Meet Gloria Posada | Portrait Photographer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Gloria Posada and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Gloria, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I want my legacy to be the memories I helped families preserve—the laughter, the milestones, the little details, and the quiet love woven between moments. I hope to be remembered as someone who captured the heart of each family’s story with care, patience, and an eye for timeless beauty. More than anything, I want to be known for creating a space where families felt seen, celebrated, and deeply cherished—because in the end, portraits are the only thing that remain once we are gone.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Gloria Posada Photography is more than just a portrait studio—it’s a space where love, connection, and legacy come to life. I specialize in maternity, newborn, cake smash, milestone, and family photography, with a focus on capturing the tender, fleeting moments that often go unnoticed. Every session is deeply personalized because no two families are the same—and neither are their stories.
What sets my business apart is the experience I offer. From the first message to the final gallery, I guide my clients with warmth, care, and attention to every little detail. My goal is to make families feel seen, celebrated, and at ease. I don’t just take photos—I create a comfortable, joyful environment where genuine emotions unfold naturally. I’m inspired by the little personalities of children, the quiet strength of mothers, and the tender bonds that make each family unique. I bring discipline, a mother’s intuition, and an artist’s eye to every session.
Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. Like many small business owners and prior military lifestyles, I started with limited resources, a lot of passion, and a dream that felt bigger than me. There were times I questioned whether I could keep going—especially as I balanced motherhood, military life, and running a business. But every challenge became a lesson. I learned to trust my creative voice, lean into my family, and stay focused on serving with heart and excellence. I embraced the uncomfortable parts of growth—learning about marketing, refining my client experience, investing in education—because I knew what I was building mattered.
One of my proudest accomplishments has been witnessing families return year after year, allowing me to grow alongside them. Watching their little ones go from newborns to toddlers and beyond—and knowing I’ve played a small part in preserving their story—means the world to me. Being trusted to capture a baby’s first days or a child’s first steps is an incredible honor, and one I never take lightly. It’s a privilege to create memories that become part of a family’s legacy.
What I want the world to know about my brand is this: it’s not just about pretty photos. It’s about preserving emotion, creating a legacy, and reminding people that their moments matter. When you book with me, you’re not just hiring a photographer—you’re partnering with someone who sees the beauty in your story and is committed to honoring it with care and creativity.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting the Phoenix area for a week, I’d make sure she got the perfect mix of Arizona’s beauty, creativity, and local flavor. From sunrise desert views to the best tacos in town, here’s what our week would look like:
Day 1 – Welcome to the Desert
We’d kick things off with a sunset hike at Papago Park or a stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden—the perfect way to introduce Arizona’s iconic desert landscape. Afterward, we’d head to Flower Child for a mother earth bowl, and end the night with drinks under the stars at The Outrider Rooftop Lounge in Scottsdale.
Day 2 – Culture & Coffee
We’d start the morning at Hash Kitchen for great coffee and people-watching, then head to Roosevelt Row Arts District in Downtown Phoenix to explore local murals, art galleries, and shops. Lunch at Pizzeria Bianco is a must. In the evening, we’d catch the sunset at South Mountain Park.
Day 3 – Old Town Scottsdale Charm
We’d spend the day walking through Old Town Scottsdale—popping into boutiques, galleries, and tasting rooms. Dinner would be at The Mission (the pork shoulder is unreal!), followed by gelato from Cool Gelato Italiano and maybe a fun photo session under the string lights or by the LOVE sculpture.
Day 4 – Adventure Day
We’d take a day trip to Sedona—just a couple hours north. We’d do a scenic hike like Cathedral Rock, enjoy a spa treatment or vortex tour, and finish with dinner at The Hudson overlooking red rock views. The drive alone is worth it!
Day 5 – Chill & Local Vibes
After a busy week, we’d slow things down. Brunch at Hash Kitchen (can you tell I love this place), followed by some thrifting at Merchant Square in Chandler or a visit to Agritopia in Gilbert—a charming urban farm with shops, food, and even wine tasting. We’d end the day at Joe’s Farm Grill with a milkshake and farm-fresh dinner under the lights.
Day 6 – Family Fun
If kids are with us, we’d visit The Phoenix Zoo, Arizona Science Center, or Butterfly Wonderland. For lunch, I’d recommend O.H.S.O. Brewery, which is dog- and kid-friendly with a great vibe. Later, we’d relax with a stroll at Tempe Town Lake or rent paddle-boards and enjoy the water.
Day 7 – Spa & Goodbye
Before they leave, we’d spend the morning at Civana Wellness Resort or Joya Spa at the Omni for a little self-care. A final meal at Olive & Ivy on the Scottsdale Waterfront would be the perfect sendoff—with a cocktail, of course!
Arizona has such a special mix of natural beauty, family-friendly fun, and vibrant local culture. It’s a place where you can hike a mountain in the morning and enjoy a rooftop dinner at night. I’d want my best friend to leave feeling the magic and warmth that makes this place home to me.
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?
Absolutely—my journey has been anything but solo. There have been so many incredible people whose love, support, and belief in me have carried me through every stage of my personal and professional life. If I had to dedicate my shoutout, it would undoubtedly go to my amazing children, especially my oldest daughter. They are my reason, my motivation, and my greatest joy. Their unconditional love and encouragement—even in the moments I doubted myself—have been the foundation for everything I’ve built. Every late night, every creative push, every accomplishment—I do it for them. They are my “why.”
My grandparents also played a pivotal role in shaping who I am. They instilled in me the value of hard work, integrity, and resilience. They led by example, and those lessons are deeply woven into the fabric of my business. Their legacy reminds me that work done with heart and purpose will always leave a mark.
My mom has been my quiet strength—supporting me from afar but never out of reach emotionally. She’s the one cheering me on in the background, always reminding me to keep going, to keep dreaming bigger, and to believe in myself when the road feels uncertain. Her voice is one I carry with me every step of the way.
Of course, I can’t talk about my journey without recognizing my loyal clients. I’m incredibly fortunate to work with families who return year after year, allowing me to grow alongside their lives and milestones. Their trust and loyalty mean the world to me. They’re not just clients—they’ve become part of the story I’m telling with my work. Their faith in my vision has shaped my studio into a space full of joy, love, and connection. It’s because of them that I get to do what I love every day—preserving memories that will last a lifetime.
And lastly, I have deep gratitude for the creative community and mentors I’ve encountered along the way. Whether through workshops, online forums, or real-life friendships, I’ve been blessed with people who were willing to share their knowledge, experiences, and inspiration. Their generosity has fueled my growth and given me the courage to pour into others as well. I believe we rise by lifting others, and I’m committed to paying that forward every chance I get.
At the end of the day, it’s the people behind the scenes—the ones who believe in you before you fully believe in yourself—who help shape your story. I carry them with me in every session, every photograph, and every frame.
Website: https://www.gloriaposadaphotography.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloriaposadaphotography/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gloriaposadaphotography
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
