J + B | Part 1

June 25, 2010
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This little Iowa wedding was a dream to be a part of, hence why it deserves two posts.  Jess & Brian wanted to start their day with a quick first look and pop into the car (an amazing car they bought specifically for their get away ride) to visit the very meaningful ice cream shop a town away. Yes I repeat. It was my brides idea to go to this too cute for words ice cream shop , take photos and most importantly eat some ice cream (seriously when she sent me the link to this place I couldn’t believe my eyes, this is why I love my brides).  The story behind the ice cream shop is that Jess’s parents were also there on their wedding day. I am all for keeping tradition so we pulled up, shared a banana spilit and snapped away. Enjoy part one of Jess & Brian’s beautiful wedding day.

 
Gina is a Minneapolis based wedding and lifestyle photographer that loves bringing the LIFE out of people & capturing that energy on camera. Contact Me

Pinstripes & Perspective

June 24, 2010
See more posts in Lifestyle

While waiting for my bride to walk down the aisle a couple of weekends ago, I snapped this shot. It stirred up so many emotions inside, even viewing it now still captivates me. Not only does Grandpa look dapper in his pinstripes, he looks happy.

Happy to be here. Happy to be present. Happy to have lived through life and now watch a grandchild start a new chapter of his.

This image inspires me to really live my life and stay present in the smallest moments. Enjoy my days and be grateful for all that I have been blessed with. This image brings back so many memories of my dearest grandmother who shared her heart with us in every moment we spent with her. It pushes me to let the troubles of my day fall at the wayside, knowing there are far more important things ahead. Sometimes I forget how powerful imagery can be. This image is a perfect reminder.

 
Gina is a Minneapolis based wedding and lifestyle photographer that loves bringing the LIFE out of people & capturing that energy on camera. Contact Me

The Gina Zeidler Brand

June 21, 2010
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First and foremost, I cannot even tell you how excited I am to finally be able to share this new brand, site and blog with you.  It has been exactly 6 months since I experienced Making Things Happen in Watercolor, Florida as a part of the first class.  I knew it would be an inspirational weekend but I had no idea that I would walk away with such a sense of self that would spill over into my photography and business perspective. 

After many late nights and long conversations with my incredible designer, Aurora of Red Organic, I started to feel like my company was taking on a personality, my personality.  And there are no words to describe the freedom and joy that comes with getting to that place after having shed more blood, sweat and tears than I new my body held.

Dedication has taken on a whole new meaning.  In the last 6 months, I have quit my day job, altered my perspective on life, learned multiple things the hard way and yet have daily felt God’s presence in my struggles, triumphs and growth.  The worrying, self conscious Gina has been shown the door.  I am new.  I am me.  And me feels good.

Community has played a huge role in the steps I have taken as well.  At Watercolor, Jeff Holt made a statement that has stuck with me through this entire process.  He encouraged us to “live within our arc of creativity.”  That has made all the difference for me.  Many of you that are reading this have been my community over the past few months.  I cannot say thank you enough for believing in me as I make this transition.  Please know I could not have done it without you.

So, with an overflowing cup and a giddy heart, I give you the new brand, blog, site (thanks to the rockin’ team at Flosites) and me.  The me that promises to laugh with you, rejoice with you and share with you.  The me that is a full-time (and quite passionate) photographer. 

Love, Gina

P.S. I have included a few new sessions that I have been hiding away below this post for you to check out!

P.S.S. New Brand = New Facebook page.  Stay up to date here

 
Gina is a Minneapolis based wedding and lifestyle photographer that loves bringing the LIFE out of people & capturing that energy on camera. Contact Me

S + C | Newborns

June 20, 2010
See more posts in Lifestyle, My Heart

It was the tiniest thing I ever decided to put my whole life into – Terri Guillemets

Newborns make my heart smile and this boy and girl pair didn’t disappoint. Actually these Twin newborns equaled heart bursts.

 
Gina is a Minneapolis based wedding and lifestyle photographer that loves bringing the LIFE out of people & capturing that energy on camera. Contact Me

Piano Lessons | Thoughts

June 20, 2010
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I took piano lessons for about 8 years while I was in grade school. We had one of the best teachers around, one of those teachers that makes you cut your finger nails because you need to roll your fingers of those keys better, practice an hour each evening teachers. I must have practiced and played more than 500 songs throughout the years, back then I dreaded piano lessons.

Guess what? (Now Mother if you are reading this cover your eyes/ears) I don’t remember a one song that was given to me by my teacher. Now I still am very grateful for these lessons as I believe music pushes your brain in another space where it can flourish. But, I remember three songs. To this day I can sit down and play them note for note. Now I am warning you this is quite the collection. If anyone wants to come over and lay down some vocals just let me know. ha.

1. I’ll be right here waiting for you – Bryan Adams

2. My heart will go on – Celine Dion

3. Tarantella – Italian Folk Song

Why these 3 you ask? The Bryan Adams song was taught to me by my babysitter in 6th grade. No music, no direction, just listening. She focused in on me hearing the pattern of the music and I caught on. I was enamored that I could learn without sheet music, I was proud. I still love this song to this day.

My heart will go on was music I bought when my teacher told me I could pick any song to learn that I wanted to. I remember finding it in the store and bringing it home and trying to figure it out on my own, before my lesson that week. I was so happy to show my teacher that I had the first page of chords down already. Again I was taking pride in my lessons and learning.

Lastly, Tarantella was a piano piece that I took a liking to because we would listen to this song at my grandmas. It’s an Italian folk dance. Being that my grandma was born and raised in Italy, it was a fun song to share with her. Plus your hands are all over the keys, I thought I looked cool.

Lesson Learned. Short fingernails and 500 + songs later :: What you love, what you take pride in, what is meaningful, is what sticks with you & others.

