Meet Gabrielle Ward of Sunflower Photography in Waddell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Ward.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story started almost 12 years ago. I can remember when and where… I was standing in my high school dark room watching the water circle round developing the images I made with a makeshift shoe box. I thought to myself how awesome it was I could capture a moment in time with just the sunlight. My interest was there. I was hooked. Through the years, I always took photos. Documented everything and took whatever camera I had at the time everywhere I went. It wasn’t until a few years later that my photography took a deeper meaning. My father passed away my freshman year of college, I was 19 he was 49. I remember standing in the living room sorting through a lifetime of images thinking to myself, “Where are all the photos of dad?” There were many photos of him as a kid, teenager and young adult life with us, his kids. But I noticed there was a major cap in time not documented or captured from young childhood until now. My heart broke even more. The regret sunk in and the thoughts of all the missed moments came to surface. I promised myself I wouldn’t make that same mistake. A few very busy, documented and lived years go by when one late afternoon my oldest daughter looked at me, smiled and said, “Mom, you could totally become a photographer!” We just spend the last hour out with our horses, of course taking pictures the whole time. I smiled at her and told her that was the best idea I have heard all day. That next night, I talked to my husband about this journey, which was way different than what I had planned. And of course… he knew it was for me.

Fast forward until now… I now have three beautiful children, an amazing husband and a small, quaint little farm we call home. I have an associates degree in digital photography and have been successfully running my own photography business for almost five years now. I have photographed everything from weddings to real estate. I have become very fond of lifestyle portraiture. I have dug deep within that genera and absolutely love photographing my children. Life and death have shaped my photography and have guided me to capture more meaningful deeper images. Photography is not just something I do… it is greatly a part of who I am. Forever and always.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has definitely not been easy. Raising babies, late night school assignments and running a business has sure taken its toll at times. Life isn’t easy but having my husband and family by my side made all those tough moments worth it.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a homeschooling photographer mom who currently specializes in children and family portraiture. I am most known for or complimented often with how versatile my photography skills are. I absolutely love shooting in outdoor natural light but also can’t resist the beautiful studio glow as well. As a creative, I am most proud of the genuine work I do. Capturing memories and moments in everyday life that would otherwise be forgotten.. and having others take notice in them too.

How do you define success?
Success to me is very personal. It is not to be defined by your neighbor, friends or family. I wear a lot of hats… wife, mother, daughter, business owner, photographer, 4H leader and the list goes on. Whatever I do, I strive to do it well. If at the end of the day, my kids and family know they are loved and I lay my head down at night with a peaceful heart, that is a success.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 6239863677
• Instagram: @sunflowerphotographyaz
• Facebook: @sunflowerimagesaz

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