Intimate Couples Portraits… Not Just For Valentines Day
As a Milwaukee couples photographer, I see it all the time—couples only think about sexy portraits once February rolls around. They picture rose petals, heart-shaped props, and overly cliché poses. But here’s the thing: sexy, intimate photos aren’t just for one day a year. They’re about capturing your connection, your chemistry, and the raw, real love you share—at any time.
If you and your partner have been tossing around the idea of doing a steamy, intimate couples' photo session, this is your sign to stop waiting for Valentine’s Day and just make it happen.
As a Milwaukee couples photographer, I see it all the time—couples only think about sexy portraits once February rolls around. They picture rose petals, heart-shaped props, and overly cliché poses. But here’s the thing: sexy, intimate photos aren’t just for one day a year. They’re about capturing your connection, your chemistry, and the raw, real love you share—at any time.
1. Celebrate Your Love Year-Round
Look, you don’t only love your partner on Valentine’s Day, so why should that be the only time you document your passion? Your relationship is made up of countless little moments that deserve to be captured. Whether you’ve been together for six months or six years, a professional photo session is a celebration of what makes your love unique.
Maybe you’ve come through a rough patch and want to reconnect. Maybe you just got engaged or married and want to embrace that honeymoon glow. Or maybe you just look at your partner every day and think, “Damn, we look good together.” Whatever the reason, your love story deserves to be documented now, not just on a Hallmark holiday.
2. Strengthen Your Connection
There’s something powerful about stepping in front of the camera together, getting vulnerable, playful, or downright steamy in a way that pushes you both out of your comfort zone. A great Milwaukee photographer knows how to guide you through poses that feel natural, not forced, helping you tap into the chemistry that brought you together in the first place.
When you set aside time for an intimate photo session, you’re doing more than just taking pictures—you’re creating an experience that’s all about trust, connection, and fun. It’s a chance to unplug from the world and focus on each other. And trust me, when you see those final images? You’ll be reminded of how incredible your bond really is.
3. Boost Your Confidence
Let’s be real—sometimes, life gets busy, and we forget just how attractive we are to our partners. Between work, stress, and everyday routines, it’s easy to lose sight of the fire that brought you together. A sexy couples' session with a Milwaukee portrait photographer is an opportunity to see yourselves through a whole new lens (literally).
A well-executed shoot will leave you both feeling confident, empowered, and completely in awe of each other. Seeing your partner look at you with pure admiration through the camera? Yeah, that’s a confidence booster you don’t get every day.
4. Create Lasting Memories
Photos aren’t just about the moment they’re taken—they’re about the memories they hold. Years down the road, when you look back at your portraits, you’ll remember the way you felt during the shoot. The laughter, the teasing, the moments of pure connection—it all gets woven into the final images.
And let’s be honest, there’s something special about having beautiful, artistic images of you and your partner that capture the passion and love you share. They’re keepsakes that you’ll treasure forever, reminding you of the love story you’re continuing to build every single day.
5. Do It for Yourselves, Not for Social Media
Sure, posting a fire couples’ portrait on Instagram is fun, but this isn’t about likes or comments. It’s about documenting your love for each other, for YOU. These images are for your eyes first. They’re about embracing your relationship, capturing your personalities, and celebrating the intimacy that makes your love story one of a kind.
Let’s Make It Happen
If you’re in Milwaukee and ready to take your relationship to the next level with an intimate photo session, let’s do this. Whether you want something subtle and romantic or bold and daring, I’m here to capture the connection, the heat, and the love that makes your story special.
You don’t need a holiday to justify it. You just need to be in love.
So, what are you waiting for? Click the button below andLet’s get you in front of the camera and create something unforgettable.
GOODBYE SOCIAL MEDIA... HELLO COMMUNITY
Hey, friends! Let’s talk about something that’s been on my mind for a while. Social media—you know it, you’re scrolling it, you probably got here through it. But here’s the deal: I’m done. I’m moving my content, my creativity, and my community to Substack, and I want to tell you why this move is a game-changer—for me and for you.
