Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to GINGER DINUNZIO. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi GINGER, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

As a portrait photographer, many assume that I just enjoy photographing people and it is as simple as that. But there is a history to my profession choice. My childhood growing up in England was quite different to the classic American standard of Holiday cards every year with a family picture. I can count on one hand the number of family pictures we have, and I myself took all of those with a self-timer on a tripod! I often long for family pictures that we simply don’t have. Especially as my mother died young, it seems even more important that we should have had those memories captured. But it is not the English way, or at least it was not the way in the family I grew up in. Because of this, I celebrate and value having a record of growing families. A good portrait shows not only how everyone changes in looks, but also how relationships change within a family, especially through the teenage years! My career started in photojournalism so I always bring a heavy element of story telling to a portrait session. Family is so important. It is literally the reason why any of us do what we do.

GINGER, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was given my first camera at 9 years old, and never looked back. I still own every photograph I have ever taken, all organised neatly so I can find old pictures at a moment’s notice. My friends from our teenage years live in fear…! I always wanted to be a photographer, but was told it was no way to make a living so I started out as a journalist and slid over into photojournalism at the first chance I got.

I have been a professional portrait photographer since 2000. I find people fascinating. I photograph mainly large family reunions, as well as high school seniors, lots of dogs and alternative school pictures. For me, the more spontaneous, candid and fluid, the better. I do not like posed portraits at all.

The best part about my job is talking to my clients while I photograph them, and really getting to know them. I love to find common interests and this opens their face to my camera. Many comment that they didn’t even notice I was photographing them. They often do not realise that a whole hour has passed by. The end result is a collection of portraits which show their true personality, both to the subject themself and to those who love them.

I am frequently told that a person has never seen such a great picture of themself. It may appear effortless to those around me, but I believe it is a little bit of magic that blooms between my camera and the subject. We connect, sparks fly, and I press the shutter at just the right moment of truth.

I have never been one to seek acclaim or recognition, although I have received it. I am fulfilled purely by the intimate relationship between me and my subject. The art of portrait photography compels me at every single portrait session. It just never gets dull.

Honestly, my favourite subjects are the ones who can not be controlled or compelled or bribed to do any specific thing – this means I thrive with teenagers, toddlers and crazy dogs! But, I do ask that no client expect perfection either. If you want a perfect, posed portrait, then I am not for you. I think real life is so much more enticing. I can coax that by suggesting we have a race, or do some extreme dancing, but is the after-the-action giggles that make the portrait, not the action itself. Having such a good time together really makes the experience memorable and special, for me and for my clients.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

The area where I live & work is a small seaside town. I offer services to tourists & locals alike. As all photographers know, we are a dime a dozen these days. Anyone with a camera and halfway decent ‘eye’ can just set up shop. BUT, being a good portrait photographer is about so much more than just taking a few good pictures. You have to be open-minded, sociable and visible in the area where you work. I am extremely friendly and jump at every opportunity to meet people or share my knowledge/experience.

When I first started my studio (bricks & mortar, so high CODB), I spent all my time at local events with stalls showing people what I could do. Many people thought portrait photographer was just like school pictures. They had no idea you could wear a fun outfit, wade into the ocean and throw water into the air! So a lot of what I did was to get my own style of photograph visible. I gave away a lot of sessions to appropriate charities and events. I talked constantly to people, I made an impression. There were many times when I was tired, or my young children weren’t behaving brilliantly, but hey that is life and my truth in that moment. Mainly, I think that the fact that I am a big goofball gave others the relief that they can be too, and that they do not need to have a perfect family to have great family portraits. I mean, who does have a perfect family???

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I am often asked, “Do you have a shoot today?” as if the only work I do is take pictures. I know all photographers roll their eyes at this question. Running a business is running a business. Taking pictures happens to be the reason why we chose this profession, but it is definitely not the only thing we do to keep our business moving. It is probably 15% of the work load. As a creative, it is so important to feel inspired, but dealing with bills, taxes, admin and emails takes hours every week. Sometimes, a simple drive for location scouting might appear to be not working, but is actually critical. Unfortunately, this also means that it is very hard to switch off from work mode. Something my partner often finds challenging is that I am always ‘on call’ and can change plans very last minute if I am booked for a photo shoot. So it is very important to set boundaries and recognise when I am burning out, as well as when my family need me more than another client.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sandprintsphotos.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandprintsphotos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SandprintsPhotos
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sandprints-photography-morro-bay-6

Image Credits

Sandprints Photography