Ginger Unzueta Photography

In March I was blessed with the experience of teaching my first online workshop entitled Everyday Beauty with the Bloom Forum.  I will forever be grateful to Brenda, the owner of the Bloom Forum, for giving me this opportunity.   I have been a member of Bloom for over 2 years and have grown so much in my photography with the help of the amazing ladies who form this beautiful community.   It seems so natural now to be able to teach and give back to other photographers.  Everyday Beauty is a class taught completely from my heart. God has given me this passion for capturing life within my home in a real way and I love to share this with others.  When I first began the class I had no idea how much these ladies would continue to inspire me.   It was such a gift to meet other mothers who were so excited to find the beauty in their daily lives as well.  I am so grateful for the time I got to share with each of the class members.  I look forward to teaching my next class in July.

At the conclusion of the workshop, some of the students collaborated to create a monthly project inspired by their desire to capture the everyday beauty within their homes.  You can follow along with this lovely project at the Cherish the Day blog.

I am thankful to share with you some of the reviews and work of my students from this first workshop.  I encourage you to check out the work of all these talented mothers.

Cate Wnek- Cate Wnek Photography     Find her on Facebook.

“The Everyday Beauty workshop with Ginger Unzueta is for anyone who wishes they could appreciate and photograph life more beautifully. Ginger’s art is imbued by her immense, genuine appreciation for her life. In this workshop everything becomes something to be cherished and documented exquisitely – to be shared and remembered. It changed the way that I saw my world and family – my house, the light, the expressions, little things, big things – my whole perspective.  After taking this workshop, I find myself seeing rims of light, pops of color, shadows, and reflections that I might not have noticed before. Even opportunities to do something unexpected and fun with my family. At the end, I did find myself a better photographer; but more importantly, a lot happier with my life. It is those everyday moments that matter – spilled chocolate milk, giggling story time – it is these moments that make me want to be a better photographer, a better Mother, more than anything else.”

Sherri Davis-Sherri Davis Photography     Find her on Facebook. 

“Words cannot express how grateful I am for being able to spend 2 weeks in Ginger’s class. I have come out of it a better photographer, but more importantly a better Mother. Her lessons were not technical how-to’s. They were much deeper than that. They were inspiring and guiding. She has such a grace about her. You can see it reflected in her children’s eyes in her photographs of them. She is such an inspiration for all mothers who are trying to balance capturing their childhood beautifully but still want to be an attentive, in-the-moment parent.   Thank you from the bottom of my heart for guiding me to the person I want to be.”

Nikki Matthews-Nikki Matthews Photography      Find her on Facebook.

“Dear Ginger,

I don’t know if I have the words to adequately express my appreciation for you and this class.  Everyday Beauty was everything I didn’t know I needed – a little bit of self-discovery, a huge boost in confidence, guidance to the path that was right in front of me, connections to some wonderful ladies, and the most beautiful inspiration a girl could ask for.   When I signed up for your class, I knew that your work was a huge inspiration to me.  I knew that I was in a place where I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my photography – that awkward place where everyone tells you:  you are good, and you should have a business, and your heart says that’s not what is right for you and your family.  I knew I needed to be challenged. I knew I was ready for something more. I delighted to say that not only did your class teach me to see the beauty all around me; it also helped me find my way.  I have a new found confidence in the choices I make, the path I am headed down, and even in the beauty of motherhood. Both through your teaching and your modeling, I continue to be inspired to be the best version of me I can be.  When I try to find the words to adequately express my thanks and appreciation for you and this class, I come up short. Please know that my words do not come close to saying what my heart and mind feel.  So for now, thank you from the bottom of my heart for you, this class and your constant inspiration.

With gratitude,

Nikki”

Sarah Roberts Jennings- The Whispering Willow     Find her on Facebook.

 “I am not a professional photographer but have a passion for capturing life…I have three boys 11, 8 and 2 years old.  I know how quickly my eldest boys grew up and those little people disappear forever, leaving behind just memories which are sometimes forgotten…doing Gingers course has made me record their everyday lives and through this, it has made me sit back and spend more time with them..Instead of cleaning the bathroom (which I usually do when my youngest is in the bath)..I stopped and played with him and captured some shots of what he gets up to in the bath…I discovered little things that I have never noticed before…I captured my middle playing on our bed (I would never photograph in there as thought it was too dull and dark) but after Ginger teaching us how to use the available light in our homes I captured an image which will always be special to me as it shows happy they are together….

Lauren Radley-Lauren Radley Photography     Find her on Facebook. 

