Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriel Mora.
Hi Gabriel, 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 started photography as a hobby back in my college days; just me, a camera, and long nights chasing city lights and landscapes. In 2007, things took a turn when a DJ friend asked if I could shoot one of his events. That’s when I realized this could be more than a hobby.
I took photography classes at UCLA Extension and several photo workshops to sharpen my skills, then in 2012 made it official by legally registering VOX Photography. Since then, I’ve been fully committed to documenting people’s memories in a professional and consistent way.
Over the years, I’ve worked with some top-tier studios like Ning Wong Photography, Lin & Jirsa, Ruby Rideout, Pixie Vision, Del Rosario Photography, AA Creations, and threesixteen photography; either as a second shooter, lead, or associate photographer. These experiences gave me the chance to photograph all kinds of events and traditions—Western, South Asian, Jewish, Asian, Hispanic; you name it. That diversity keeps the job exciting and pushes me to adapt creatively.
I’m bilingual (Spanish-English) and a skilled OCF (off-camera flash) photographer. I use lighting as a creative tool to elevate the moment and deliver images that feel real, emotional, and timeless. That’s the heart of VOX Photography: professional, personal, and built to last.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most things worth doing, it came with bumps, curveballs, and a lot of learning the hard way. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Starting out was rough. Photography gear isn’t cheap, and I had to build everything up piece by piece while working my full-time job. Balancing both wasn’t easy, many sleepless nights editing after 9-hour shifts.
Getting consistent gigs took time. In the beginning, I said yes to everything: free shoots, long hours, difficult conditions, just to build my portfolio and name.
Cultural learning curve. I’ve shot weddings and events across a wide mix of traditions: Jewish, Indian, Asian, Hispanic, you name it. Learning each one’s flow, rituals, and expectations wasn’t just about research, it was about showing up, paying attention, and respecting what matters most to the families.
Technical curve too. Off-camera flash, low-light venues, fast-paced moments, photography isn’t just pointing and shooting. It took years to fine-tune the skills to shoot confidently under pressure.
Running a business is a different beast. Photography is one thing client communication, contracts, insurance, taxes, and marketing are another. Learning that side of it took a lot of time and mistakes.
Still, every challenge made me better. It’s not always been smooth, but it’s always been worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Glad you asked. Here’s the real story:
I run VOX Photography, a professional photography business focused on weddings, mitzvahs, portraits, and family or corporate events. I’m not just showing up with a camera. I’m documenting moments that matter, with consistency, reliability, and a sharp eye for detail.
What I do:
Lead and associate photographer for events of all sizes, Second shooter for large studio teams when needed, Photo booth services and full event coverage, Handle all editing, delivery, and client experience myself
What I specialize in:
Weddings, across a wide range of cultures (Jewish, South Asian, Western, Asian, Hispanic). Off-camera flash (OCF) photography for dynamic lighting in any situation—ballrooms, dark churches, fast-paced receptions. Real, timeless storytelling—I don’t chase trends; I focus on genuine emotion and clean, sharp imagery that lasts
What I’m known for:
Being reliable, early to every job, and fully prepared. Calm and professional on high-stress days. Always delivering a consistent style, both in shooting and editing. Making people feel comfortable in front of the camera, especially those who say “I hate taking photos”
What I’m most proud of:
Building a solid reputation while working full time in a completely different field (Electrical Supervisor at UCLA). Earning the trust of top-tier studios like Lin & Jirsa, Ruby Rideout, and Pixie Vision to represent their brand with my work. Running a fully legal, registered, and insured photography business with a 100% satisfaction record
What sets me apart:
Experience. I’ve been doing this for over 15 years, and I’ve worked just about every type of event there is Versatility. I can lead, assist, or blend in as a second shooter. I adjust to the job, the client, and the team
Technical skills. I don’t rely on “natural light only” excuses! I bring pro lighting, backup gear, and I know how to use it
Bilingual (Spanish/English) and comfortable working in multicultural settings
Bottom line: You’re not just hiring a guy with a camera! you’re getting someone who respects your time, your traditions, and your memories. That’s what VOX is all about.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
SLR Lounge
Great tutorials, lighting guides, and real talk about wedding photography and workflows. Especially helpful when I was learning OCF.
CreativeLive (App + Web)
Took a few solid classes here. Zack Arias on lighting, Sue Bryce on posing. Real working photographers sharing stuff that actually applies in the field.
YouTube Channels:
Manny Ortiz – killer OCF work and tips on natural vs flash
FroKnowsPhoto – honest reviews, straight talk, and some solid humor
Jessica Kobeissi – clean editing, strong posing, especially for portraits and fashion
“This Week in Photo” (Podcast)
Mix of gear talk, business advice, and trends—without the fluff. Good for staying in the loop.
Books that stuck with me:
“The War of Art” – Steven Pressfield
Every creative should read this. Talks about resistance and how to just get the damn work done.
“Steal Like an Artist” – Austin Kleon
Perfect for when you feel stuck or uninspired. Short, smart, and honest.
“Atomic Habits” – James Clear
Not photography-related, but helped me get my daily systems in order—useful when juggling photography and full-time electrical work.
Life/Mindset:
Calm (App) – Helps keep the noise down when your brain’s fried after a long event.
Apple Notes and Calendar5 app– Not fancy, but I use them constantly to jot down shot ideas, client notes, reminders, etc.
Bottom line: Tools are great, but consistency and showing up with the right attitude have been more powerful than anything. You can’t learn that in an app; but a few of these sure helped me get there.
Pricing:
- 6,600.00
- 3,300.00
- 2,600.00
- 2,100.00
- 900.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.VOXphotography.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/VOX_Photography
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/VOXPhotography
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/gabriel-voxphotography
- Other: https://voxphotography.mypixieset.com/
Image Credits
All photographs are property of ©VOX Photography – ©Gabriel Mora
