"My mission is to empower women to share their brand story with exceptional photography showcasing their passion and true essence."
ABOUT GINA
Gina Cinardo is an enthusiastic photographer specializing in personal branding, lifestyle, and editorial photography.
Her focus has always been portraiture. With a degree in photography and over 30 years of experience working as a freelance photographer, designer, and digital marketer, she knows the importance of making a great first impression.
Gina's effervescent spirit makes people very comfortable. Her clients always tell her they have so much fun during their photography session.
What she is most passionate about is capturing a person's authentic essence. One's true spirit shines through in her images allowing the viewer to see the genuine person.
GINA'S STORY
My artistic inspiration comes from my mother, Jinny Cinardo, an artist, and my father, Nick Cinardo, a photographer. My fondest memories growing up consisted of playing dress-up and modeling for a family photoshoot. Dad took photos to provide a reference for my Mom’s paintings. During our photoshoots, everyone, including my brother, would dress up.
Growing up in Los Angeles was especially enjoyable because my dad had great connections, allowing us to use the wardrobe department at NBC.
In my pre-teen “modeling career,” I was a barmaid, cowgirl, clown, and southern belle.
“Being photographed by my father in a ball gown we rented from NBC is one of my fondest memories from my childhood.”
When my parents “split up” in the early ’80s, my mother moved my brother and me to Arizona. From that point on, family bonding with Dad was over.
After I graduated from college, I was working as a prepress artist. One of their clients commissioned me to photograph a men’s aftershave called Quarterdek.
My dad was so proud and excited to help me conceptualize this project. At the time, I lived in Phoenix, and he was in the LA area. We would talk back and forth for a couple of months to discuss how I would photograph it.
It’s the day before the photo shoot. I had rented all the necessary equipment, set up the studio, and was fully prepared to begin. Even though my dad was on a camping trip, we spoke to ensure all final tests were good. I told him, “I’ll talk to you on Monday.” That evening, he tragically died in a car accident returning from his trip.
I was in utter shock, yet the next day, under a cloud of tears, I still managed to photograph the project. It was a total disaster.
In an instant, my life changed direction. I lost the one person who provided the support I needed to advance my career. At least, that is what I thought.
All I ever wanted to be was a commercial photographer. It took me a long time to realize that I already had the support I needed. I love what I do. Working on projects to create captivating editorials brings me back to collaborating with my dad- I know he is always with me.
Thank you,
Gina Cinardo
