July 27, 2010

It’s Monday night. The start of a new week is underway, with much to keep busy about. I walked Paisley, for the fifth time, and she’s given up on me. Too hot. Too long. I get it.

My desk looks flustered with notes, CDs, and lists… and my hodgepodge snack of triscuits with almond butter and blackberry jam is leaving tracks in cracks and nooks on the way to my tongue. My free Pandora is used up for the month, so instead of choosing one of the 5,683 songs on my desktop, I will sit in the sound of monsoon winds outside my window. You should know by now I love a good storm. Storms. There have been many in my heart, but few in the desert. I want to see a storm.

My ankles are swelling from the heat. And now, they’re up on the desk. My contacts are burning. Don’t you hate that? And my clothes don’t match. Thankfully my dog doesn’t openly mind. Did you know I still wear my retainers to bed once in a while? Nothing says “I love you” like a lisp and metal planks. Speaking of bed, it’s late. 10pm. Slow down, killer, that’s my bedtime. Yes. I love mornings. Unless I’ve been forced to stay awake. I wish I could sing.

I’m still recovering from yesterday’s migraine. It was awful. Awful.

I wanted to write, and I did. And yes, I’m really this weird. Now, here are some photos.

Victoria, British Columbia

A two-year-old on cake.

  • MAKE A COMMENT
  • |
  • SEND TO A FRIEND

  • Krista:

    you never cease to amaze. love you

  • zia:

    G-I-N-A!

    We will order a really really great storm for you next week!!! Cant wait and No you are not weird you are GINA Never change honey! Love You!!!!!!

  • Faith:

    You are just writing as fast as we all think!! Haha! I’m with Paisley….too hot!

  • Ruth:

    I think this is my favorite post ever. Do I think you’re weird? No. You’re wonderful.

  • Marissa Rodriguez:

    You sound fantastic to me! Haha! I love this post!

  • Babbo:

    Gina, Weird? No not really. You’re just living life. Your food selection sounds great. Save some for me! I hope you get your storm in the Phoenix area and spare us some grief in Upstate NY. Keep living life….. the journey will be well worth it. All my love….

  • Gina LB:

    Yummy…almond butter and blackberry jam!

  • Vania -SimplyBloom Photography, INC:

    I adore this “stream of consciousness” post and I love your writing and sincerity, will surely be back for more ;)


July 20, 2010

Sooo, I hit play on a voicemail from my fabulous girlfriend, Gina, this morning, and she practically threw up in my phone. She was disgusted that the SAME post popped up the last 17 times she’d checked in for updates :) Ehhh, MY BAD!! We’ve been traveling a bit, but I’ve undoubtedly neglected my blog… making me lame.

Last month, I received an email from a sweet sweet student at the New England Institute of Art of Boston with questions for an assigned project. I thought I’d share a few, in the hopes someone gains at least an ounce of insight.

1. What is your educational background? Do you have a degree in photography, art, or business? Or something completely different?

The only “formal” training I have in photography was a film photo class I took in Italy as a Sophomore. I graduated from Syracuse University’s amazing communications school, S.I. Newhouse. My focus was Public Relations, but I was lucky to have vast exposure to other disciplines and business.

2. Do you think your educational background helped you to get the job you currently have? Does the fact that you have a degree (if you have one) weigh in on the jobs and clients you get, or do you think your portfolio is what gets you hired? Or a combination of both?

Although I wish I knew more about the technical side of photography, my business background has helped me tremendously. So many incredible artists fail because they lack business savvy. About 20% of my career is art-focused. The remaining 80% is all business (client relations, marketing, brand development, finances, answering emails, conducting meetings, etc.). Ultimately, what gets me hired is ME. The photography industry is oversaturated, and couples will always be able to find someone cheaper. The only thing separating me from the thousands of other portfolios, is me. So capitalizing on who I am, my lifestyle, what I think about, look like, and enjoy is what will create the emotional attachment between me and a client – and all of sudden, no one else matters because we connect on a different level.

3. What are your thoughts on working or assisting other photographers for free?

I don’t think “free” is ever fair. There HAS to be a valuable exchange. Even if that’s one-on-one attention to YOUR questions and weaknesses, or getting to use the images you take at their event for your own portfolio, you have to “win” in the partnership too. I think finding and second shooting with a great photographer who’s where you’d eventually like to be, is a great way to learn hands-on what this business entails. For those of you just starting out, you still have something to contribute… so don’t give yourself away for free!

4. Are you SEO conscious-minded when it comes to your website and other online presences?

Yes. SEO is crucial for my business, which is specifically targeted around the country and internationally. If I want people to find me all over the map, I have to be building a strong web search presence. The only downfall is that it takes time to build.

5. What is your worst professional habit (such as procrastination, etc)?

Hands down, promoting. I love meeting new people and socializing, but when I feel like I HAVE to meet with new vendors, stores, or other businesses to gain referrals, I twitch. I feel weird promoting myself. Thankfully, my husband loves talking to everyone and anyone.

6. If you could go back to the time when you were an undergrad, and maybe ‘just starting out’, what would you have done differently?

Other than actually having a background in photography and learning the technical side, I would have asked more questions. I was shy and felt like I should have known everything, so I hesitated reaching out. No one walks into an industry and understanding every part. Asking questions also fosters relationships, on top of gaining knowledge.

And here’s a shot from beautiful Victoria, BC, where we spent the weekend with great friends and lots of love!



  • MAKE A COMMENT
  • |
  • SEND TO A FRIEND

  • Mary:

    Hi Gina, I’ve been watching you stuff for a while and I am wondering do you use a special lens for the buttery/creamy photo’s you take? Or is it just the angle you catch with the sun? I love them! Also what other equipment do you use. Your images are always really crisp and beautiful. I am terrrible on the technical side of things and I have a very limited budget. It’s time to invest a little in my biz, but I am not sure what direction to go in. Any recomendations? Thanks!!

  • YBF:

    Great tips for the Wannabe Photog. Your patience to lead and teach others is yet another of your gifts. Such a beautiful shot of Old Canada. Welcome Home! XXOO

  • Gina LB:

    Lol…Thanks, Gi!
    Notice how I checked AGAIN today, anyway?
    18th time’s the charm ;)


July 2, 2010

We LOVE Driven Coaching, LLC! So naturally, we were thrilled when Jon Bohm, the CEO and founder of Phoenix’s BEST personal and professional development company, was ready for fresh images! Jon has worked miracles for countless businesses, and we’re thrilled to be by his side.


Jon was such a good sport! For everyone NOT living in Arizona, we shot in 100+ degree weather!

I’m thinking he should run for President.

Thanks, Jon!

  • MAKE A COMMENT
  • |
  • SEND TO A FRIEND

  • Suzy:

    He’s going to have a tough choice; these are all great. I’m with YBF though, any of the navy suits and love the b/w shot. Fab as usual! We remember Jon from Eastern Hills years ago…he was awesome then and we loved hearing him speak!

  • YBF:

    SERIOUSLY! He looks like a male fashion model–but I know he’s all brain and spirit behind that great looking facade! FABULOUS job, Chicklet. Hmmm…what shots will go into his website and profile? I vote for the navy suit shots (but I love the B&W too)–AND– I VOTE Bohm for President!! XXOO

  • admin:

    @Kathy :: I said the same thing!! Luckily he’s VERY MARRIED!! ;)

  • Kathy Troyer:

    If I didn’t know better, I would think these photos are for submission to The Bachelor! Great job, Gina!