Today we’d like to introduce you to Reonell Gloria
Hi Reonell, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My creative journey began with music. I’ve always had a deep passion for making music, discovering new tracks, and seeking out artists who are pushing boundaries. Before I ever picked up a camera, I was a music producer first. Music has always been my foundation, but over time, my creative interests expanded into the visual arts, as I was surrounded by people passionate about photography, design, and branding.
For a long time, I made excuses not to pursue photography—cost being a big one—but a few key moments pushed me to take that leap. The passing of a family member made me realize I hadn’t captured the last eight years of my life, and I wanted to preserve those memories moving forward. At the same time, I was eager to photograph my modified car and my job was short-staffed in the visual department. The final push came when my friend Tim (@superdriveofficial) helped me find a great deal on a camera. That’s when I decided it was time to dive into photography.
Alongside photography, I’ve spent years honing my skills as a graphic designer and brand director, helping companies build their identity and produce apparel from concept to completion. I’ve learned the ins and outs of working with manufacturers and developing entire lines of clothing. My design background gives me a unique perspective on visual storytelling, which translates into both my photography and branding work.
Photography took on a new dimension when I began shooting live music events. Having a background in music gives me a unique edge in capturing these moments. I focus on the energy, raw emotion, and authenticity of what’s happening on stage and behind the scenes. My goal is always to capture the pure essence of the experience, showing people not just what it looks like, but what it feels like to be there. Whether it’s a candid backstage moment or the intensity of a live performance, I strive to tell the story of the artist and the event through my lens.
I believe the ups and downs of life guide you to where you need to be. My journey is far from over, but every experience—whether in music, design, or photography—has shaped me into the creative I am today.
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?
“It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—if anything, it’s been a winding one, full of ups and downs, with no clear end in sight (and I mean that in the best way). We never truly know what the future holds, but we can learn to enjoy the ride and grow from it.
One of the biggest challenges in the creative and photography world is the mental struggle. Imposter syndrome is something that hits hard, especially when you’re starting out. It’s easy to feel like you don’t belong, especially in a community filled with purists, where everyone has a strong opinion on what ‘good’ photography should be. But at the end of the day, photography is subjective—there’s no one way to do it. If anything, we should be pushing the envelope to stay true to ourselves and create work we genuinely love. When you do that, the work hits different. It carries a personal touch and authenticity that resonates far deeper than trying to meet someone else’s standards.
The field is also incredibly competitive. However, I’ve found ways to focus on building a sense of community rather than competition. Through my work, I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many talented and creative individuals who share the same passion, and that’s been one of the most rewarding aspects of the journey. In reality, we’re all in this together—whether it’s capturing a moment, telling a story, or delivering on a project. Collaboration and shared goals have been key in navigating the challenges of this industry, and that mindset helps me stay grounded, even when the road gets tough.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I do a lot of things—sometimes more than I even realize. I’m a creative director, photographer, and designer. On the photography side, I specialize in portraits, music events, and automotive photography. I love capturing the energy and authenticity of live performances, as well as the beauty and precision of cars. On the direction and design side, I focus on branding and marketing. I’ve had the privilege of working with some well-known brands and have been involved in large-scale campaigns.
I’ve spent time in the cannabis industry, as well as the fashion production world, where I’ve helped bring ideas from concept to final product. What I’m most proud of is the diversity of work I’ve been able to take on—whether it’s designing apparel or capturing a moment on stage, I’ve been able to apply my creative vision in multiple industries.
What sets me apart is my versatility and my ability to detect trends before they hit the mainstream. I have a knack for spotting what’s hot or upcoming, allowing me to stay ahead of the curve and guide brands in the right direction. Whether it’s photography, design, or direction, I approach every project with a unique perspective, focusing on telling a story that resonates and stays relevant. That’s what drives me and keeps me pushing forward
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are so many people I appreciate and who deserve a lot of credit for my journey. I definitely want to show them some love:
@itskensho for being not only a great mentor and friend but also an incredible support system and business partner. He’s been there through thick and thin, helping me grow creatively and professionally.
@cre8tiv.tim for being a great friend and source of motivation in the automotive culture and industry. His passion keeps me pushing forward in that space.
@huynh_high for pushing me in photography and getting me my initial opportunities. He’s been a key figure in helping me build my foundation as a photographer.
@xsession for being my co-petition and an amazing teammate in the photography world. We’ve pushed each other to grow, and it’s been great to have someone to work alongside in this competitive field.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebrownchild.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrownchild/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrownchild
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/the_brownchild
