Today we’d like to introduce you to Gerson Lopes. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Gerson Lopes is an Editorial Portrait Photographer based in Los Angeles. Born and raised in Brazil, Gerson grew up developing his artistic talents by drawing, painting, and playing piano at churches, theaters, and events. In 2004, he received a full tuition scholarship to study music in the US, where he also started studying Portrait Photography with renowned photographer Sue Bryce.
In 2016 Gerson launched his own studio in LA, he also started composing and releasing original orchestral licensed music for creatives to use in their marketing and personal projects. In 2018, Gerson became the first Accredited Associate Photographer by The Portrait Masters Awards & Accreditation, later achieving the level of Master Photographer in 2019.
Lately Gerson has been traveling the world photographing his clients that are among celebrities, models, actors, and business people, as well as recording new music to be released.
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?
It’s been a learning and exciting journey, with challenges, of course, but that is part of the experience. I think the biggest challenge was to built connections in a big city like LA, the thing is once the word of mouth starts to go around it helps you to spread your name, and your work is seen by more people, creating more possibilites for work.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Photographer, and I love to photograph people. All people. I believe everyone deserves to have beautiful photos of themselves and their loved ones. Everyone is unique, and that is what makes us beautiful.
I like to say I am an Editorial Portrait Photographer because I like to mix a bit of fashion in my Portraits, together with some classic style poses and lights, blended with some contemporary backgrounds and lifestyle.
I love to connect with people and make new friends, so while I’m working I’m always listening and interested to know the person in front of my camera. I’m always talking during the Photoshoots haha, I feel like that helps the subject feel more relaxed and comfortable. We all want to be seen and heard, and I try to provide that to the people that I work with.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Network, network, network. Never stop networking and always be nice to people, always be friendly and have a good demeanor.
A smile can open up doors and also make you look better 😉 Just think about it when you get to a restaurant would you want to be served by a waiter that is serious and only speaks the essencials to get your order up? For any kind of service or entrepreneurship, especially if you are the face of your business, your people skills are as important as the service that you offer. People like to work with nice people, that’s a lesson I learned early on, and I try to practice every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gersonlopes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gersonlopes_photographer
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GersonLopesPortraits
Image Credits
Photographed by Gerson Lopes
