Photographer Spotlight: Ginger Unzueta

We are so excited to welcome the amazingly talented Ginger Unzueta to the Blog! Take a moment to learn more about her beautiful photography, and be sure to visit her website Ginger Unzueta Photography.

The best news… Ginger will be featured as our “Celebrity Mentor” in the Pretty Forum for the entire month of September so come on over and ask her anything you like. Thank you so much Ginger for taking the time to share your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
For me, photography is about capturing our life. It’s about being able to tell a story tomorrow of the memories we are making today. It’s about capturing the feelings and moments that I never want to forget. It’s about all the details, even the frequent imperfections of our children and of our family. These are the moments I want etched in my memory that will forever bring reminders of the love, joy, and even the challenges we experienced as a family.How would you describe your photography style?
Honest, intimate, sincereDid you study photography in school or are you self taught?
With the exception of a few online photography workshops, I am self taught. I have a BSBA degree in Finance and Marketing. What brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
I shoot with a Nikon d750 and Nikon d700. I use SPL water housing and my d700 to shoot in and around the water. My favorite lens would be the 35 1.4 and the 50 1.4. I love using the 35 inside to capture the scenes of our family life. It is very versatile. The 50 is wonderful to use with portraits. I use both lens in the water.Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
My best advice on finding light is to always keep your eyes open. It is important to really study your surroundings because the light is always changing. Search for pockets of light and notice the way the light comes through different parts of your home and environment. Light is such a powerful part of photography and plays such an important role in our images.What is the most challenging thing about photographing everyday beauty?
It’s hard to put into words all that I have learned and gained from documenting daily life with my children. I am most certain this will be an ongoing process. I think one of the most significant has been the ability to see the places around us in unique ways each time we are together. Most often our life takes place at home or in our backyard; but there is always a new story, a new light, and unique way of seeing our children in this place we call home. Fresh perspective, to see the beauty of life, to not let it become mundane; is something I want to hold on to forever. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, so I want to really see this world and the people I am with, with a new found love and passion daily. And taking any of this for granted cannot be accepted.What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
For the last two years I have worked on a daily photo project called the Joy Project. This project has taught me so much about letting go of perfection; not only in my photography, but in my life. I am constantly reminded of the beauty of the imperfect. I am learning that the more I let go of my expectations of myself, of our days, and of others, the more alive I feel. God continues to teach and mold me through motherhood and for that I am grateful.

Whether you are a professional photographer, a hobbyist, or a parent or grandparent documenting the ones you love; I encourage you to look for the simple beauty in your life. Don’t wait for the perfect outfits, the perfect smiles, the perfect light, the perfect house, or whatever YOUR “perfect” is. These moments are fleeting.

What do you want to remember about today? What do you want to remember about these people? Pick up your camera; whatever body or style you use, and capture the now. It’s not about who will love your image. It’s not about perfect. It’s about the love you feel and see.If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
I would tell them to never forget the why.What do you love most about being a photographer?
I love being able to preserve these moments, days, years in the only tangible way I can.Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
To be completely honest, I have no idea. As a mother to an 11, 8, and 5 year old it is hard to imagine life in 5 years. Life seems to fly by so quickly before my eyes. I want to linger in this time and enjoy each day.

I pray and strive to find ways to give back to this world; to inspire others and continue to be inspired.

My photography journey has been filled with many unexpected opportunities. I am grateful for the chance I have had to work with so many other photographers through my Everyday Beauty workshop. It is truly a blessing to get to know the hearts of these students. I am always in awe as I see them begin to be inspired by the beauty that is in their lives daily.
About Ginger: I am a Jesus follower, wife and homeschooling mama to three. I believe there is beauty to be found every day . I strive to find joy in the mundane and messy days of motherhood. I seek God’s plan in all things and realize I would not be the woman I am without His undeserving love and grace. I am learning to embrace the imperfect and love seeing the beauty He creates in all things broken.