Professional Photographers helping Photographers

AzPPA Member Mentors Student Intern

By Rochell Planty, CMP, CTA

AzPPA Member Monica Gardella of Gardella Photography had no idea that her MySpace site would lead to a student intern that has made an impact on her life.

Robin Dunlap a junior at Buena High School in Sierra Vista, Arizona googled local photographers last year and found Monica Gardella through her MySpace page which Monica had set up for High School Seniors. “Robin was a sophomore at that time and said she wanted to be a Photographer, wanted to learn and be an intern for me.  I was shocked!  Someone wanted to work with me and thought I was good enough to teach her, said Monica.”

From left, Monica Gardella, James Dunlap and Robin Dunlap Image © Dave Weingarten

Monica was so intrigued about the initiative this student expressed that she invited her to the studio to share her portfolio and at that point Monica was hooked. “I didn’t know I needed an intern until she showed up on my doorstep. She definitely had a great eye and her photos were much like mine. She was so professional, yet fun – again just like me! She played trombone – like me! We totally hit it off,” Monica shared.

Robin started out taking landscape photos for fun and started sharing those with her parents. “There was a natural eye there as we look back, shared Robin’s mom Andrea.”

This natural eye Andrea mentions might actually be something she has inherited from her grandfather James “Mickey” Dunlap who is a retired photographic craftsman from Newport Beach, California. Robin has been the only grandchild to show interest in the photography industry.

Robin’s schedule keeps her quite busy. She attends school from 6:30 am – 2:30 pm and then in the studio most days following school until 5:00 pm. Monica was amazed at how quickly Robin picked up on things. “She’ll watch me do something once, and then she’s off and running. She works with me on shoots, assists with posing, changing backgrounds, getting baby’s attention – you know all the glamorous stuff, ” Monica said.

Robin has set her goal on being a Wedding Photographer and has had the opportunity to be a second shooter for Monica.  “We’re coming up on her second year anniversary, and this year, I had her photograph all of our Senior Yearbook photos.  She was responsible for lighting, photographing, and editing.  It was PERFECT!  Also – she’s been the lead photographer on several High School Senior sessions – most notably our first ever Senior Model.  I loved how the photos turned out and most importantly, so did our Model,” expressed Monica.

Self starter is how Monica has referred to Robin. She jumps right in and teaches herself, especially when it comes to utilizing Photoshop.

Monica invited Robin to the Arizona Professional Photographers Association (AzPPA) State Convention last year when they had recently met. She wasn’t able to attend but when the convention came around again this year, Robin’s parents sat down with her and discussed the convention and if photography was her passion, this would be a good opportunity for her. “Robin has been raised not to miss school unless she was sick or it was a real need. Since the last day of the convention was on Monday this was a big decision for us,” Andrea shared.

Robin was so ecstatic about being able to attend that she called her grandfather to invite him to join her at the convention in Phoenix. Her family was committed to her being able to attend and for her grandfather to be able to share this moment with his granddaughter. Robin’s father flew to California to stay with his mother while “Mickey”, Robin’s grandfather, flew to Arizona for the convention and Robin’s mom traveled to Phoenix with Monica and Robin.

When it was mentioned how special this was for Robin to have her grandfather at the convention Mickey responded “this really meant a lot to me to be with my granddaughter!”

James “Mickey” Dunlap started his photography career in Glendale, California in his parent’s garage. His business expanded into a studio and he eventually took on a partner for twenty three years to create Dunlap-Turney Photography. They started out with two employees and grew to twenty five. He continued on his own for another twenty eight years after that. In 1982 they built a two story, 6,000 sq ft. studio. Mickey worked with West Coast School of Photography and served on the board of Winona School of Professional Photography before Professional Photographers of America (PPA) was formed in 1958.

Even though Mickey is now retired, he thought it was important and it meant a lot for him to attend the AzPPA Convention with his granddaughter and to share in her enthusiasm and desire to be a photographer.

Monica stated “I travel a lot with my husband on his business trips and he always makes sure we bring a gift home for Robin because – as he puts it – we wouldn’t be where we are today without her!  She is fantastic and I keep begging her not to move away after High School. Robin is the best intern I could have ever hoped for!”

With the dedication and commitment Robin has through her mentor Monica Gardella, her parents and Photographic Craftsman grandfather, she is bound for great success.

You never know where an inquiry might lead. Opportunities are out there to mentor someone,  and what you might gain personally from giving your time and sharing your knowledge is invaluable. If you are not in the situation where you are able to take on an intern, you might consider being involved with the AzPPA mentor program held each month during the monthly programs. There are opportunities out there that you may share with others as Monica Gardella has been able to do and has enriched her life as she never expected. To learn more about Gardella Photography visit  http://gardellaphotography.com