Welcome, I’m Char, the photographer behind Char+Co. I’ve been working in photography since 2001, mainly photographing people, but I’ve always loved the feeling of slowing down with my camera and getting lost in places that feel familiar, peaceful, or full of memories. Over time, those little adventures started to become just as meaningful to me as the work I was doing in my portrait studio.

The seed for Char+Co was planted years ago – even though I didn’t realise it at the time. Back in 2008, I took a photo of the “Kumara Patch” on my parents’ farm in the far north. It was just a simple moment, a view I’d grown up with, but it stuck with me. I’ve drawn inspiration from that print many times over the years, and one day, while looking at it on the wall and feeling all the comfort and nostalgia of home, I realised I wanted to create artwork that gives other people that same feeling.

Now, when I’m out exploring Aotearoa or overseas with my camera, I’m always chasing those quiet scenes that remind you to breathe a little deeper. I love creating prints that connect people to the places they love – the spots they grew up in, favourite travel spots, views that speak to the heart, or the little details of nature.

My hope is that my work offers a moment of stillness in a busy world and brings a sense of belonging into the spaces it enters. I also have a real love for large-scale prints – the bigger the better. I love how a single image can fill a wall and make a quiet, beautiful statement the moment you walk in.