We were lucky to catch up with Charlie Hoberman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Charlie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I will always be happy as an artist because creating things brings me the most joy in life, paid or unpaid. It’s very important to have a balance of paid work and personal work. For me, I always find the most joy and fulfillment working on passion projects that sometimes nobody sees. In 2018, I started a real estate media company with my best friend, and it’s been growing ever since. Working this job gives me plenty of time to focus on my true passions as a photographer. Sure, shooting properties is (for the most part) a stress free and simple work of life, but it’s not my main focus. I will always feel the most fire when an idea comes to me and manifests itself into something I’m proud of. That feeling will always be a reminder of the happiness which art brings me. Aside from shooting houses, I am also finding a balance between commercial photography gigs, print sales, editing jobs, etc. Recently, I have had thoughts of letting that all go and working a regular job. But something tells me to keep my head down and eventually it will all pay off.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Charlie Hoberman. I am 23 years old, and I have been taking photos regularly since I was 13. Growing up near the coast has been the most inspiring playground for me since I was a kid. Falling in love with surfing led to an urge to start capturing the ever-changing sea, my friends, and all things water. For a long time, I would show up to the beach with a camera and surfboard in hand, battling the decision of whether to surf or shoot. I couldn’t stand the headache, so after nearly a decade of shooting in the water, I began surfing a whole lot more. As a creative person, it’s quite healthy to leave the camera at home sometimes. This pivot in my creative life opened up a world of inspiration through analogue photography; playing with various formats, styles, and simply learning the history of the masters that came before us. A couple years ago, I decided to curate a portfolio of my favorite images from that time in the water, selling prints, and working my way into the world of contemporary art. My goal as an artist is to turn my digital archive into tangible prints and books. in 2023, magazines, photo books, and large scale prints feel so lost and out of reach. I think there is still a big enough community who would still appreciate it.

I have never prioritized money when shooting. My mindset has always been to just shoot and express myself and my perspective on this life through my own lens, one day at a time. Stepping away from the water (as a photographer, I still surf most days a week) led me to focus on the subtleties and mundanity of ordinary life. And recently, with new projects on the way, I have found just as much excitement and joy shooting on the street, as I did when I swam with a camera for the first time.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Shooting for passion will always be my number 1 priority, although receiving feedback from friends, family, and strangers gives me the motivation to keep shooting. The most rewarding thing as an artist is truly falling in love with an image and the emotional response I get from it. A lot of times, I will take a photo and it comes from a place that is very special and near and dear to my heart. When others see the image and respond in a similar way, I know that my feelings and emotions are translated to a larger audience bigger than myself. That is what it’s all about.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

To keep shooting for myself. It’s what keeps me alive. As for tangible goals, I would love to have a show and make a body of work so big (physically) that brings people in and allows them to stop, wonder, and process an image for longer than a half-second scroll. Physicality in art is something that I wish to bring deeper into the art world of photography.

Contact Info:

• Website: charhobes.com
• Instagram: charhobes

Image Credits
All images shot by me.