Hi, I’m Gia. From a young age, I wanted to be a graphic designer. As an only child, I liked spending my spare time drawing and doodling; it was my way to express emotions and thoughts when my mom was away in a different country.
One Fall’s day, I wanted to see the leaves changing colors in Vermont. I researched the best dates, rented my first DSLR camera, bought the plane ticket, and flew myself to Vermont on a whim. However, the weather was gloomy the whole time. The day I supposed to fly back, I missed my flight. The next one wouldn't arrive until the following day. As frustrated as I was, I was surprised to see that the sun had finally come out; it was the sunniest day. Inevitably I took lots of beautiful photos with my camera and at night, I decided to go to the mountain for the stars.
Who could be so lucky? Who comes to the mountain for the starry night and captures foliage and the milky way at the same time. To say I was ecstatic would be an understatement. Little did I know, my passion for Photography had sprouted since that night.
At 26, I did my first beach boudoir session. I just out of a long-term relationship and was about to start school. I couldn’t pinpoint what exactly motivated me to do it. I guess you can say I just wanted to preserve my prime. ;)
Fast forward to today, my interpretation of the word "prime" has changed: it's not just about the look or a number, but more of a mindset. Those photos set a reminder of my past self: living a life that lacks stability, fearing the unknown but still courageous enough to experience something that empower myself.
Since I don’t need to rent a camera anymore. My love for Astrophotography is going to carry on. People may have variety of reasons to have a self-portrait session. At Ninth Atelier Photography, you don’t need a reason.
You are the reason.
FROM STARS TO YOU
MY APPROACH
I’m there to be a friend as you are your truest selves, and to take the photos that feel like you did.
The best photos aren’t forced. So I secretly love candid. Don’t worry, I will still give prompts and provide direction so you feel comfortable. You get to be you, only just you. So you get all the photos you want, plus the ones you didn’t know you needed.
MY MANTRA
Atelier, it’s a french word meaning “workshop”. In the Bible, number 9 symbolizes divine completeness - fulfillment of one cycle so one can initiate the next one. I’d like to interpret as “Always have the courage for new beginnings”. Isn’t what life is about?
I believe in having fun. In putting yourself first sometimes. The initial idea of making this happening is to empower, uplift and celebrate women by capturing them in the most flattering way possible, regardless of age, shape, size or skin colors.
Through a powerful blend of composition, lighting and timing, my goal as the photographer is to discover your uniqueness through my lens, and translating it into something tangible. At my Atelier, you are the art.
Start romanticizing your life. Fill your cup first. More importantly, do it for you.
