Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Cholick.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in the countryside of South Dakota surrounded by nature. In our small town, I took a class where we learned to process film. I remember we made a pinhole camera out of a band-aide box, and I was delighted. My grandfather was an amateur photographer and he was excited to share his old 35mm camera with me. Since I was a little girl, I loved wandering in the fields and living in my imagination. With this camera in hand, I had a new sense of purpose, and I’ll never forget the freedom I found looking for photographs. The magic of the darkroom enthralled me so much that I created one in our basement when I was in high school. I studied photography at Montana State University, and at that time I loved shooting and processing 4×5 film. The slow process of working that way still informs my work today, even though I shoot digitally now.
After graduating school, I lived in Seattle and then Los Angeles and started assisting a wide variety of photographers and producing photo shoots. Being on set and learning how to light and produce photo shoots was a whole second education. I feel lucky to have such a broad range of experiences to draw from now for my own shoots. Currently, I create imagery for commercial clients and brands, and I also photograph portraits and events. Along the way, I’ve continued to create personal photo series, mainly working in self-portraiture. This work is essential for me to fuel my creative spirit and bring energy and creativity to my client work. I found a wonderful community of fine art photographers at Los Angeles Center of Photography where I’ve taken workshops. These mentors and friends have had a supportive role for me continuing to make and show my personal work which has been exhibited across the country in galleries and photo centers and is available as limited edition prints.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ll talk about a few things that have come up lately. The pandemic was difficult because my client’s work disappeared for a while. I decided to use the time to delve into a personal project. It was challenging because we were sheltering in place, and my work is usually driven by specific locations. I had to think of a whole new way to make work. I was inspired by the color of our blue bedsheet and created an entire world based on that color in a makeshift studio in our living room.
Additionally, I’m going through a major life change since I’m a new mom to a seven-month-old son. It’s been a beautiful experience so far, but it’s a challenge to balance my new role with the passion I have for my work. I find myself wanting to be in two places at once, fully immersed with my baby and with my creative process. I’m reminding myself to be present, and I know this new role will bring even more richness to my work with time.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My fine art photography combines self-portraiture and landscapes and explores themes of identity, longing and life’s journey. The work is subtle and contemplative and is born from my inner world. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable sharing my work since it’s so deeply personal, but it leads to my proudest moments. When my work has been published, and someone reaches out to let me know seeing it made them feel less alone, that’s the best feeling.
My commercial work focuses on active lifestyle and a human connection to nature. I bring the same deliberate working style to my client work as I do to my fine art series. I love working with individuals and brands and creating a magical world for my subjects to inhabit. I have experience working directly with clients and with a team including art directors and stylists. With my background in both art and production, I’m a rare combination of being both highly creative and logistically minded.
What sets me apart is my vision and the way that I connect with people. Something as simple as the light raking across my bedroom wall can take my breath away. I see light as something that can visually elevate life into the extraordinary. A magical, surreal and ethereal touch weaves throughout my work. I love capturing beauty from a simple daily observation to an intimate portrait, to a sweeping landscape. I see photography as the ultimate experience in connection, to show someone themselves in the way they’ve never imagined.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m always looking for ways to stay inspired. I love listening to the podcasts Poetry Unbound and On Being with Krista Tippett. Some books I’ve found helpful are Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland. Spending time in nature is my biggest inspiration and reset button.
The images I’m sharing are from my series Daydream. Please visit my website for my commercial work!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ginacholickphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photogina/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ginacholickphotography
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ginacholick
