Tina
Who is Tina?

I am a wife, a mother of two awesome kids, a lifelong student and a professional photographer.  I’ve been taking pictures since I was a kid but have studied photography “formally” since 1996.  Back in 2001, after having our son Zack, I decided to start my own business shooting weddings.  It was the best decision we could have made.  This adventure has been filled with some of the best people on earth and so much support and love.  Along with Igor, I am one of Studio Blue’s main shooters and I am the owner of Studio Blue Photography. 

Q & A
What is your favorite activity?

Spending time with my family and friends of course but besides that, visiting and exploring new places, shooting weddings, cooking with Igor, and going to the spa for a day.

What are you looking forward to in your future?

Living a happy and healthy life with all of the people I love around me.  Winning the powerball is something to look forward to too! 

What is your favorite restaurant?

Max Downtown is my favorite restaurant.  The ambiance, the food, the service, this place is the full package deal and holds a special place in Igor and my hearts.  We remember a day when we couldn’t even afford to buy groceries and we would drive by the Max restaurants saying “Someday we’ll go there!”  I’ll never forget when that someday came.

Favorite Drink?

Water actually.  Thank you Mom and Dad!  As far as alcoholic beverages; Long Island Iced tea or wine.

Favorite Food?

I love trying new things!  Some of my favorites are my Mom’s spaghetti sauce, pizza, sushi, Baba’s rice with fruit and my Nana’s mashed potatoes with cranberry sauce on top.

Little known facts about you?

I throw clay and cook pretty well.  I am what I like to call a fishetarian (a vegetarian but I do eat fish sometimes).

What is your birth date?

January 6

What do you like best about your job as a photographer?

I remember the first camera I got was a blue 110mm camera when I was around 6 or so.  I thought it was so awesome to be able to freeze a moment with one press of a button.  When I got to High School and they offered photography classes, I jumped on that opportunity to learn more and it is there that I learned the manual camera and developing.  I was hooked and took it for the next 3 years doing everything from photojournalism to video, portraiture and even Photoshop.  After high school, I went to college for art.

What do you like best about your job as a photographer?

Photography is so interesting in that because you are only capturing a split second, you have the ability to capture something but also create it.  It’s one art form that you have to be on your toes constantly in order to create what you intend to.  Waiting for that moment to happen and then being quick enough and attentive enough to grab it keeps this art form unique and interesting.

What is your favorite part of a wedding?

When the bride puts her veil on it is just an emotionally filled moment; it’s the moment that she realizes that she is a bride and is getting married on that very day.  It suddenly seems to hit everyone else in the room too and tears usually start to form.  The toasts are also one of my favorite parts because they are all so unique, touching and funny.  And finally, the reception as a whole.  The energy of a reception is second to none.  The stress levels subside and everyone is just so happy, relaxed and ready to party. 

What is your specialty?

Calming people down.  On a wedding day or even a portrait shoot, things can go wrong.  People start acting up and getting restless, things run late, etc…  People always tell me that I tend to bring a sense of calmness to them.  I also know a lot of little wedding day tricks that I love to share.

What are your photography goals?

To improve with every single picture I take.  To always learn something new.  To travel a lot and shoot afar.  I have yet to go to Europe so a wedding or shooting assignment in Europe would be an awesome goal to attain!

Goals in life?

To be happy and express love as much as I can and as often as I can.

How would you describe yourself and your personality?

Very calm, kind, simple and honest.

How would you describe your approach to photography?

Very loose and candid.  I love it when my subject(s) can just be themselves and that is what I shoot.  A candid approach tends to bring out the best in everyone and captures who they really are.

What is your favorite dessert?

Chocolate covered strawberries. Mmmm….

Give me a paragraph telling me about you in a nutshell.

I married my high school sweetheart Igor in January 2001 and we have two awesome kids; Zack who is 7 and Ella who is 3.  I love warm weather, the hotter the better, and love visiting new places and taking pictures of everything.  I love making things from clay and working with my hands in general.  The thing that makes me most happy is when the people around me are having a good time; laughing, talking, smiling and really enjoying themselves.  I have been known to mix some really delicious drinks and cocktails and my favorite foods to make are appetizers.  I am a big dreamer and an even bigger planner.  I love life and am so excited to see what the future brings!