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We meet another amazing photographer whose been involved in three focus cover shoots – Charmaine Marinkovich (here is our first interview with one of the focus photographers, in case you’ve missed it).
Tell us a bit about your formative years
I grew up in a small country town called Dargaville, two hours north of Auckland, where I lived with my parents and two older sisters. I really enjoyed my childhood. We lived on a farm and I was often found creating things such as tree huts or shops and I would often be found talking to myself, with my pretend students – gotta love a child’s imagination. I was fortunate to grow up with parents who demonstrated what hard work was all about and what raising a family and contributing to their community looked like. Their actions spoke volumes and had a huge impact on me in becoming the photographer I am today. I also got to witness times when my parents had to pivot within their business for various reasons. My Dad had to get creative with the farm and find new ways to grow, using what skills he had. Seeing this has helped me within my own business. I was also very fortunate to work for a family for five years, as their cleaner. They demonstrated great leadership within their own industry and that time with them was so valuable to me – I often refer back to those moments and bring those lessons into my own life and business.
Is photography something you’ve always wanted to do?
Since I was 14, I wanted to be a photographer but didn’t really do anything about it until I was 18. I borrowed my uncle’s camera to start with and when I began to show more interest, my parents brought me my first camera. I just started taking photos of my family and was then offered a job as the weekend sports photographer at the local newspaper in Dargaville and from there I started to book weddings. I learned as I went along but wanted to learn more so I enrolled in a two-year photography course in 2000 which meant my three-year old daughter and I had to move to Palmerston North. After I completed my diploma I moved to Tauranga and worked in a photographic lab for a year before going out on my own.
What’s your favourite thing about living and working in the Bay?
I just love the feel of this place. There’s a real mix of hustle and bustle as well as a chilled, go with the flow vibe. I’m a bit of both, so it suits me well. I remember the first time I drove to the Mount – at the end of 2002 – and saying to my Mum “I’m moving here!” It just felt so good and so right. Although the Bay has grown so much since I arrived, and continues to do so, it still has that small community feel to it and coming from a small country town, I love that, especially while raising a family. There is so much on offer here for families.
Photo: Charmaine Marinkovich
Tell us a little bit about the photo tour that you’re doing?
I’m currently travelling to different cities around New Zealand to photograph women with a story who will be included in a book I’m publishing called ‘Still, She Rises’. These are women who have been through some form of trauma but have decided to change their story and not be held back by their past experiences. They now look at life in a different light. It’s a book of hope. So many will be able to resonate with these stories and my hope is that it can help others to see that their life can be different and that they can find the courage to make positive changes.
While travelling, what differences did you notice in photography styles and trends, compared to what we have here in the Bay?
Oh Gosh, there are so many varying styles within New Zealand itself, it really comes down to the artist, the photographer and how they see the world, their creative ideas and what photography means to them. However, while I was in Arizona last September, I did notice a difference in the style of woman portraiture that I specialise in. In America they really love glamour… the more make up, the more retouching, the better. Whereas here, in New Zealand, we are more reserved and relaxed. I’m sometimes asked to photoshop different parts of a woman’s body, however everyone still wants to look like themselves. Again this comes down to the photographer and how they see things. I’m personally not into loads of make up or retouching and neither are many of my clients. I love to see women just as they are.
You’re confident and successful now but can you recall any career setbacks or failures in your past?
I tried to do everything myself for so long in business but all that did was stress me out and give me less time with my family and doing other things I enjoy. Building a team, one person at a time, is so important for any business. Having them bring their strengths to the table allows me to focus on mine.
Another big lesson for me in business was learning to really believe in myself and the work I do and trusting my gut. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. There will be so many shaky times in business and it will be self-belief and action that gets you through.
And also deal with any issues that arise straight away. Never ignore things and hope they will go away – all they do is expand!
What are some of the most common mistakes people make when taking photos and how can they become better at it?
1. Lighting is key. It makes or breaks a good photo. If you want a good, clear portrait of a person’s face, have the window facing them. It gives a nice even light and smooths out a few lines too 😉
2. Posing. A lot of people don’t know what to do with themselves. Instead of standing straight on to the camera, turn on a 45 degree angle, place your weight on the leg furtherest away from the camera and rest your hand on your front leg or on your hip. Here are my five easy steps to look good in photos every time.
3. Connection. If you’re taking the photo, keep talking to your subject. Let them know that they’re doing great, direct them every step of the way. When you connect with them, you will see it in their eyes.
Photo: Charmaine Marinkovich
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