Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Purcell.
Gina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always had a love for photography. My passion for it started when I took a high school photography class. I fell in love with film and being able to develop negatives and prints in a dark room. I didn’t think I could have a career in it. I went off to college and graduated with a BFA in Interior Architectural Design. After working in the industry for a couple of years, I had my first baby. A couple of years after that, I had my second little one. My husband and I were faced with the decision to go back to work just to pay for childcare or figure out how to make ends meet. At that same time, my good friend asked me to photograph his surprise proposal. After seeing the photos, my friend’s mom, who happens to be in the wedding industry, asked me if I wanted to start collaborating, I had no professional schooling or knowledge about photography at that point, but knew in my heart this was the start of my dream coming true.
Within a month, I saw an advertisement for Amy and Jordan Demos’ Shooting and Editing course. I knew I had to enroll. After powering through the course within a couple of weeks, I started shooting a couple family sessions and maternity session to build my portfolio, created a website and started my social media accounts for my business. A couple months after that, I started second shooting weddings and absolutely fell in love! Being able to be apart of a couple’s love story is very inspirational to me and I knew that was what I was meant to do. I started booking my own weddings and continued to shoot portrait sessions. I love the fact that I can create lasting memories for not just amazing couples, but beautiful families as well.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
All in all, it has been a pretty amazing adventure. But just like any adventure, there have definitely been bumps along the way. Some of the struggles have been more mental. I think in today’s society we are so social media oriented. “We” create this facade of a perfect life or a perfect business journey and it’s definitely not the case. Comparing myself to others who have been in the industry longer has been my worst enemy. Being in the creative field in such a saturated market like Southern California has been tough. There are times when inquiries are flooding in and other times, I hear crickets. But like anything in life, things come in waves. My advice to other women who are starting out their journey? Never give up. Keep hustling because when you think you can’t do it anymore, something amazing comes along. Also, try not to compare yourself to others. We are all our own individual self with our own journey. As long as you keep trying, you will progress and you will succeed.
Please tell us about Gina Purcell Photography.
I am a photographer who specializes in weddings, maternity, newborn, and family photography. I am known for my light and airy style. I LOVE how natural light can illuminate a photo in a soft and dreamy way. It’s so flattering and beautiful, what soft sunlight can do. What I am most proud of as a brand is my true passion for wanting to document timeless memories for my clients. Something they can look back on year after year, generation after generation and know how a love story began. How their family started. How their family grew. What sets me apart from others is my unique, creative eye and sincere love for my clients. I have an upbeat, kind personality. I love getting to know all my clients and hearing their personal stories. Also, being able to serve my clients well with a big heart. A big emotional heart, haha! I cry at every wedding, no joke!
Who have you been inspired by?
My mom is my biggest inspiration. I am a triplet, YES, TRIPLET! I have two sisters the same age as me. As a single mother, my mom did all she could to provide for us and that meant a lot of sacrifices on her end. She also battled rare cancer when my sisters and I were 15. Her strength and courage truly inspire me. My sisters also inspire me. Their faith, encouragement, and independence make me stronger in my personal life and my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ginapurcellphotography.com
- Email: gina.h.purcell@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginapurcell_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ginapurcellphotography/
Image Credit:
Gina Purcell Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