“Hi Ginger,

I wanted to send you this ‘review’ which is really more of a thank you. Forgive me in advance, I’m not so great with words, so I have included many images as examples.

In the two weeks I spent in your class, I have found me.  I found what I love. You showed me the beauty in my everyday.  Which has turned the mundane into
joy, an adventure to discover what wondrous moments I can capture everyday. I no longer stress about the little things, the messes, or the imperfections of my little home.

I have my camera near by everyday, ready to go.  I capture things I’ve always wanted to but now I do it!  You know that moment when say to yourself, I wish I had my camera for that!  Well, now I do, which is so special because my husband is often away, and misses all these wonderful little moments.

You also showed me the importance of seeing the ‘memory’ from all angles to remember every aspect of it.  This has been a game changer for me, in terms of composition and interest in what I capture.  I find myself stopping and thinking about composition before pressing the shutter now.

My son sitting up for the first time by himself., Or my toddler waking from his nap, the joy I feel to have this memory forever now.. I can’t express, Even the bliss in painting (one of my artist daughter’s favorite things in the world), But my favorite thing, has been capturing little moments – things you would never think could be so special - Like your children sitting still just watching a movie, taking a bath, your baby swinging, even changing your sheets, or playing outside in a not-so-perfect backyard.

I really can’t thank you enough for all the knowledge, inspiration, encouragement, and compassion you have shared with me, and our group.  I feel blessed to have discovered your class, which led me to the bloom forum, and probably the most amazing group of people I have yet to encounter online.

With gratitude, and love,
Lauren Radley
xo

Amanda Burr-Amanda Burr Photography     Find her on Facebook.

“Ginger Unzueta’s “Everyday Beauty” workshop is a breath of fresh air.  It is clear that Ginger has a passion for what she does.  She is an incredible storyteller and artist.  She has such a gift for capturing the little moments and details of her family that would otherwise go undocumented.  Her workshop is designed to help you see those beautiful moments and details within your own family and to help you learn to capture those in the most beautiful way.  Ginger has a very “open book” approach to teaching.  She is very attentive and willing to answer any questions you may have.  Her lessons include lighting, camera settings, composition, perspective, finding spaces in your home, recognizing details, connecting, editing, etc.  Ginger gives constructive and encouraging feedback that is helpful to everyone in the workshop.  She also shares her beautiful imagery that is both thought provoking and inspiring.  I participated as a silent member in this workshop, only because the active spots were taken.  I still came away with so much knowledge and inspiration.  Thank you Ginger for helping me to see the beauty in the everyday life of my family!”

Erica Finnan- Erica Finnan Photography     Find her on Facebook.

“I was just a silent seat, but still learned a lot.  I enjoyed reading about how Ginger captures creative, playful images that truly tell a story of her life, by using light, emotions, and play.  It helped me to step outside of my box and use places in my home creatively that I have never used before to capture memories. I feel like my images are beginning to tell my families story, and for that I am grateful!  Ginger also gave great feedback to everyone and was so kind in doing so!  Great class and great teacher!”

Anna Dobrenski- Anna Dobrenski Photography     Find her on Facebook.

“My dear Ginger,

Your class was delightful!  I participated with a silent seat which was of course not the same as being a participant, but I thoroughly enjoyed it!  Since FTL I’ve enjoyed watching your growth and have always admired your ability to not only see beautiful light but also to create beautiful images with simplicity and truth.  Thank you for sharing that with the class!  I am super excited to continue my journey with personal photographs using your insights and tips.  I am trying to step outside the “business” of photography with my own family more and more.  I needed the reminders to get in the picture, watch composition and get the details.  I would tell anyone who wants to take this workshop to stalk the registration to make sure they get a participating seat!

Melissa Stanfield- Melissa Stanfield Photography     Find her on Facebook.

“I just embarked on my very first workshop through the bloom titled “Everyday Beauty” with the talented and lovely Ginger Unzueta with Ginger Unzueta Photography.  I had an active seat with a group of talented photographers that I count an honor to fully participate with. Such lovely and amazing talent throughout this workshop!

