The Story Behind The Name
I want to tell you about one of the greatest men I ever knew, my Pappy, Charles Maxwell White. As a US Navy sailor he was given the nickname of “Salty Charlie”. If I had to speculate, the salt reference was in the context of the Bible verse Matthew 5:13-16…
Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
As far back as my memory goes, he would draw with me when I visited. An artist was born in me within his constant encouragement, gentle critique, creative direction and refinement. Perspective was an important lesson I vividly remember that made me a better artist and later, person. I built upon this artistic foundation with three years of Commercial Arts & Marketing education.
Oh how he beamed with pride when I told him that I was naming the baby I was carrying after him. He passed away when Trevor Maxwell White was 3 months old, and I, just 17. The man that was supposed to be invincible, the one who made everyone feel like his favorite, all the sudden, no more.
The art form of photography eventually found its way into my heart and journey. What serendipity when I discovered that he went to Photography School in Philadelphia. Our special connection came rushing back and flooded my soul. It was then that SALTY CHARLIE STUDIOS was spoken into existence in tribute to him. I believe he would be proud (not to mention one of my biggest cheerleaders) of my mission to be unapologetically myself in shooting Boudoir. Pursuing the rawness of one’s self through artistic imagery. Stripped down, no longer hidden, uninhibited. Intimately finding ones truth. Authentically loving who you are. Vulnerable and believing you're enough. Realizing you are one-of-a-kind masterpiece, desired and in constant pursuit by your Creator.
His legacy exists in everyday. Known not only for that stylish handlebar mustache, but for loving and living to the fullest. He was larger than life and left an undeniable impact on this temporary world and on this girl. So I strive to love myself fully, embracing and finding the beauty, salt and light in my own imperfect story.
If my deep passion for Boudoir Photography and my expression of it in photographs can become part of my Clients' stories by revealing an intimate part of themselves from a new perspective, it will bring me such fulfillment.
Always find the Light.