Meet Shelley Gerodias | Owner & Photographer Blushing Lens

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

Hi Shelley, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Definitely my people skills and ability to network. I’m always meeting new people and making connections. I never let an opportunity for good conversation pass me by, You never no who you are going to meet. I pride myself on being a genuine “listener,” I always try to truly listen to people, and not just “hear” them. I love leaving a photo session or meeting leaving someone feeling better than before we met.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Working with a lot of younger adults and youth in the business I’ve learned that many of them are just getting comfortable “letting go” in front of the camera. I found away to help that process along during our shoots. I feel I have a great ability to disarm and uplift people, that’s kind of my super power. This has been a huge resource in my photography as you want your subject to feel completely comfortable and let their true self shine through in front of your lens. I think that may set me apart from others. It’s always fun to leave a shoot feeling like it was more of a party than work, most of my shoots involve music, laughs, and a lot of stepping outside comfort zones.

I’m most excited to work with models who truly love what they do and are not afraid to take risks. That’s where the magic happens! Sure, doing agency headshots etc. is a necessary tool in the business… but really excites me is fashion and editorial. Epic styling, posing and facials is what my ideal shoot would be. I’m always game to try something unorthodox and unusual to take a break from the mundane.

Lessons learned along the way, and a quote I live by “fortune favors the bold.” I share this with my own children and all the young people I work with… I even have it tattooed on my forearm.

What I want people to know about my brand/work is in the end we’ll create some beautiful imagery and have fun doing it!

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.
Well, it’s Arizona… so of course we’d hit Sedona, or even take a short drive out to the Salt River to take in the wild horses. Hiking Camelback or Flatiron if you love the outdoors and stunning views. For fun city experience Roosevelt Row is a great place to walk around to enjoy the vibrant murals and city vibe.

I’m married to a total foodie so he’s our go-to for all the eats! We love Hidden House in downtown Gilbert. Steak 44 in Phoenix is amazing if you’re looking for a more upscale environment. For a low key evening night cap with unique hand crafted cocktails, a great spot is The White Rabbit speakeasy also in DT Gilbert. Super cool ambiance and the bartenders are truly artist.

If they’re lucky enough to visit during Tempe Fashion Week that is a “must” attend event! @tempefashionweek They’ve created such an incredible visionary runway show highlighting rising designers, models, and creatives from all walks of the fashion industry. There is just so much to do in Arizona, our state really offers something for everyone.

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?
I would absolutely like to give a shoutout to my two beautiful muses, my daughters London Harlow @lolo.Harlow and Monroe @Monroe.roeroe Without these talented ladies pursuing their dreams of modeling I’m not sure I would have found my niche and picked back up my camera after a long hiatus. They inspire me to create and are such a force in my love for photography.

I would also love to recognize my best friend and very talented MUA/photographer Carolina Takahashi @carotakahasimua

She always pushes me to improve, and is the best source of honest feedback in all aspects of the business.

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/blushinglensphoto

Facebook: Blushing Lens Photography

Image Credits
Images 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Makeup Artist: Carolina Takahashi @carotakahasimua Models: #1: Erwann @erwannlazarus #2 & #3: London @lolo.Harlow #4: Gia @giannachavez_ #5: Ayah @ayah.danae #6 Regan @reganwinchester #7 Victoria @victorialongfellow #8 Mya @mya_jai #9 Monroe @monroe.roeroe