Charles' first career was in corporate finance, while photography was a hobby and an excuse for getting out and exploring the world with his camera. Then, about 15 years ago, he realized that he wanted photography to be more than a hobby, and he started devoting all his spare time to developing his photographic skills.

Charles' main outdoor activity and focus for photography is climbing in the backcountry. He has climbed extensively in the Sierra Nevada, climbing in excess of 100 peaks, including all of California's 14,000 footers and a number of other trophy peaks. He has also climbed internationally, having been to Elbrus in Russia, Aconcagua in Argentina, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Denali in Alaska, and Imja Tse in Nepal. Images from the Sierra Nevada make up a large part of his collection, but all of these trips are included in his catalog.

Hiking/trekking internationally is also a favorite pastime. One memorable trip was a reconnaissance expedition with British mountaineer Al Burgess around the Himalayan peak Kanjiroba, in northwestern Nepal, which exited at Shey Gompa. Some more sedate trips include hiking the Inca Trail in Peru, the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, in the Khumbu region in Nepal, in the Cordillera Blanca in Peru, and in Torres Del Paine in Chile. As well, he has explored Egypt, Turkey, Mexico, Thailand, and several East African countries; and has an extensive collection of photographs from all of these various locations.

Charles has sold a number of fine art prints and has a large number of his images included in SuperStock, Inc.'s (a top line stock agency) catalog. He also has been published in several adventure travel company brochures, and had images used in print advertising in major magazines. As well, he has presented a number of slide shows about his various climbs and travels, and enjoys telling the stories immensely. He has even won a few photo contests and prizes at County Fairs.