Algorithms Are Ruining the Fun
Ever felt like you’re not in control of what you see online? That’s because you’re not. Algorithms are running the show. They decide what’s trending, what gets pushed to the top of your feed, and—here’s the kicker—what’s kept hidden. You’re not discovering content; you’re being fed content. It’s like going to a buffet but only being allowed to eat the same three dishes. That’s not how I want to connect with you. I want to share what I love, not what an algorithm decides will keep you scrolling.
On Substack, there are no sneaky algorithms dictating the experience. It’s just me sharing what I’m passionate about—photography, creativity, telling stories, and life—directly with you. No middleman, no filters, just real content.
Social Media Is Becoming a Toxic Wasteland
Let’s be real for a second. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter… or X, whatever Elon is calling it now have become breeding grounds for negativity. The constant cycle of outrage, comparison, and doom-scrolling? It’s exhausting. And it’s not just hurting our mental health; it’s crushing creativity. Don’t get me started on Tik- Tok. I don’t dance so I never cared for that platform.
I’ve been looking at Substack for a while now and to be honest with you, it feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s a space where I can focus on building something, not just reacting to everything. A place to foster meaningful conversations instead of watching another comment section descend into chaos. It’s about creating, not competing.
Building a Real Community
What I’ve always loved about what I do isn’t just creating cool videos or capturing epic photos; it’s the connection. It’s you. The people who show up, who engage, who want to learn and grow. That’s what drives me. But let’s face it: social media isn’t exactly built for deep, meaningful interactions. It’s fast, fleeting, and shallow.
Substack lets us slow down. It’s like sitting down for coffee instead of shouting across a crowded room. I want to build a space where we can have real conversations—about creativity, gear, storytelling, and everything in between. A place where your voice matters just as much as mine.
Education for Creators
Here’s the kicker: I’m not just looking to build a community for the sake of it. I want it to be a hub for learning and growth. Whether you’re the one behind the lens or in front of it, this is the place for you. I’ll be sharing tips, tutorials, stories, and insights—all aimed at helping you level up your craft. Imagine a space where you can learn without the noise, distractions, and pressure of social media. That’s what I’m creating.
So… why Substack?
Substack is different. It’s a platform that values quality over quantity, depth over clicks. It’s email-based, which means it comes straight to you. No ads, no distractions, no fluff. Just content—delivered directly to you.
Join Me
So here’s my pitch: jump over to my Substack. Let’s build something awesome together. Let’s create a space where creativity thrives, where we lift each other up, and where we learn and grow as a community. Let’s leave the noise behind and focus on what really matters.
Hit that subscribe button and come along for the ride. It’s going to be epic.
See you there!
Pocket Dispo - The Perfect Street Photography Lens For The Old School Street Photographer?
Let’s start with a confession: I’m a sucker for quirky lenses. The “standard” 50mm bores me, and the flawless precision of an 85mm feels almost too perfect. I crave lenses with character, imperfections, and that elusive “X-factor” that makes photography unpredictable and exciting.
So imagine my surprise when I unwrapped a Pocket Dispo lens on Christmas morning, courtesy of my amazing wife. At first glance, I had no idea what I was holding. I’d never heard of the brand, and the name didn’t give much away. A quick Google search later, I was both intrigued and skeptical. The Pocket Dispo lens is crafted from old disposable camera lenses, repurposed and mounted into 3D-printed lens caps designed for mirrorless cameras like my Sony a7 IV.
Let’s start with a confession: I’m a sucker for quirky lenses. The “standard” 50mm bores me, and the flawless precision of an 85mm feels almost too perfect. I crave lenses with character, imperfections, and that elusive “X-factor” that makes photography unpredictable and exciting.
