Inspired, A Very Special Project | Ginger Unzueta Photography

Ginger of Ginger Unzueta Photography is one of those rare talents who not only manages to capture genuine emotion and real life in her imagery but makes such an impact on the soul.  Her black and white photography especially just grabs me and holds tight. Make sure to grab your favorite beverage and find a good bit of time to really take in her gorgeous work. I could look for hours.

You can find Ginger on Facebook HERE, You can also find her Website HERE.

Hi Sweet Ginger!

Lets get to know you! How would you describe yourself in three sentences?
I am a follower of Christ. I am a wife to a man who completes me.  I am a mama to three children who have changed my heart forever.

What sparked your passion for Photography?
I have been taking photographs as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved pictures and have always had a camera. Like many other mothers, my children really ignited the passion in ways I hadn’t known before. I wanted to tell their story and to tell it in a beautiful way.  In addition, my husband is a U.S. Marine and is often gone on deployments.  I became passionate about capturing the everyday of my family so that my husband could relive these special moments through our pictures and stories.  He continues to tell me that our pictures are such gifts to him.

Whats in your camera bag?
A Nikon d700 ,  50 mm 1.4, 85 mm 1.8

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?
A Canon Rebel.  (35 mm first and then digital)

Ginger was kind enough to share one of her starting out images.

If you could only use one lens an entire session which one would you choose and why?
50mm  because I find it to be the most versatile focal link for both indoors and outdoors.
What advice would go give to someone just beginning in photography and hoping to have a business of their own?
The first thing I would do is to ask why they want to be in business.  I think many people, including myself, got into business, after learning the trade well, and people suggesting they would be “good at it”.   I think something that I really had to learn was that you can be an artist and an amazing photographer and not be in business. And you can be in business and not be either of those things.   Follow your heart.  What are your personal desires? Why do you want to pick up your camera?  I would also say to practice…practice…practice.  As you pick up your camera more and more, your style starts to shine through.

What was your first official Photographer crush if you had one?
I did not study photography or follow other photographers much before learning the trade myself.  I remember the first photography blog I started to follow was Stacey Woods.  I fell in love with the connections she captures and was so drawn to her black and white pictures.   In addition, I also have loved you, Sarah, from the first time I bought one of your action sets.  You had such a kind, sincere way about you. I was really drawn to your heart and love of others.  A loving and open heart is the biggest inspiration of all for me.

*Just had to add a note and say I am so honored you would say ME! Wow, Thank you so much Ginger!! -Sarah

What kind of photos do you like to take for just yourself when not working with clients?
I find myself inspired through the everyday beauty of my own children.   I love capturing real life as it happens daily.

If you could photograph absolutely anyone who would it be dead or alive?
I believe capturing my own children is the greatest privilege.

Describe your style in 3 words:

Honest, intimate, sincere.

Any challenges you have had to overcome to be where you are today?
As I mentioned before, it took me some time to realize I could be an artist but not be in business.  I love to share my gifts and talents with others, but I feel like my most important task right now is raising my children. For me, it is very hard to do both well. I want to give my children my best and for now that means doing very limited sessions.

Favorite time of day to shoot is? 

Golden hour. Most definitely.  Dramatic indoor lighting is a very close second.

If you had to stop taking photos right now, what would you do instead? 

I would continue to mother and teach our three children whom we homeschool. I love being present in their lives daily with or without my camera.

Have you attended college or had any formal education in Photography? 

I graduated from the University of Florida in 1997 with a BSBA in Finance and Marketing. I have also obtained my teaching licenses in marketing and business education.   But when it comes to photography, I have had very little “formal education.” I have taken some very beneficial photography workshops, but outside of those, I am self-taught.  A lot of practice and hard work.

What do you do to get your clients to relax with you?
Honestly, I am just myself. I like to talk a lot, so I try and get to know them and just be sincere.

What are your photography related goals for 2013?
I just taught my very first workshop through the Bloom Forum called Everyday Beauty.  Teaching this class has been a huge blessing in my life. I was introduced to so many other mothers who seek to find the beauty in their everyday lives as well.  I will be teaching the class again in July.
How do you push yourself to keep growing and learning? Any Big Aha! Moments?
I think taking on personal projects is a great way to keep growing.  I also think that workshops can be very beneficial in helping you learn and grow.  I think my biggest AHA moment was just realizing what I truly loved and watching my style evolve the more pictures I captured.  I think picking up your camera and shooting often is the best way to grow.

Biggest Photography related insecurity?
I think when I first began sharing my work I was insecure about what people would think.  I was very receptive to if they liked it or not. I have learned to let go of this some and to share my heart. I am very open about my life and faith as I feel that God has blessed me with this gift to use for His purpose.

Digital or Prints?
Prints.  I love to see prints on my walls and in books in my home.  I learned a big lesson last year when I lost one of my external drives that wasn’t backed up.   I think now about all the files just sitting on my hard drives which have never printed.  I love looking through old albums at my parents’ house and remembering special times together. I want to have these same memories tangible for my children.
How do you set yourself apart from other local photographers?
Honestly, I do not really think about this. I just try to be true to myself.  I try to not look at any other photographer as competition, because we are all on our own path.

What do you think your next photography related investment will be?
A 35 mm lens.  For sure!
If you had to recommend ONE thing that a photographer needs in their camera bag what would that be?
An extra memory card.   Other than that, I usually have a hair tie, a small snack, and a bottle of water with me.

What would you say your biggest muse is?
My children.
Fun stuff:
 
Favorite Color:  blue
Favorite Season:  I can’t pick a favorite; there is really something I love about each season.  I always get so excited at the start of a new season.  There’s something so special about that change that takes place.
Biggest Guilty Pleasure:  In January I gave up Dr. Pepper. I used to drink at least one fountain drink daily.  Not really sure what I’d say now.   
Favorite Pandora Station:  Not a Pandora user.
Studio or On location:  On Location
One thing no one knows about you is:  I love singing and dancing, but know without a doubt, I do NOT have a good voice or much dancing rhythm.    
Pc or Mac: PC
Lightroom Or Photoshop:  both
Film or Digital:  Digital.  I do love the way film looks. LOVE it.  And I actually got my old canon rebel 35 mm camera out this year and have had fun exploring with it.  But I don’t see myself ever giving up digital.
Props or No Props: none
If you could travel anywhere it would be:  I’d love to take our children to Peru which is where my husband’s family is from.  
Glass Half Empty or Half Full:  Half full.
Favorite photo ever taken:  I really don’t think I can pick one.  Each photograph has a memory attached and I don’t think I can pick a favorite.  (Sort of like you can’t pick a favorite child).  
Raw or Jpeg: RAW
Favorite Music to Edit to: usually none.
Favorite Quote:  For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11
Processing Style: simple and clean
Coffee or Tea: water
If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be?  I really have no desire to photograph a celebrity. What I would love to do is go on a mission trip (s) and photograph people of the world that need to have their stories shard. This is a dream and a goal of mine.
What kind of Camera bag do you rock? I have a beautiful Ketti bag, but most often my camera is somewhere in my house where I can grab it at an instant.