The Arizona Wedding Photojournalist & Designer
Intuitive-thinking, anticipatory in approach, & an eye for the
in-between
ARIZONA + TRAVELING WORLDWIDE
Kind words I cherish: "From the very beginning, she took such great care to listen to us, understand our vision, and make sure we felt at ease every step of the way. We wanted a hands-off, documentary/editorial approach, and she blended everything into the perfect mix of exactly what we hoped for. On the big day, having such wonderful rapport with her made the experience all the more special. She is everything you could hope for in a photographer — talented, genuine, and a true joy to have by your side. Choosing Gillian will be the best and easiest decision you make."
ARIZONA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Originally from Fresno California (don't hold that against me), I moved to Phoenix in 2016. This is gonna sound cheesy so prepare yourself, but, travel fuels my creativity (told you), and I work really hard to bring those new experiences to every wedding I shoot. That said, I’m proud to call Phoenix home for now, working as an Arizona wedding photojournalist capturing unscripted stories full time. Because to me, true stories make the best art.
Weekdays are spent curating wedding galleries, weekends chasing inspiration... sometimes in coffee shops, sometimes on a plane, mostly taking sunset drives to the nearest country dancing bar. Unwind sessions usually look like an escape to the In-N-Out drive-thru or a night in, curating Spotify playlists for the most niche of scenarios.
EDITORAL + DOCUMENTARY STYLE
Whether shooting a newly engaged couple, or a brand project, my mission is the same: Prioritize what matters most to you, and document your unique story in the way that makes you feel most confident and seen.
I've been consulting and strategically building out brand identities since 2016, and photographing people and places since 2015. Years of studying different styles, environments, and being forced to truly understand my equipment, light, and shadow gives me the confidence to shoot any subject and crazy idea we come up with! I blend my background in photojournalism with an editorial wedding photography style for timeless results in every project.
BEFORE TODAY, I WORKED AS...
Client Success Manager | Divine Persuasion Studio
2023 - 2024
Brand Coordinator | Kitchen Sink Creative
2021 - 2023
Freelance Marketing Photographer | GCE Marketing
2020 - 2022
Freelance Designer/Consultant | Various Clients
2016 - Present
Creative Photographer | GCE Marketing
2017 - 2020
Marketing Branding Director | ASGCU
2018 - 2019
Manifesto:
1. Look For The Light
2. Do Good. Be Good.
3. Present Over Perfection
MY CREATIVE APPROACH
MORE THAN PRETTY PICTURES.
Gillian Rea Photo & Design was created for a carefree and eclectic couple who wants more than "one thing" from their wedding collection.
You're more than a one-dimensional human being, so I believe your photo experience and final gallery should reflect that!
Our collaboration, sharing mood boards, inspiration photos, and finding a shared language to describe what you like is what makes your photos feel like they have your own fingerprint on them!
I'M INTERESTED IN THE PEOPLE GETTING MARRIED.
WHAT MAKES ME DIFFERENT
HONEST. UNFUSSY. PREPARED FOR SPONTANEITY.
Hot take, but I'm only as creatively flexible and successful as my clients are emotionally open and trusting to me. That's why I genuinely invest in each couple so uniquely.
Trust is a game changer: The goal being that we connect organically, and you two feel confident that your wedding vision is in the best hands.
You’re about to start planning the biggest party you’ll ever throw. Let's start by exploring 35mm film, and digital editing styles while we sip some coffee in person, or over the phone.
SO YOU CAN REMEMBER WHAT IT FELT LIKE.
ABOUT YOU
YOU'RE STILL HERE, WHICH COULD ONLY MEAN ONE THING: YOU SAW SOMETHING DIFFERENT.
You saw stories that you connected with. Honest photos that made you feel something…and while you’ve seen other photographers' work, this time you felt something authentic, something that speaks to you.
You think having a "non-wedding, wedding photographer" shoot your wedding is pretty dang awesome, and if every guest at your wedding thought you were friends with your photographer, that would be even awesome-er. Because you’ll be relaxed in front of the camera knowing that everything is being captured. Not just how pretty the flowers are, but the unseen and rare moments, like when you saw your dad cry for the first time in years.
You care about having timeless, artistic images that capture your day…and if it rains..it rains…and if the electricity goes out then you’ll build a fire and light some candles.
I don't want you to book with me because I'm local or offer the best package. I simply want you to have the best experience ever, and I offer it.
LOVE NOTES
"EXCEPTIONAL TALENT & A PURE JOY TO WORK WITH"
Gillian is an amazing photographer who knows how to capture your special day. Her professionalism and ability to gel with all personalities adds to the joy of the day. She balances her perspectives throughout the event capturing the big moments and the candid moments.
I have been a professional photographer since 2005 and hiring someone I could trust with my vision was a big decision and I could not have chosen a better person. Absolutely loved the finished product! She's the best!
Kori J. | Married on 06/06/2020