So imagine my surprise when I unwrapped a Pocket Dispo lens on Christmas morning, courtesy of my amazing wife. At first glance, I had no idea what I was holding. I’d never heard of the brand, and the name didn’t give much away. A quick Google search later, I was both intrigued and skeptical. The Pocket Dispo lens is crafted from old disposable camera lenses, repurposed and mounted into 3D-printed lens caps designed for mirrorless cameras like my Sony a7 IV.
Sounds wild, right? I thought so too. Part of me assumed this was just a gimmick, but the other part couldn’t wait to take it out for a spin.
First Impressions
Let me be clear: this isn’t even a “manual” lens in the traditional sense. It has no focus ring and no aperture control. Your camera essentially becomes a point-and-shoot, leaving you with only shutter speed and ISO adjustments to play with. Talk about stripping photography down to its basics!
The day after Christmas, I headed to downtown Milwaukee with the Pocket Dispo lens mounted on my camera. It was a foggy, drizzly day — the perfect moody setting to see what this little lens could do.
As soon as I peered through the viewfinder, I noticed a heavy vignette framing the images. Initially, I was worried. Without a lens profile in Lightroom, I braced myself for tedious post-processing. But to my amazement, the vignetting was nowhere to be found when I uploaded the images. Somehow, this lens managed to surprise me right out of the gate.
Shooting with the Pocket Dispo Lens
Using this lens is a bit of a learning curve. Since the lens is calibrated to “infinity focus,” exposure becomes a delicate dance between shutter speed and ISO. To play it safe, I cranked up the ISO higher than I normally would, which gave the photos a gritty, old-school vibe. If I wanted to introduce some motion blur, I could always lower the ISO and slow the shutter speed. It’s all about experimentation, and that’s where the fun begins.
Why It’s Perfect for Street Photography
If you’re drawn to the raw, unpolished aesthetic of classic street photography, the Pocket Dispo lens might just become your new best friend. Shoot in black-and-white JPEG mode, crank up the ISO, and you’ll get images with a filmic quality reminiscent of Henri Cartier-Bresson.
The truth is, this lens isn’t about technical perfection. It’s not tack-sharp or optically flawless. And that’s precisely why I love it. The imperfections give the images a gritty, analog feel that’s perfect for capturing the soul of a city. It’s the kind of lens that challenges you to see the world differently, to embrace the beauty in imperfection.
This lens’s unique build is one of its greatest assets. At first glance, it looks like a simple lens cap, not a functioning lens. Its slim, low-profile design is practically stealth mode for street photography. Imagine setting your camera on a table, firing remotely from your phone, and capturing candid moments while everyone assumes you’re just scrolling Instagram. Genius, right?
Final Thoughts
At just $49.99, the Pocket Dispo lens isn’t designed to replace your go-to gear. It’s not for studio shoots, client work, or large-format printing. But as a fun, creative tool for casual street photography, it’s an absolute gem.
Shooting with this lens felt like stepping back in time. It forced me to slow down, adapt, and experiment. Sure, it’s not perfect, but that’s kind of the point. The Pocket Dispo lens isn’t about perfection; it’s about rediscovering the joy of photography—one imperfect, beautifully gritty frame at a time.
So, if you’re looking for a cheap, fun way to shake up your photography, why not give the Pocket Dispo lens a try? It might just remind you why you fell in love with photography in the first place.
What’s Your Why? Discover the Power of Portraits with Milwaukee Portrait Photographer Charlie James Photo
I don’t want anyone to live with regret or unanswered questions. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to create portraits that empower, inspire, and remind you of who you are. Imagine seeing yourself in a way you’ve always dreamed of: confident, bold, and unapologetically you.
Imagine capturing a moment in time that celebrates your strength, your resilience, and your story. These aren’t just photos—they’re a way to turn the page, start fresh, and embrace your next chapter.
People often ask me about the new direction of Charlie James Photo.
“Why are you focusing so much on studio portraits?”
