Meet GIna Whalen | Photographer and Homemaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with GIna Whalen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi GIna, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
That’s a good question! As a mom, sometimes I feel like I’m failing. We were hit with some pretty severe illnesses a few years back and it has really changed our whole world. As hard as it was/is, my children are thriving and healthy. They understand their bodies and what can impact them and harm them. So we really focus on that and I’m proud when they are able to tell me all that I have been trying to do with them the past few years.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started my photography career almost 10 years ago when I was pregnant with my first child. I was a special education teacher and my husband and I decided that I would stay home to be with my children. But I knew I still wanted to do something that I could call my own. I started out by shooting friend’s and family and eventually our own little bundles of joy. It was a lot of trial and error, a lot of trainings and just having my camera out all the time.
Eventually, I found my groove of what I love the most (sunset photos and lifestyle photos) and I really honed in on that. I have lived in 3 different states since starting my career and I think the consistency I have in my photos, being true to myself and just really being open about my life, has helped me gain many clients in each state.
I love each and everyone of my families I capture.
I capture those real life moments. Moms loving on their babies, dads being the silly superheroes, siblings being siblings…..Just life. I pride myself on the emotional stories I capture through my sessions and I love being able to hit send on a gallery and receive such positive feedback

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh! I love me some Nashville! But not what most people think of when they think of Nashville. We love to go to the not so tourist spots. I grew up coming here as a kid and I dreamed of living here one day. And here we are! For breakfast we would start at Nashville Jam for some yummy hot chicken and biscuit breakfast sammys. Then we would hit up Pins Mechanical for some Duck Pin Bowling and old school arcade games.
For lunch, we would hit up Big Machine Distillery Tavern for live music and their yummy brunch and cocktails.
If the weather is nice, hit up FGL House rooftop to listen to more live music and people watch, while sipping on a cocktail.
A fun indoor activity would be Ax throwing!
For dinner, we would go to Butcher and Bee for some great farm to table food, starting with THE BEST whipped feta there ever was. A night cap and either Atta Boy (a nice speak easy where they don’t have a drink menu and just make something based of your favorite flavors) or The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club. A great, hidden place in Nashville.

Outside of eating and music, there are many waterfalls, mountains and trails within driving distance. Give me nature and good food and music and you have yourself a perfect weekend in Nashville!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family! I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my husband and having my children with me. They are my world and I couldn’t do life without them:)

Website: www.ginawhalenphotogrpahy.com

Instagram: instagram.com/the.crunchy.home

Image Credits
All images taken by Gina Whalen Photography