Liliana + Jonathan :: Arizona Wedding Photographer
April 27, 2010

Tucked in the desert mountains, two lives became one.

I’m so excited to share this wedding with you! My darling friend, Josh, let me join him over the weekend for my first Tucson wedding at the Corona Ranch Tucson! The couple was beautiful. Like, I don’t know you but you made me cry, beautiful. The skies were perfect, and the love of two families, abounding. Thank you for letting me in on it.

I loved the coloring and character of the ranch.

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Liliana and her mom are incredibly close. It was wonderful to see them interact.

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I don’t think a smile can get more genuine than this!

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I’m the only one who got to see this part! That makes me really special. FYI…

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An adoring husband at peace with his wife :)

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I know we’ve lived in Arizona for a handful of months now, but the desert landscapes still grab my attention!

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Meet: the cutest flower girl. Ever.

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And I’ll end with my favorite shots from the day!

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XOXO!

51 COMMENTS


Aspiring?
April 23, 2010

This morning rocked! Marcus opened Valley Lutheran High School’s career day with a big, fat, bang – and I had the opportunity to present on photography and missions.

To quickly recap some valuable basics for anyone looking to break into the industry, I’ve listed my personal must knows.

  1. BE SPECIFIC! Choose a niche, and work it. Whether it’s sports, fashion, weddings, or commercial – shoot what you love, so you love what you do.
  2. RECOGNIZE, FOO! Making money often requires spending money. Your initial investments can be substantial, and this is a huge turnoff for many people. Buuuut think about it… the most successful people are typically the ones who take risks!
  3. BE SMART! Some professionals may disagree, but I think standing out and doing WELL in the wedding industry requires business savvy. Too many great artists neglect a business foundation, and subsequently fail.
  4. ASK! Reach out to industry professionals for insight, work opportunities, and help. No one knew everything when they started. So ask.
  5. SHOOT! Ask friends and family to be your models. Put effort into locations, clothing, themes, whateva! Just SHOOT! You’ll see improvements every time. Plus, it’s a great portfolio builder to show potential clients.
  6. BEFRIEND! Any artistic industry is going to be competitive at a certain level, but surrounding yourself with like-minded colleagues/friends will give you the support, help, and encouragement you’re sure to need.
  7. GIVE! Give of your time, gifts and heart. There’s little to regret about helping others succeed.

——-

Hopefully those tips benefited someone. Anyone. Anyone? Here’s a shot my main squeeze took during one of the talks. I may not LOOK cool, but rest assured, I am.

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As an attempt to be bomb, I opened the comments for a Priiiiz-zize! That’s “prize”, for the uncool. Leave a comment in the box below, and I’ll be randomly selecting a name next Tuesday to win A FREE PORTRAIT SESSION! Valley Lutheraners – get your friends in on it! You might end up the talk of the town :)

Contest is open to everyone, so, get busy commenting, and I’ll get busy playing with Paisley! Oh, you wanted to see a picture of the greatest dog in the world? Well, I guess if I haaaave to…

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XOXO!

18 COMMENTS

  • Winner of Portrait Shoot « Gina Meola Photography Blog | Arizona-Based International Photographer:

    [...] were you guys so sweet?!?! Last week, my post was open for comments and a chance to win a free portrait session! I SO appreciate the loving [...]

  • jennifer:

    one lucky person!!! you can pick us and take pics when trav comes home…promising an emotional day!! :) still love all our pics!

  • Gilberto Limon Jr:

    What’s up? It’s been a while. Looking forward to meeting up with you for that post production class. I’ve been busy with lots of things lately. I moved to a new place, amongst several things. Saw Marcus at Target out of all places. Well hope to meet up soon. –gLimon

  • Kimberly Elia:

    Hi Gina! Remember me? It’s Kimberly from way back in the impact days at SUNY – A. I’ve been following your blog for awhile now & I love your work. Unfortunately i’m too far away to enter myself (I live in Rome Italy!) but I’m entering my sister Jessica who lives in NY (Staten Island, NYC to be correct) — she’s an up and coming clothing designer, almost completely self taught and trying to find her way. I’m helping her set up her first website so che can begin to sell her creations and what she really needs is a nice photo session to help boost her confidence and for some good shots to place on the site. Annnnd If you ever want to plan a trip to Italy consider yourself automatically asked to do my wedding (when & if i’ll have one…)

    Hope you’re well!

