Des Moines, Iowa has been an amazing event to photograph. I will keep updates on my blog, because the the extravaganza has just continued from day one.

First, here is a sneak peek of my Turkey Leg Chronicles.

A Love Story

2010-06-17T01:53:00.000-07:00

Lyrics
不到花园 Never been into the garden
怎知春色如许？How I can see the enchanting spring like this?
原来姹紫嫣红开遍 Luxuriant flowers have bloomed all around
似这般都付与断井颓垣 the dilapidated well and wall
良辰美景奈何天 Such a beautiful scene on the bright day
便赏心乐事谁家院 Not every garden can be greatly satisfying to eyes
这般景致 Never heard from my parents
从未听爹娘谈起 about the view here
小姐你看 Mistress,you see over there
朝飞暮卷云霞翠轩 Brocade rosy clouds blaze on the high-eave green pillars in haze
雨丝风片烟波画船 Twisted strings of rain drops and wind envelop the decorated boat in mist
锦屏人太把这韶光看得贱 Held back in my home, only today I realize the preciousness of youth and love, and how I have wasted all those early years.
小姐你看这花都看了Mistress, you see the flowers are all in blossom
只有这牡丹还早呢 except the peony
遍青山啼红了杜鹃 Bloody-red azalea flowers extend the green hills
那荼蘼外烟丝醉软 Outside the brambles is the intoxicated vapor
那牡丹虽是花中魁 Peony is the queen of flowers
他春归怎占的先 however she never come the first to bloom in spring
小姐你看那鸟儿倒是一对一对的 Mistress,the birds are chirping in pairs
这蝴蝶也是一双一双的 butterflies are flying in pairs too
连这蜜蜂也是一家一家的 and also the bees are buzzling in groups
春香我们回去吧 Chunxiang,let's go back home

Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone . . . .

2010-06-10T11:18:00.001-07:00

Editing images for product, and commercial style photography shoot and listening to the most amazing music to set the mood for this perfect stormy day.

Summer Madness has begun

2010-06-08T14:24:00.000-07:00

Food for your soul

2010-06-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

Today I am taking the time to explore photoshop more in depth. I am always blown away by this program. As a photographer who traditionally loves film, I will always continue to be amazed with the quirks of photoshop.

Oh, and I took the time to shoot food photography today. So BEHOLD MY LUNCH!

I made these spring rolls at 4am this morning. Yeah, thats a bit early. I had fun making the concept of the shoot. Now only if I was an actual cook, and trained food stylist, these spring rolls might have looked more appetizing.

Extended days of release

2010-06-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

Statement: Uranus and Jupiter must be releasing some strong energies, because I feel that everything is in my favor, well at least mostly everything.

Memorial Weekend: Every year, my father and I go and visit his parents' (my grandparents') graves. The trip is about a 2 1/2hr. trip NW of Des Moines. Clear out in the boonies. But I grew up visiting this no man's land, and enjoy the drive everytime. Here are some photos I shot.

Live with no regrets . . .

2010-05-31T12:43:00.000-07:00

and live by decisions that make you feel truly alive.

Scene from my top favorite film -Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain

Subjective Circus Photos-for those of you who missed the show!!

2010-05-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

For those of you who missed the amazing show. The Subjective Circus @ Des Moines Social Club May 15th, 2010 is a fundraiser to support the community for local artists and performers.

Here are some of the performers who blessed us with their talents that night.

FOR YOUR WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT . . . !!!

2010-05-13T16:09:00.000-07:00

Come and check out the Subjective Circus Saturday, May 15th!!! It will be the most talked about event of the year!! See flyer below for more information . . . . Oh and I will be there taking amazing photos!! Make sure to check em out on my blog after the event!

Oh Des Moines, and my balcony . . . how I love you so!

2010-05-12T12:47:00.000-07:00

The other morning I woke up to this while peering out from my balcony . . . Oh, Des Moines . . . you are a small city with big heart.

I took a photo of the sunset from my balcony the other evening. These are true colors, none of the images' colors are altered in any way . . .

Tulip Festival and Mother's day

2010-05-12T12:24:00.001-07:00

I have never been to the Tulip Festival in Pella, Iowa before. It was a great place. The town displays its Dutch decent, with old brick buildings, markets and bakeries (Dutch Letter's are amazing), and wood clogs. I spent the day with my family. It was a beautiful day for Mother's Day.

And I fell in Love with April March

2010-05-10T12:37:00.000-07:00

April March is a whimsical, gutsy American indie pop singer/songwriter who sings in English and French. I fell in love with after hearing her song "Chick Habit" as the theme song for Tarantino's Film Death Proof. The song was also on the soundtrack of But I'm A Cheerleader. Please check her out, this is by far my most favorite song!

Cultural Dancing with Gateway Dance Theater

2010-05-10T11:45:00.000-07:00

Recently this year I started working with a great lady named Penny Furgerson. Penny is the Artistic Director of Gateway Dance Theaters. Their MISSION: Provide education, training and arts outreach to promote intercultural understanding and an appreciation of diversity through professionally directed quality experiences.
Make sure to check out their information, events and dance classes at www.gatewaydance.org

May 04, 2010 — Credits: Music G.Thomas
Gateway Dance Theatre: Artistic Director Penny Furgerson
Percusssion: "LeeMan " Lee B.Furgerson

Day of the Child -Dia de los Ninos- April 17, 2010 hosted by Iowa Kids Net and Iowa Latino Heritage Festival to raise funds for a Scholarship Fund for Latino youth.
Several no-profits and agencies shared their information with table displays at the Social Club, Des Moines, IA
Gateway Dance Theatre participated and also had a workshop demonstration with children that came in with the agencies and non-profits. Event coordinated by Christina Fernadez-Morrow and assisted by Carlos Garza Executive Producer of Des Moines Social Club.

Radiohead. Pure Geniuses!

2010-05-09T13:13:00.001-07:00

I love this song! Radiohead are geniuses!

Movie Night

2010-05-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

Recently I watched The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus. This has become one of my top favorite films. The film is directed by Terry Gilliam (director of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas -Johnny Depp, and Benicio del Toro-, Tideland, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and more). The films imaginative and beyond creative plot and theme blew my mind.

Dr. Parnassus is a 1000 year old immortal, who is trying to save souls from the devil by having them enter his 'Imaginarium' which is a traveling theatre. The 'Imaginarium' is where people decide between heaven and hell.

This film was Heath Ledger's last film ever made, and he died mid-production. I give praise to Terry for the way he carried out and ended the film with losing one of his top actors. IMDB pointed out that Johnny Depp even has a line in reference to Ledger's death, "They are forever young, they will never grow old."

I highly recommend this film to anyone with imagination, and dreams. Just like I would recommend any of Gilliam's films.

Favorite Quotes:
Tony: "Nothing is permanent, not even death."
Tony: "Don't believe everything you read, not even the mirror."
Tony: "Can you put a price on your dreams?"
Tony (Imaginarium #1)- "They are forever young, they will never grow old."

Now I'm in the mood to watch a foreign film. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Promotional photography for DJ XAN

2010-05-06T13:04:00.001-07:00

I shot some photos recently of an amazing DJ- DJ XAN, who plays Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Reggaeton, Hip-Hop, House, Electro, and more! He mostly djs at Margarita's Sports Bar and Grill, 2060 NW 94th Street in Clive. He included the images in posters I will update on here later.

Enjoy!!