Why Small Businesses Matter
Shop small, do big things for your community
Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!
You're IT Ann Charles Photography!
Three questions with Ann Charles.
Why did you start your business?
We started our business in 2004 to help families document their most important occasions and milestones. I have always enjoyed photography as a creative medium, graduating from Potsdam College earning a BA with a concentration in Photography. I also studied abroad in Florence, Italy, which sharpened my perspective on light, color, and composition. My love of travel, coupled with my love of photography have combined to define my unique, artistic, and natural style.
My husband Chuck (the Charles in Ann Charles Photography) has also always enjoyed photography and travel. He likes to control the light and is usually seen carrying extra lighting gear around to create bold and striking images. He joined me as a professional photographer in 2006. Taking photographs professionally is just a natural extension of our personal interests. We feel it’s important to capture the relationships with not only stunning photos but photos that also portray the real connections between friends and families.
When taking portraits, we capture our clients' true personalities. When it comes to parties, we are often complimented on how our presence added to the party and made the celebration even more special - guests make comments for days after on how we were everywhere capturing all the details and special moments!
What is your best-selling product/service?
Our most popular service is wedding photography, though we provide photography for almost any occasion or need - maternity, newborn, and senior portraits to name a few. We are known for being attentive to our couple's needs, making great recommendations, creating an organized timeline, helping them achieve their photo goals while keeping a smooth pace so that they can fully enjoy all the aspects of their special day.
How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?
We support many local charities and businesses. Since moving to Ridgefield in 2015, we have photographed 20 charity events for Ann's Place, donated family photo sessions to the Ridgefield Public School PTA for charity auctions, and photographed The Nutcracker for the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance.
We are currently helping the Lewisboro Playground Improvement Project, raising $2,000 toward their goal of creating an inclusive playground for children of all ages. We work out of our home studio and often travel to our clients, but we do meet our clients at local coffee shops and restaurants in support of our beautiful town of Ridgefield.
Ann Charles nominates Tusk and Cup to be featured next- "For their artisanal coffee experience".
Visit Ann Charles Photography online on their Facebook page here!
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!