As a Michigan photographer, I always capture the moments that matter most to my clients, but today, I want to share a more personal side of me with you—my tattoos and what they symbolize. Tattoos are more than just ink on the skin. They are marks of significance, each telling a story about who I am, what I value, and the experiences that have shaped me.

1. The Mountain, Nature, and Bear: My First Tattoo; Michigan Photographer

The first tattoo I got has a lot of personal meaning. It’s on my shoulder blade, and its design combines three elements: a mountain, nature, and a bear.

When I look at this tattoo, it reminds me of three core values in my life:

• Faith that moves mountains: The mountain represents strength and obstacles that sometimes feel impossible to overcome. But the message I carry with me is that faith—whether faith in myself, faith in others, or spiritual faith—can help me climb those mountains. It’s a reminder that even the most significant challenges can be tackled with persistence, resilience, and belief.

• My love for nature: Growing up in Michigan, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the outdoors. Whether hiking in the woods, exploring the lakes of Northern Michigan, or simply walking through my neighborhood, nature is my sanctuary. It’s where I feel grounded, calm, and at peace. This tattoo symbolizes the beauty of the natural world and how it feeds my soul.

• Strength and bravery: The bear is a powerful symbol of courage and strength. Bears are often seen as protectors, and I’ve always admired their boldness and ability to stand tall, even in the face of adversity. The bear in my tattoo reminds me that, like it, I have the strength to face my fears, the bravery to be bold, and the resilience to persevere.

Each time I look at this tattoo, I’m reminded of the qualities I strive to embody in my own life: strength, faith, and a deep love for the world around me.

2. The Second Tattoo: In Memory of Those We've Loved and Lost

My second tattoo is much more recent and holds a much deeper, more personal meaning. My husband and I got it together, and it’s a tribute to those we’ve loved and lost. I won’t go into detail about the specifics because, honestly, it’s still a bit too personal and emotional to fully articulate.

I will say that it symbolizes grief, love, and remembrance. Losing loved ones is something we all face in life, and this tattoo represents the people who have shaped our lives—the ones who are no longer with us physically but whose spirits continue to live on in our hearts.

I’ve hesitated to share the whole story behind this tattoo because I still feel vulnerable and emotional. But I’m sharing this much because I know I’m not alone in this experience. So many women and people experience similar losses, and I want you to know that you’re not alone in that grief.

Sometimes, tattoos honor loss and help us find strength in our memories. This tattoo helps me carry the love of those who have passed, and it reminds me that it’s okay to hold onto what we’ve lost as we continue to live our lives and create new memories.

Why I Choose Tattoos as Part of My Story

As a photographer, I’m constantly telling stories through images. But tattoos are another way for me to tell my own story, to express parts of myself that might not always be captured in a photograph. Tattoos are like a visual diary—each one marks a moment in time, a lesson learned, a chapter of my life that shaped who I am today.

Tattoos are also deeply connected to my work. Just as I capture a single moment for my clients—a family portrait, a milestone, or an engagement—I view my tattoos as a way to preserve memories and mark important moments.

Each of my tattoos reflects an essential part of who I am. They remind me of my beliefs, my loves, my losses, and my triumphs.

A Note on Vulnerability and Healing

Tattoos also have a healing quality. Getting a tattoo can be cathartic, turning a moment of pain, loss, or uncertainty into something beautiful. Every time I sit in that chair and go through the tattoo process, I experience a physical manifestation of healing. It’s like closing a chapter, letting go, and moving forward, but with those memories and lessons etched into my skin.

In a way, tattoos are like photographs. They capture pieces of time and emotion. The difference is that they’re on my body, and I carry them daily, reminding me of what matters most.

About Kelseycharmayne Photography

Kelseycharmayne Photography is a Michigan-based business dedicated to capturing authentic moments and telling the unique stories of each individual. Passionate about connecting with clients and understanding their vision, Kelseycharmayne specializes in creating timeless photos that evoke genuine emotion. Whether it’s a special birthday celebration, an intimate family gathering, or a stunning engagement session, Kelseycharmayne’s photography captures moments that matter.