Meet Georgianne Ward | Photographer, Marketing Specialist, and Graphic Designer

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

Hi Georgianne, why did you pursue a creative career?
When I was younger I always dreamed of being a Police Officer. After many years of looking up to Police Officers, and doing research on them, I realized that I would always appreciate the work that they do to help protect so many people in the world. It was not until someone very close to me handed me a camera, and I immediately fell in love. I would always find myself taking pictures, no matter what it was. My friends and family would often tell me “you can live in the moment, you don’t need to always be taking pictures” but that’s when I realized what impact having all those pictures can have on someone. Constantly taking pictures helps in preserving memories. Photos capture moments in time, allowing individuals to relive those moments later on. Choosing a career as a photographer was not something that I thought would be as hard of a decision as it was. Photography is a competitive industry. With the rapid increase of digital cameras and smartphones, many people consider themselves armature photographers. Standing out and building a successful career can be difficult amidst such competition. Success in photography isn’t solely about taking great photos; it also involves running a business. Marketing, networking, client management, pricing, and other entrepreneurial skills are crucial for sustaining a photography career. Photography allows individuals to tell stories, evoke emotions, and capture moments through images. For a long time, I often found myself struggling to feel comfortable being in front of a camera. I always found myself feeling unconfident in myself, which was one of my main reasons for wanting to be a photographer. Everyone deserves to feel confident, and beautiful/handsome when in front of a camera, so that is my main goal. Having sessions where everyone feels comfortable, with a laid back environment.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I come from a family with many different artistic talents, mine is photography. To me, its not just taking pictures, its capturing moments and feelings. While I love taking staged photos, its the spontaneous shots where my talent lies. It is the moments when you don’t thing thing I am watching, the real human emotions and expressions. I believe that is what sets me apart from other, those hidden photos that were not intentional. There are so many things that I feel to be excited for and most proud about, but mainly I am most excited to graduate college, as the first member of my family to get a 4 year bachelors degree right out of high school. I also just recently launched my own website, that was fully created by me. Becoming a photographer was not easy, and it was not something I ever thought I would be successful at. Having my own company that is mine makes me feel so many emotions, because I did it, with little to no help. It is something I have always dreamed of, and I knowing I can finally say I did it, makes me more proud than anything!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a college kid who lives and has lived away from home for the past 4 years, I would start by showing them around my college town. Day 1:
Morning: Stroll around Tiffin University’s campus, appreciating its architecture, green spaces, and notable buildings like the Gillmor Student Center and Pfeiffer Library.
Lunch: Head to Jolly’s Drive-In, a local favorite known for its classic American diner-style food and nostalgic ambiance.
Afternoon: Explore the Heminger Center, which houses athletic facilities; visitors can catch a game or enjoy the sports environment.
Dinner: Experience fine dining at The Pioneer Mill, a historic restaurant offering upscale American cuisine in a charming setting.
Day 2:
Morning: Start the day with a visit to the Tiffin University Nature Preserve, a serene area perfect for nature walks and birdwatching.
Lunch: Grab a bite at Reino’s Pizza & Pasta, which serves delicious Italian fare and is conveniently located near the university.
Afternoon: Take a short drive to Seneca Caverns, a natural wonder offering guided tours through stunning underground passageways and unique rock formations.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Clover Club, known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu options.
Day 3:
Morning: Travel to Columbus and start the day with a hearty breakfast at Northstar Café in the Short North Arts District.
Afternoon: Explore the vibrant and artistic Short North Arts District, known for its galleries, boutiques, and diverse culinary scene.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at Goody Boy, offering many different options for everyone.
Day 4:
Morning: Visit the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, showcasing stunning plant collections and captivating exhibitions.
Lunch: Head to German Village for a meal at Schmidt’s Restaurant und Sausage Haus, a local favorite famous for its authentic German cuisine.
Afternoon: Explore the cobblestone streets and charming brick houses in German Village, offering unique shops, cafes, and a glimpse into Columbus’ history.
Evening: Attend a concert or event at the Nationwide Arena or explore the Arena District for nightlife and entertainment.
Day 5:
Morning: Discover the Ohio Statehouse and take a guided tour to learn about the state’s history and architecture.
Lunch: Indulge in a diverse array of food options at North Market, a bustling indoor market featuring various cuisines and local specialties.
Afternoon: Stroll through the Scioto Mile and enjoy the riverfront park, art installations, and beautiful views of downtown Columbus.
Evening: Have dinner at Marcella’s, an Italian kitchen known for its lively atmosphere and delicious pasta dishes.
Day 6:
Morning: Venture to the Columbus Museum of Art to explore a diverse collection of art, including European and American paintings and contemporary works.
Lunch: Taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Huong Vietnamese Restaurant for a flavorful dining experience.
Afternoon: Spend time at the Ohio History Center, delving into Ohio’s past through interactive exhibits and artifacts.
Evening: Wrap up the day with dinner at The Top Steakhouse, an iconic spot for classic steak dinners and a retro ambiance.
Day 7:
Morning: Conclude the trip with a relaxing brunch at Katalina’s, known for its famous pancake balls and unique breakfast offerings, before bidding farewell.

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?
When I think about all the people/organizations that have helped me get to where I am today, I can’t pick just one. My love for photography started by always being the one in my family to take pictures of my siblings for events such as proms, homecomings, graduations. But what really kicked off my love for photography was Dysheen Davis, owner of 3DM Photography. I met Dysheen at a very young age, and was always watching every move he would make when taking pictures. Eventually I worked up the courage to ask him if I could use his camera, and that’s the moment I knew I would love taking pictures and could see myself doing it for the rest of my life. I am currently attending Tiffin University and I am about to enter my last semester as a Digital Media and Design major. Every major at TU is required to complete an internship, and I got the honor to mentor Dysheen in graphic design during my internship. So not only have I learned so much from him when it comes to photography, but also graphic design. I would not be half the photographer/graphic designer without his constant support and encouragement.

Website: https://prettymomentsphotography.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: pretty.moments.photography

Image Credits
Portrait Headshot – John Kleinoeder (Instructor of Digital Media and Design at Tiffin University)