Recently relocated from New Zealand to North Carolina, Julian Charles brings with him a unique set of skills and creativity carved from years behind the camera amongst some of the wildest scenery around the world.
His work creating beautiful images has been sold all over the globe since turning professional in 2005.
“I am a photographer and adventurer. I know it’s a good day when I have done a little of both.” — Julian
Artist’s Statement
In this hectic world that surrounds our daily lives, I am drawn increasingly to my camera. Photography represents a slice of time – a single moment when a scene is paused and forever preserved. And after all, all we ever really have is this moment.
I realized several years ago that above all else, I had a message to share. A song to sing. I have been so very fortunate to have spent so much time amongst spectacular scenery on this Earth – amongst it’s great mountain ranges on foot, down her rivers by canoe, diving the oceans, forever exploring on my bicycle, ski or snowshoe.
So my photography has given me the means by which I can share those landscapes and shine a light upon their precarious future. The human race has a part to play, here and today, in taking responsibility for this wondrous creation. I work from the belief that my work makes a reconnection between people and their home here on Earth.
To this end I create artwork for the home and for the workplace, I make presentations, conduct workshops in the backcountry, and I write songs that I hope inspire others to follow their true purpose.
In a world where everyone lives each moment following their calling, we would grow to know each other again, to take the higher road, to leave our planet in better shape than we found it. I would like to live in that world, and underneath all the distractions of daily life, I believe that everyone else feels the same way.
Commercial Photography
Specializing in artwork commissions, destination, lifestyle, tourism and adventure travel photography. Portfolio creation for fine art display, website, brochure and all other media. Pure product and portraiture portfolios.
Recent international clients – Vivo Strategic (Auckland New Zealand), Brandcom (Queenstown NZ), Venture Southland (Southland NZ), Clutha District Council (Otago NZ), Quarto Publishing PLC (London), CARANA corporation (Morocco), and national clients – Brown Advertising (North Carolina), Colonial LLC (NC), Lumini Bodyworks (NC), Mt Vale Vineyard (VA), Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery (NC), Sanders Ridge Vineyard & Winery (NC), The Piedmont Club (NC), Gallins Foods (NC), Shapiro-Walker (NC), The Bloom Agency (NC), Winston Salem Chamber of Commerce, Very Surry (NC), Ignite Interactive (NC), Elkin Creek Vineyard (NC), Five Points Restaurant (NC), Catz Computer & Technology Solutions (NC), Homescapes Interior Design (NC), Our State Magazine (NC), Winston Salem Monthly (NC), Laguna (TX), CJMW Architecture (NC), Allegacy FCU (NC), Sobex (NC)
Workshops and Expeditions
Prior to turning professional photographer, I worked as a mountain guide and instructor in the United Kingdom and all over Europe. I have led groups over the mountainous terrain of Scotland and England, the French, Swiss and Italian Alps, and the Spanish and French Pyrenees.
My expeditions have taken me to India, Nepal, Morocco, Thailand, South America, Vietnam, Borneo, Australia, New Zealand and throughout North America and Canada. I am a qualified mountain leader and have a great inner knowledge of the backcountry – from its dangers to its beauty, wildlife and ecology, history and culture.
Combine these skills with my photography knowledge and you have a guide and tutor with the ability to provide the right amount of attention for all abilities and skill levels. The group size is always small and personal.
“My career as photographer and expedition leader has taken me to many wild places, shooting a wide variety of subjects on location around the world. Some of these places I know on an intimate level, and it is these locations I select for expedition, so that I can share that experience and knowledge with the group. Everyone has the yearn for wilderness in their heart, and there is nothing more satisfying to see someone reconnect with the great outdoors.” Julian
Please take a look at the Workshops and Expeditions page to see what is coming up.
Purpose Programs & Expeditions
Live your dreams. Focus on what is important to you and steer your life in that direction. Make space to discover your calling – your purpose in life. Courses run on demand. Small groups and individual programs. Contact Julian for more.
