“WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY IN MALTA” Interview with Lea Hogg

Gino Galea

Gino Galea ARPS AMPA LBIPP AMPS AMIPP Dip.PP ASWPP Master Photographer Gino Galea is an accomplished professional photographer who made his first steps in photography through his passion for aviation. A qualified draughtsman, he combined his artistic flair to his geometric training to establish himself as one of the leading photographers in Malta. He had served as the official photographer of the national airline Air Malta plc and its group of companies for more than thirty years (1979-2013). He was a regular contributor of images to the airline’s publications, fairs, portal and other promotional material. Additionally, he also provided the Malta Tourism Authority with photographic material to promote the island’s publicity. Gino Galea classifies as a ‘photo-artist’ which explains his highly creative approach to photography. His accolades, awards, and qualifications are many and have seen him make the news for his skills regularly. Reportedly taking his inspiration from the beauty of the Maltese Islands, he takes a new and passionate perspective on all his photographic endeavors but one that he also applies lovingly to wedding photography. His unobtrusive style ensures he catches moments of real emotion between a bride and groom, their friends and families. His state of the art equipment makes a sturdy vessel through which he can create his cherished masterpieces. Gino Galea can boast of a unique and prestigious collection of international celebrities and high profile personalities that includes royals, sportsmen, pop-stars, exclusive backstage coverages, etc. that were captured by his lens across the span of over three decades. Many of his photos appeared in world-renowned magazines viz. Time and National Geographic and there is a reasonably high demand for his works by local newspapers for their cover pages. Similarly, his expertise is much sought after by producers of programs of leading local TV and radio stations – over the past twenty-five years he was regularly active on various programmes including phone-ins giving his professional advice to enquiring tele-viewers and listeners. He oversees the running of the photo studio at Mosta (which is jointly administered and run by his daughter Alison Kind and his son Clifford Galea Valletta) and ensures that the output is of a high standard and to the entire satisfaction of the customer. This website has always been a dream-come-true for Gino dating back to the early days of the introduction of online communication. In a nutshell, Gino Galea’s passion for photography has been his profession since 1980! Achievements and Credits: 1979 – Qualified as an Architect Assistant & Draughtsman in Civil Engineering at the New University of Malta 1979 – Joined the National Airline, Air Malta Plc – assigned to the Advertising & PR section, main focus assisting on official photographic coverages. 1983-1985 – Completed an intensive course at the School of Arts namely in Art & Design. 1989 – Joined the Malta Photographic Society (MPS). 1991 – Licentiate from the Royal Photographic Society (LRPS). 1992 – Associateship from the Royal Photographic Society (ARPS). 1992 & 1994 – Won the Mazda Photo Contest International Award. 1996 – First photographer from Malta to be online with a photo gallery. 1996 – Recognition as a Master Photographer through Associateship with the Master Photographers Association (AMPA). 1996 – Licentiate from the British Institute of Professional Photography (LBIPP). 2000 – First ever distinction granted by the local institute, through the Associateship with the Malta Institute for Professional Photography (AMIPP) of which he is a founder-member. 2000 – Distinction through Associateship with the Malta Photographic Society (AMPS). 2000 – Diploma in Photographic Practice (Dip. PP) sponsored by the Masters Photographers Association (UK). 2001 – Received ‘Mario Acerboni Wedding Portfolio of the Year’ award sponsored by BIPP. 2001 – ‘Master Photographer of the Year Awards’ held at Coventry, UK. Winning photo in the Press & PR Photography -Overseas Category. 2003 – Set-up of commercial studio branded ‘Gino Galea Photo Artist’. 2005 – Associateship with the Society of Wedding Professional Photographers (ASWPP). 2011 – Entrusted as the official photographer of the ‘Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta’. 2011 – Assigned by European Commission for the coverage of events in Malta. 2014– Gold Award in ‘Travel Category’ – Society of Wedding Professional Photographers of the UK. Entrusted various exclusive assignments commissioned by the British High Commission in Malta to cover the official visits of dignitaries that included H.M. Queen Elizabeth II, HRH Princess Anne, Prime Minister Tony Blair and footballer David Beckham. Staging of solo exhibitions both locally and abroad: namely in Casablanca, Istanbul, Catania, Athens, Ragusa and Brussels. #malta#wedding#photographers#photo#studio#passport#photos#visa#id#mosta#ginogaleaweddings#weddingphotographymalta#photosessions#graduations#destination#serataron#tvm#fair#transportmalta#materdei#gallery#malta#gino#galea#alisonkind#photorestoration#foto#canvas#frames#