Interview with a Photographer: Rosina Waszaj

 What are three unique things

about you as a person?
I can speak and write fluent Madarin, because I was born in Taiwan.

I hiked in the Italian Alps 4 years ago when I went visiting my Mom.
I had a long distance-relationship (New Jersey <--->SoCal) with my husband for 2 years when we were dating, and I ended up moving to New Jersey after we got married.

     
What is your favorite thing

about living in California?
Oh, the weather!! It's never humid in the summer even though it does get hot, and fairly mild in the winter time (think in the 60's). I get to wear my Rainbows all year round!

What is a typical California girl?

Are you one?
Well, this question is tricky, because there is Southern California and Northern California! I think most people think "LA" when referring to "California", so in that case, a typical California girl would be someone who likes to go to the beach, tanned, blonde, is into herself, and she must have a designer handbag. I am definitely not one! I like to go to the beach but I don't sit there and get tanned, I'm not blonde, I'm definitely not into myself and I have a bag I got from Old Navy for $7.

Did you go to school to study photography?
No, and I often wonder what would happen if I did. I did want to major in photojournalism at one point in life, but my Mom talked me out of it. She tried to imply that I wouldn't get a job with a photojournalism degree--so I majored in elementary ed instead.

When did you decide to go professional?
Well, photography to me has always been just a passion, and I never intended to start a business. With my passive personality, I knew I would make a horrible business owner, so I've always just wanted to do this for fun. However, the Lord has something else in mind--after doing my brother in law's wedding last August, God has been opening up doors after doors, providing opportunities, one after another.

I shot my first real wedding last October, two months after my first wedding (ever!). Then everything sort of just took off from there.

What has been something that helped you

in your decision to become a professional?

For the most part, it has been a lot of praying, talking and communicating with God. I remember very specifically praying about it and asking for God to show me "signs" if this was what He wanted me to pursue, because I understand how competitive the wedding photography industry is, and without any proper training, I felt so inadequate.

Then three Sundays in a row our pastor was talking about the story of Gideon, how he doubted God at first but God reassured him and told him that as long as he (Gideon) keeps focusing on God, He will take care of the rest of the battle for him. Three Sundays in a row, I received God's reassurance. He was telling me, "Keep your eyes focusing on Me, and I will take care the rest for you." That was when I decided it was ok to take a leap of faith. My world was never the same since.

What is your favorite thing to shoot?
Hmm..people, I think. I think people are so complex and intriguing at the same time. I like to capture real emotions and moods.

I love to shoot people!!

What kind of camera do you use?
I have a Canon 5D now, although I started with a Rebel Xti, then upgraded to a 40D. Now I have the 5D and I love it.

         What is your favorite lens?
My 50mm 1.4. It delivers the most amazing bokeh--and it's super fast!

Where do you find inspiration?
Hmm...it may sound comical, but I love looking through catalogs. My favorite is Anthropologie. I also like to look through Parents and Time magazines, go on different blogs and websites. Images inspire me.

Where would your dream destination wedding take place?
Oh wow. It's tough to pick only one place! Believe it or not, I would love to go to a historic city or town. I love old things--old buildings books, antiques. If I can photograph a wedding somewhere in the South--like on a beautiful plantation, I will be SO happy.

Name the first photographer that comes to your mind and why?
Oh, Sarah Rhodes!! I just love her artistic, journalistic style. She is absolutely amazing. She's from Seattle but she's gone just about everywhere. You HAVE to check her out.

How do your friends describe you

in 3 adjectives?
Warm, easy-going, kind.

Where is the most crazy place you have ever taken your camera?
Haha!! The dressing room of a clothing store--back then, I was still doing my 365 project, and I went shopping that day. :)

Here is Rosina’s blog link, facebook fan page, and flickr account.

Rosina’s second shooter is another one of my favorite photographers, Sarah of Image Bearer’s.

If you know anyone who is getting married soon

Rosina and Sarah are giving away an entire wedding shoot,

so please pass their link along. These girls are talented beyond belief.

It was love at first image for me!

I hope you will go say hi and learn a little bit from Rosina.

She won’t disappoint!

I hope you had fun reading about Rosina today.

Even if you aren’t gaga about photography it is always fun to read interviews, isn’t it?

Oh, and P to the S.

You are beautiful.

Pass it on.