So…Do it. Do what you love. Make your work meaningful. Take pride in your work. You can do this at this moment (no matter what job or situation you are in) find those little things and play your own song.

 
Gina is a Minneapolis based wedding and lifestyle photographer that loves bringing the LIFE out of people & capturing that energy on camera. Contact Me

New Brand Sneak | Business

June 11, 2010
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The new brand is in its final stages. Whoo Hoo! Today I visited the awesome Studio on Fire, to see my business cards on press. I love that my designer Aurora of Red Organic has invited me to my press checks, being the techy nerd I am it was so interesting to see how the final product is put together. Take a peek into the new brand to launch this month.

 
Gina is a Minneapolis based wedding and lifestyle photographer that loves bringing the LIFE out of people & capturing that energy on camera. Contact Me

I Had No Idea | Personal

June 9, 2010
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Hmmm. Three years ago, I had bright white blonde hair. Was stinking way too tan. Wore a big fluffy princess dress and married the love of my life. After going through old photos and journals tonight, I realized how much of a journey these last three years have been.

I had no idea…… at that time that my passion for photography would start the beginning of a business nearly a couple months later. I had no idea how much my style would change, develop, grow. Nearly three years later I look back like I got married in a different decade.

I had no idea…… and never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I could be running my own business full-time. That mearly three years later to the day, I would be leaving a great company that I had spent the last five years with. Entering a new chapter of my life. Leaving the familiar and jumping head first into living my dreams.

I had no idea…..the depth of Matt’s love for me. Through thick and thin Matt has supported me and been there for me lovingly. He constantly lends a hand in my daily activities and in these last three years of me pretty much working 2 full-time jobs/90hrs a week he is the reason I have made it through. I can’t wait to have more life balance to now be able to return the favor. To make meals. To get up in the morning with him.  To put him first.

I had no idea…… that God would be working in my heart, the last year especially, to be less worried about money, security, others perceptions, my self-image, about difficulties and about trying to control and plan everything. Life is messy. I now know that God can use any of my failures to glorify him, so I just need to keep reminding myself to look up and trust.

I had no idea…..how much of life is a choice. A choice to get up everyday and push through and make it great. You don’t just graduate, get a job, buy a house and sit there waiting for life to happen. You need to go out and live your life. Enjoy the little moments. Write down memories. Dance. Stop Doubting yourself and try something new. I am trying to embrace this daily. Being busy every moment of your days doesn’t make you successful or happy. I have learned this the hard way.

So in short….there is lots to celebrate today. I want to celebrate life and love those that are in it. Thank you all for being a part of mine. Happy Wednesday.

Also, on a small note. Member the tweet I sent out this last Sunday. I just wanted to show you proof so you can laugh with me.  See. Ace Bandages. Ha.

 
Gina is a Minneapolis based wedding and lifestyle photographer that loves bringing the LIFE out of people & capturing that energy on camera. Contact Me

S + A | Wedding

June 7, 2010
See more posts in Weddings

These two are quite the pair. Their ceremony was filled with tears, happy smiles, nicknames and love written all over their faces.  Ali’s nickname for Shanna is cheese. Seriously the cutest thing ever.  I don’t know why I wear make-up to weddings anymore because I am always a blubbering mess after ceremony time anyway.

I was honored to be a part of this adorable wedding. Shanna & Ali had a beautiful ceremony  & reception. I loved their color scheme and the way the floral by Just Bloomed really made the room  come to life.

* a couple amazing b&w from my go go gadget arms assistant Leah.

 
Gina is a Minneapolis based wedding and lifestyle photographer that loves bringing the LIFE out of people & capturing that energy on camera. Contact Me

Big News & Self Portrait | April & May

June 4, 2010
See more posts in Lifestyle, My Heart

Finally I get to share all the things that have been in the works the last couple of months! So where have I been? Here is the round up.

  • I have put in my notice at my full time job (April 29th). A big scary, yet exciting step, that couldn’t have happened with out so many people supporting me and believing in me even when I didn’t. Gina Zeidler is going to be a full time chasing the dream. My last day is June 9th, actually Matt and I’s 3 year anniversary. We definitely will have lots to celebrate next week.
  • I am rebranding with Red Organic (I have been since December) I can finally see the light at the end of tunnel. Things are at print and on press. Expect a new blog,website, and all new packaging and brand. Coming by the end of June!
  • I have been chosen as a top 20 finalist to shoot the V3 Cover of Southern Weddings magazine. I will be working hard to produce this shoot with some amazing vendors down in Texas this month. Read more and check out the other amazing proposals here :: http://ow.ly/1TMg2
  • I have a couple of amazing styling shoots in progress. These little ideas that have popped into my head, have turned into reality and its so exciting. One is actually finished and a couple more to go. I am so excited to share these with my new launch.
  • Did this exercise again today :: http://ow.ly/1IEkm Really exciting to see changes in my answers over the months. Best one? Being able to write down strengths at ease. I can’t tell you how hard this was for me before. I barely could write 2 or 3 things. Baby I’m coming into my own, and OMG I am even looking at the camera and smiling.

P.S. I am so proud and honored to be one of the many amazing people (many MTH’ers) to have followed their dreams and also left their desk jobs in the last couple of months. Check out these wonderful people and their amazing inspiration & story: Dana. Emily. Elizabeth. Sarah. Joy. Jessica. (if I forgot anyone please remind me and I will add you to the list) 🙂

***Note :: I took these photos the day after I gave my notice in April. I totally blanked on a May self portrait, except for when I was waiting for my bride to walk down the aisle on memorial day..I noticed I had smileys on my sandals. It made me giggle so I had to share.***

 
Gina is a Minneapolis based wedding and lifestyle photographer that loves bringing the LIFE out of people & capturing that energy on camera. Contact Me