Today we’d like to introduce you to Italia Grosso.
Hi Italia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I don’t really have the nostalgic story that most photographers do when they picked up a camera as a young child and magically fell in love with taking photos. I’ve always loved art, music, and dance and photography was an avenue for me to make a living while creating art which was really intriguing to me.
My original plan after high school was to move back to Hawai’i (my Dad is in the Army and we lived there for three years) go to school there and serve full time in a ministry on the Island. Those plans out of nowhere blew up and weren’t going to work so as I was in the middle of working at a coffee shop and thinking, “well, now what” I was scrolling through Instagram reminiscing about Hawai’i and I saw this incredible wedding someone photographed and I just heard God say, “You can do that.” so I said, “Um okay cool.”
I started out with a borrowed camera from my brother-in-law, learned all the basics on YouTube, and flew to Tennessee several times to second shoot and be mentored by my amazing Photographer friend Christina Sturgis. (Literally learned EVERYTHING I KNOW FROM HER SHES AMAZING) I started out with a lot of free and discounted shoots for every type of portrait photography, then realized I had a huge adoration for capturing couples and weddings. I thrive on getting to capture people in love and still can’t get enough of it.
After all of this, I still felt a huge pull toward mission work. An opportunity opened up for me to go to Kenya with a Dance school I was connected within, Hawai’i (Prisma Dance). They frequently visit schools in Nairobi to connect and collaborate with Annos Africa, a local arts program there that teaches classes in schools in the slums. They also have a connection with several other schools and programs for kids there. I jumped at the chance to join them and share the knowledge I had from being a Ballet teacher for three years in Hawai’i with the school there. I used the money from my first solo wedding to pay for my expenses and spent two weeks serving in Kenya. I know I will continue to be connected with them in the future so I can share my love for dance and art with the friends I have there. I haven’t been back (because of covid…) but I am hoping to be there soon!
As far as photography, I continue to fall in love with what I do with every session and wedding. I work my butt off for my clients and love every minute of it. I will get neck-deep in water, roll around in dirt, stand on some precariously stacked objects and whatever else it takes to get the shot I want my couples to have. I want my couples to be fully authentic to who they are in my photos. Stiff, formal photos are a no-go for me. I will one hundred percent cry during your ceremony as well as GET DOWN on the dance floor at your reception because I am beyond stoked to be a part of your day (and if my bride asks me to take a shot with her, the answer is yes). With my dad being from Argentina and my mom being the daughter of an actual bull rider, your girl can go from bachata to boot-scootin boogie instantaneously.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am a pretty introverted person, so getting myself out there has been tough, honestly. I had to really overcome the fear of meeting new people! As scary as it was before for me, I love it now. The connections I’ve made with the people I photograph are the best part of what I do.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I definitely am most passionate about couples! I love capturing love. Genuine reactions and facial expressions are my favorite thing about couples sessions. I feel like Hawai’i has really influenced my vibe, so even though I live in South Texas, my work has a very tropical feel to it. Also, I will literally travel anywhere you want me to go. Always ready to hop on a plane at any moment to capture your session or wedding.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love all the culture!! Houston has such a great mix and I adore it all. I don’t love driving in Houston, but that’s all of Texas, really…
Contact Info:
- Email: aolani.anuhea@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aolanianuhea/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aolaniphotography
Image Credits
Italia Grosso – A’olani Photography