“Why are you offering sessions at a lower price?”
“Why are you doing this now?”
The answer isn’t just about photography—it’s about life, love, and capturing moments that truly matter.
Let me take you on a journey to explain my “why.”
At the start of 2024, life took an unexpected turn for my family. We’d just returned from a cozy cabin trip near the Wisconsin Dells, a getaway that was missing someone: my mother-in-law. She hadn’t been feeling well and decided to skip the trip, which was unusual for her. Shortly after we got home, I started feeling unwell—sneezing, coughing, fatigue—the typical signs of a winter cold. But it wasn’t just a cold. A COVID test confirmed what I feared. My health spiraled, my wife and son also got sick, and all while this was happening, my mother-in-law was hospitalized. Tragically, she passed away shortly after. Because we were all sick with covid we couldn’t visit her while she was in the hospital, We couldn’t say our proper goodbyes in person, and still to this day I feel a tremendous amount of guilt about it. There’s no way to tell if I brought the virus into our house, but I was the first one in our family to have it. I still feel like I kept my family from having that final moment together.
This year has been a journey of grief, healing, and reflection for my family. My wife lost her mom, my son lost his best friend, and I carry the weight of guilt—even though I know there’s no way to truly know how the virus came into our home. Amid this, I’ve had to ask myself some hard questions:
What is truly important?
How do we ensure that the people we love—and ourselves—are seen, celebrated, and remembered?
That’s when I found my “why.”
A Good Portrait Can Change Your Life
I don’t want anyone to live with regret or unanswered questions. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to create portraits that empower, inspire, and remind you of who you are. Imagine seeing yourself in a way you’ve always dreamed of: confident, bold, and unapologetically you.
Imagine capturing a moment in time that celebrates your strength, your resilience, and your story. These aren’t just photos—they’re a way to turn the page, start fresh, and embrace your next chapter.
Let’s Create Something You’ll Treasure Forever
My goal isn’t just to take pictures. It’s to collaborate with you to craft timeless portraits that you’ll cherish for years to come. Portraits that reflect the beauty and strength you might not always see in yourself.
So, what’s your “why”?
Why do you want to mark this moment in your life?
Why do you want to create images that tell your story?
Let’s work together to capture it. Book your portrait session today and let’s create something extraordinary—because you deserve to see just how amazing you are.
The Epic Comeback Starts Today
2024? Yeah, it sucked. Big time. There was loss, struggle, pain, and moments I thought we wouldn’t make it through. But guess what? I’m still here. We’re still here. And that’s worth celebrating.
Today, the comeback begins.
2024? Yeah, it sucked. Big time. There was loss, struggle, pain, and moments I thought we wouldn’t make it through. But guess what? I’m still here. We’re still here. And that’s worth celebrating.
2025 is a new chapter, and I’m pouring my energy into what I do best—creating portraits that empower. Behind the lens, I’m on a mission to promote self-confidence, body positivity, and strength. A great photo isn’t just an image, it’s a reminder of your worth, your resilience, and your power. It can shift your mindset, help you push through the darkness, and give you a spark of joy when you need it most.
When I chose this path, I knew I had to work with someone who embodies everything I want to highlight. Enter my friend Rae—a fighter, a survivor, and honestly, the definition of a badass bitch. She’s been through hell and back, yet she carries a smile and an spirit that inspires everyone around her.
Together, we set out to capture her truth—both her soft, beautiful side and her fierce, unstoppable side. And let me tell you, these portraits? Yeah. They check every box.
In 2025, I’m throwing out a challenge—step out of your comfort zone. Stop waiting for the “perfect” moment or telling yourself you’re not ready. Let’s silence that little voice of doubt and give YES a shot. Say yes to being seen, yes to your power, and yes to celebrating the person you are right now.
Together, we’ll create something amazing that shows the world (and yourself) just how incredible you truly are. Ready? Let’s make it happen. 📸