Ginger, has become a dear friend of mine and I’m so blessed to know her! I love her work for many reasons but what draws me, is her way of documenting life as it is! When given the chance to take her workshop, I was all over it. I was challenged in many ways to look and see things all around me that have always been there but to look through a different lens. To see the “Everyday Beauty” that is such a blessing and capture these moments that seem mundane but are anything but! These moments are fleeting and as we get older and our little ones grow up these little things, big things, our daily routines, my little ones enlightenment in her world will start to fade some, as she ages and discovers new beauty all around. I’m grateful to be reminded through Ginger’s work and teaching, to lay hold of what is in-front of you! to study what is around me, to see the light, see the creative opportunity to tell my little ones story in so many amazing ways. it’s such an honor and privilege to be able to witness her life! All the way down to the expressions on her face, her favorite things, and most of all..the moments that I never want to forget! To capture time, the time that is against me and is not going to stop! I often, can take for granted the day to day things which can be so easy for me to do but after taking this workshop it has quickened my heart and spirit to embrace the imperfection that is perfection in our world! Our lives are unique to all of us and they need to be documented and captured! This is what Ginger, so gracefully and full of life guides you in, finding all that is around you and embracing it for what it is! Be sure to check out Ginger’s blog and her work to see the Everyday Beauty and head over to The Bloom to see all that this forum has to offer you! I’m so thankful for joining such a wonderful forum who stands with you and encourages your growth while cheering you on!”

Kelly Carothers

“I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am that I signed up for this class! The lessons that Ginger gave us really pushed me to think outside the box and stop and really consider what was in my frame before I clicked the shutter button. It made me stop and appreciate the little moments with my children, moments that might have been overlooked due to the hustle and bustle of our everyday routine. Ginger has a wonderful teaching style and was very hands on with all the students in the class. The lessons were all carefully explained and very easy to follow along with. The photos she used in each one were so inspiring it was hard not to shoot all day long to try and recreate some of my own. Our children leave such a mark on our lives and in our world. Ginger is able to document that perfectly and I am so thankful she was willing to share her knowledge with the rest of us.

Colie James-Colie James Photography     Find her on Facebook. 

“When you sign up for a workshop, particularly a new one, there is always some apprehension. In my case because I shoot lifestyle images at home daily as well as for clients, I am very familiar with the basic ideas of lifestyle and storytelling inside a home. However there is always room for improvement, always room to grow, and often all I am looking for is another spark of inspiration to push myself. That is what I got from Ginger.

Just seeing how Ginger thinks about her frame and approaches her shooting was fantastic. It was amazing to see her settings for different shots I loved and get her perspective on how she approached them. I was also surprised to see the number of images shot above ISO 2000. I often shoot around 2500 indoors but in her work there always seems to be more light than I have available in my house. It has made me more comfortable in my decision to shoot in high ISOs

I felt like the most important things Ginger covered in the workshop for me were using light in your home effectively, telling stories in different spaces in your home, telling the story from different perspectives, and identifying the important details to include them in your frame.  She also covered other important elements like framing, connecting with your subjects, planning a lifestyle shoot, getting IN the picture yourself, shooting in public. Most of the workshop is taught by example, using her own work to describe what she does and how she does it. There is ample opportunity for questions and discussion.

If you are a fan of Ginger’s work and looking for some inspiration on how to approach photographing your Everyday Beauty please consider Ginger’s workshop.”

Laura Mood-Everyday Blessings Photography     Find her on Facebook. 

“I was so excited when I saw Ginger was teaching a class at Bloom, and signed up quickly, knowing her class would sell out. I had been following her for over a year and was thrilled at the opportunity to learn from her. What I didn’t know was how much her class would change me and help me appreciate this hobby of capturing everyday beauty. After taking back to back workshops for months, I was starting to get burned out, but Ginger’s class was different. Ginger shoots from her heart and she shares so much of her heart during her workshop that you can’t walk away from this without feeling inspired. She truly is an open book and so gracious about answering any questions. She does such a fantastic job of sharing her thought process and approach to shooting that you almost feel like you are right there with her while she photographs her beautiful children. After trying to incorporate some of her ideas while I shoot, I was able to relax a little more, observe a little more, and have some fun while capturing more authentic moments that make my heart sing. My only regret is that our time together was not longer, although Ginger packs a ton of information into two weeks, so prepare to be busy.

Aubri Graybeal-Pink Sky Photography     Find her on Facebook.

“Ginger’s course saw me to see both light and my everyday life in a new way. She has an amazing gift to make extraordinary beauty out of the most simple tasks. I have always admired her work and her kind heart and felt incredibly lucky to learn from her. Although I have been in business for a few years it becomes easy to miss my own families moments. Taking Ginger’s course has given me a renewed sense of excitement for capturing those candid moments I sometimes take for granted. An additional bonus was learning how to use light that I would have normally thought was not suitable for photos. Some of my favorite photos taken during her course were evening images lit by incandescent light bulbs. I will never look at available light in the same way. I highly recommend Ginger’s course for both beginner and advanced photographers. ”