WOMEN IN BUSINESS: Charmaine Marinkovich

A rainbow-coloured feather duster might seem like an unusual tool for a photographer but it's one of Charmaine Marinkovich's tricks of the trade.
Family portraits are one of Charmaine's specialties, and it turns out the duster is a hit for getting children and babies to smile.
Connecting with her youngest subjects is something that comes easy to this mother of two daughters.
"When you are photographing a family with young kids, you have to connect with the kids first off - you have to get them on side.
"I go off and play with them - I get them running around. I get them quite worked up by the end of it.
"If you play with the kids they will last longer, rather than just saying 'look at the camera'."
In addition to family portraits, Charmaine also photographs weddings, babies and baby bumps.
She's been a professional photographer for 13 years and started Marinkovich Photography seven years ago.
The business slots in perfectly with her busy life as mum to 12-year-old Summa and 3-month-old Mila.
Portrait shoots tend to be done in the late afternoon or evening, or at the weekend, which complements the schedule of her teacher partner.
Office work can be done during the day, while Summa is at school and Mila sleeping.
Charmaine is passionate about photography, to the point where she was back behind the camera when Mila was just 3 weeks old.
It's not necessary to choose between having a family or career, she says - you can have both.
"To be a good mum, I need to be a good photographer as well. It's a passion of mine.
"For me, doing this excites me. I come home and I'm happy, because I've produced something I enjoyed doing.
"When I'm not doing it, it's always on my mind. When I had my baby my mind was still ticking over."
A home studio and office makes it easier to combine family life and career.
While some portraits are taken in the studio, most people in the Bay prefer an outdoors setting.
The beach is always popular and Charmaine also likes going "location scouting" to find new settings.
Yatton Park is a favourite because of its large mature trees.
She also likes McLaren Falls, and often asks a farmer if she can use his land. She mixes it up with urban shots.
A self-confessed romantic, Charmaine also loves photographing weddings.
"It's such a cool time, its always a really happy and beautiful day.
"I like that you spend the whole day with the couple. I like that part, you have a lot of fun with them."
She describes her photographic style for weddings as "classic" and "timeless".
Traditional photos work best for family, while many couples also want the "natural, relaxed" photos, she said.
Charmaine works with a part-time assistant for weddings and sometimes her partner helps out.
She'd like to eventually have an off-site studio and employ more staff.
"I still want to be the only photographer, as it's my name."
Charmaine is always looking for new and different products - such as a unique photo box.
She stays current by keeping up international trends in photography and is always talking to families about what they want in a portrait.
And she keeps up with technology, with a website, blog and Facebook page which she has found great for connecting with clients.
While some professional photographers find they rarely take pictures of their own families, Charmaine is rarely without her camera.
At just three months old, Mila has already had three photo sessions.
And with the rich rewards that come with helping people make memories, Charmaine won't be putting away her camera any time soon.
"People see themselves and are like 'oh, wow!'
"Sometimes people comment that it's really emotional seeing their kids' [photos]."