    Baci da Roma

    Kimberly

    p.s. my sister has no idea i’m entering her :)

  • Mary Marantz:

    Girrrrrrrl….you are the BOMB!!!

    love you!
    M:)

  • zia:

    Gina Maire,

    Always giving! Great Advice… YOU are the bomb!!! love you

  • Marquis:

    So wow. Mrs. Gina Meola!
    It has been so long since I’ve spoke to you (that’s if you even remember me from my Saints Basketball days lol) but it almost seems as if time has FLEW by! I remember back in the day you in photo with a slew of other people at FH learning some ins and outs, and now you’re flickin’ like a crazy woman! I’m so unbelievably happy for you, and your photos are AMAZING!
    Nicole (Whyland – my fiance!!) and I (to be married 24 June 2011!) talk about you all the time… she’s working on kicking off her business and we are always looking at those who became established before her for wisdom and inspiration. So thank you in advance for that.
    I figured I’d drop a comment – for one because if I can win that session, that’d be OUTSTANDING! but if not, I still plan on trying to put something together for you to do our wedding next year!?
    So – keep up the awesome work, and continue to be used and blessed by God!
    M. Eure
    *Marcus is awesome by the way!!!!*

  • Marcella:

    I have no pride… I AM trying to win!!! Please take pictures of me and my kids… and Joel can come too if he behaves!

  • Alida:

    Gina! I’ve been following your blog since you started it! Your work is fantastic and I’m sure you know that I’ll be calling and begging you to do my wedding!- that is.. when Matt asks. ha!
    hey- if I win, then you get to come home for a visit!! :-D I am just truly blessed by you and your wonderful family!!

  • Taylor:

    Gina,
    I have been following your blog for over a year and LOVE your work and your great way with words! I am so glad I found out about you! I know you’ll keep it up!

  • Gina LB:

    So does my session include you guys flying to Hawai’i to visit?

  • Denise Saucedo:

    So I would have commented either way!!! But heck if I can win a portrait session with the coolest girl on the block!! I am all for it!!! I need new portfolio pics for my bloggidy blog. :) I am really trying to find my niche and I recognize FOO!! I spent more money than I made last year on my biz… and girl… I GIVE!!! :) I think I am on the right track! Yay me! Thanks for the advice and consistant motivation and ispiration. You rock. And you ARE cool!!! WAyyyyyy! Cool! xoxo

  • Eileen Lindemood VLHS:

    Gina,
    I think that your presentations today were fabulous. Your passion for the Lord was loud and clear. Your photography speaks volumes. I think the kids needed to hear your story. They needed to hear that you are using your gift from the Lord through your photography/art in missions as well as in your everyday job. I am so glad that I met you and your husband. I hope that our paths cross again.
    Eileen Lindemood

  • Jasmine*:

    LOVE this advice! Get on with your bad self! :)

  • Angie:

    Your suggestions are great! I’ve been looking into photography a lot more lately, not necessarily for a business or anything, but to improve my portfolio and documentation of my work in architecture school. And I really love baking and photographing what I make. I saw your photography at the Terra Nova Gallery a while ago and loved it. It’s been great to follow your work since then!

  • Babbo:

    Gina, So so happy to see all went well. I am sure the students attending Career Day were blessed. You have so much to offer and give of yourself. You have never been a selfish person and always willing to give to others. You make me proud to call you daughter and friend. I know you will be going places you’ve never ever dreamed of. You’re awesome! Love and kisses….

  • JEN:

    LOVE YOU GINA!! And Paisley isn’t the BEST dog in the world she is the Co-holder with Bella : ) hahaha : ) You and Marcus inspire me everyday to be better

  • Harmony Loves:

    not trying to win, but great suggestions and I WANT your dog!!! Sooo cute!


The Other Half
April 5, 2010

He has such a passion for teenagers. I don’t always get it, but I’m so thankful for it. When Marcus and I ventured to Phoenix, we weren’t quite sure how life or work would pan out. Through a series of events and revelations, Marcus had the opportunity to follow his passion of speaking, and use it to work with youth.  Marcus is now a motivational speaker, and youth development coach. He speaks in high schools, organizations, churches, and the shower. But what’s cool is the follow-up process. Marcus is able to coach and facilitate, either individually or in a group setting, a leadership program. It’s radically changing kids’ lives and the way they view themselves and their future. How exciting to be making a difference in such an important demographic!!!

His Web site and Blog are below, so be sure to visit and leave some love. And if you’ve got a place for him to speak, he’ll blow your socks off!

www.marcusAmurphy.com

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www.marcusmurphy.blogspot.com

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2 COMMENTS

  • Gina LB:

    Love it!

    The site is great; love that Marcus is Rockin’ it on the Westside. And I read that you drew that SiCk tree? Way to steal his thunder-um-I mean, support your Hubby. =)

    Blog more!
    gi

  • Bianca:

    One day I hope to meet the BOTH of you :)