Public Speaking Engagements
The Native American Sioux have a saying ‘God gave us each a song’. For the human race to survive into the future, a shift in consciousness is needed. Our culture is filled with distractions that keep us from this calling; our true purpose.
I have a life-changing story to tell. I realized after a lifetime of travel in the mountainous regions around the world, that I have a message to share. I have played music with the mountain-people of Nepal, meditated with monks in Vietnam, and met ghosts from a shipwreck in the Outer Hebrides. Over the last 5 years my presentations have evolved into something that stirs the soul. I combine my photography (and on occasion live music, using traditional native instruments) to open up all the senses.
Select Wedding Coverage
I work from the belief that on your wedding day, you are the movie star in your own fairytale, and that it is my job to capture and retell that wonderful story in a way that you will want to experience and share time and time again.
Take a browse through some of the images on the Weddings and Portraits page and you will get a feel for my style – it is based upon an easy nature with people, an instinct to be creative, and a desire to convey fun before formality.
Testimonials
“Julian, the photos from our wedding are amazing. You really captured the intimate, informal feel of the day with our immediate family. Given we’re a group of camera-shy folks, you worked magic with your fun spirit by putting us at ease — with the outcome of wonderful photos! We are so thankful to have met you and will forever enjoy the results of your talent. We will recommend working with you far and wide. All our best…” –Stephanie and Zack Kinlaw, 4/26/14
“Julian, My daughter just posted some of her wedding pictures. They are gorgeous! You have an amazing God given talent and an eye for beauty. It was such a pleasure spending this joyous time with you and following your lead in capturing amazing photographs. You have a kind, gentle nature and so easy to work with. Thank you for capturing Chelsey and Bruce’s Wedding journey in a way they will always treasure. Best Wishes to you and your family.” Linda Maxwell 11/13/13
“Julian is so talented and really knows how to take professional, flattering pictures with the best lighting techniques! We LOVED our wedding photos! He also did our engagement session, bridal portraits, bridesmaid brunch, and rehearsal dinner. Each one came out beautifully and captured the mood of each event. Our wedding pictures really are fairy tale like and we have had a hard time picking just a few to put in our frames! I would highly recommend Julian to anyone looking for a great wedding photographer! ” Chelsey Brown 10/26/13
“We absolutely LOVE our pictures. You did a fantastic job!” Melissa Alexander 10/4/13
“Just got the CD in the mail today!! The photos are absolutely amazing! Thank you so much!” Cassie Herre 9/13/13
“OMG….these are great! made me cry and I didn’t even cry at the wedding…..geez.” Joan Munday 9/7/13
“Julian made my wedding the most memorable for me with his pictures. I have never been one for posed pictures and Julian was able to capture candid shots that were unbelievable. The way he handles his clients is very down to earth and he always made sure of what I wanted for pictures before any paperwork was signed. I will have Julian do any pictures that I have done of the family from this point on. This man is truly amazing and everyone should use him!!!!” Amber Gougler 8/25/12
“Julian we love our pictures! Thank you for the wonderful pictures of our special day!!! ” Ambre Wachter 8/18/12
“The pictures are wonderful. Thanks for being so pleasant to work with. Rest assured, if we know someone in need of an excellent photographer, we will highly recommend you.” Keith & Gail Gambill 9/12/13
“Julian! I just got off work and had my first chance to look at the wedding video and photos…they are gorgeous, perfect, amazing. I really can’t find enough positive adjectives for them. Thank you so, so much for everything. You were a joy to work with, and I feel like these photos are just the perfect end to a beautiful day.” Jennifer Lanning 10/22/11
2015/16 coverage menu
All packages include: Julian Charles as your exclusive wedding photographer. All images released on master DVD in duplicate – one optimized for high resolution printing, one optimized for sharing online.
2 hours continuous coverage: Ideal for your elopement or small wedding: $800
5 hours continuous coverage: $2500
7 hours continuous coverage: $3500
All day coverage: $4500
A la carte – you may also want to consider:
- Wedding album – flush mount, hand crafted in leather $ to suit your budget
- Second photographer $600
- Additional studio sessions $250/hr
