Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabella.
Hi Gabella, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I remember when I was little my mom would always give me an empty disposable camera to play with. It wasn’t until I was about 11 years old I took my first photo. Ever.
On a trip to New York for Christmas in 2010, my mom let me use her Kodak Digital Camera, not knowing it would immediately spark my love for photography. In Mexican culture, your 15th birthday is a big deal. Celebrated in an elaborate way to mark your womanhood. However, I declined the party and instead asked for a camera and a laptop.
Being a Latina in a primarily white community, I noticed a lack of representation for people of color and wanted to make a change. Throughout the years, photography was an on-and-off hobby. It wasn’t until late 2020 when nothing was left to do but pick up my camera again. From then until early 2023, I was nearly only shooting for free. In between that time, I moved from my home state, Utah, to California in hopes that there would be more creative opportunities for me. I worked 10-hour days, Monday-Friday and work on my photography on the weekends. Eventually, my efforts paid off, and I was able to build myself enough in a new state to become a full-time freelance photographer.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road is never smooth. I still go through endless self-doubt, hardships, stress, etc. Never knowing if what I am doing enough or if I am doing it right. But I’m doing it, and that counts for something.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m focused on shooting fashion/portraits for people of color primarily women. A moment I’ll never forget is seeing my photos in Vouge Arabia
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My authenticity
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gabella.photos
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabella.photos
