Meet Debora Giannone of Debora G Photography in West Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debora Giannone.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I remember I had my first film camera when I was 12. I loved taking black and white pictures and still do. I still own a film camera which I use for my own artistic expression.

I love film. I love writing, storytelling, acting and cinematography. I am originally from Italy and Switzerland and when I moved to LA 6 years ago, I was still acting myself. I then entered in a short film competition where you had to write and shoot your own horror short. So funny! So, I needed a professional camera. My mom offered me to buy me a Canon as a birthday gift – thank you mom! So, I was in between acting gigs and day jobs and whenever I wanted a break I took my camera and went to Malibu to shoot some pictures. For me it became very quickly this peaceful get away from my day to day life; almost like a meditation. I still feel like that today when I shoot. Soon after a lot of my friends starting seeing my work kept telling me how much they love the pictures and that I should do this as a career.

First, I was intimidated by this thought but I spent more and more time in building a website and sharing. I kept learning and I proud to say that I am self-taught. Soon after making the decision to do this, I started getting work and referrals. Photography taught me a lot about myself. How you can build and grow anything with practice.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth? This one made me laugh. You know to be honest it was and it wasn’t. If I look back there were parts that were super smooth and parts that were rocky and I also made it harder than it had to be. Smooth was my passion and interest to grow and learn. I really enjoyed playing around with the camera. And coming up with ideas was never a problem for me. Some of the challenges were to define your own value in the market and to stand by it. As an entrepreneur having my own photography business, it can be very tempting in the beginning to just take whatever job you can get. A valuable point if you consider yourself not ready to actually be paid. But if you know that you are really good at taking pictures and have good people skills – because you need them – then be clear on what you want to charge and own it. Another struggle I think as artists in general can be marketing. Get really good at your marketing strategies and ask for help.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Debora G Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I want you to do play a little game with me.

Take a breath and close your eyes. Imagine the most beautiful, breathtaking and inspiring view you can think of. Whatever comes to your mind, sit in it for a moment. Then open your eyes…

How do you feel?

Happy, grateful and empowered?

Perfect. That’s what I do.

I work with Lifestyle Brands (Fashion, Beauty Products, Yoga, Natural Products) Authors, Success Coaches and Food & Wine.

I create pictures that are tailored to telling a unique story that draws people in. I love creating pictures that are full of life and showing the many facets it has to offer. My approach is very much about the audience. How do I want them to feel when they look at my pictures.

What sets me apart is that I have worked in front of the camera so I know the feelings that come along with it, in casting – which makes me think on the bigger picture (the whole production), wrote screenplays – I love story telling, have a great eye and am really good with people. My feedback from people is always how comfortable they felt with me.

I also really like provocation and creating my own fine art projects. The “Breastfeeding” Pictures series one I am most proud of. It’s about breastfeeding in public and sexuality. I like making people think.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My goal in 2017 is to be able to work in NYC and LA; to be bicoastal. I would love to continue working with brands where my creativity is needed. This week I just submitted myself to photography agencies – so fingers crossed.

I am also planning a picture series on women and their sexuality; what they love about it and themselves. It’s going to be a fun colorful shoot. I am very excited.

Another one is a photo book on heartbreak. Next to lifestyle work I am focusing on getting my fine art projects out there and make a name for myself. My purpose is to create fine art pictures that have a message and if possible being able to use my talent to create impactful, thought provoking commercials. I would love to shoot for Vice. Something provocative. Lastly, I am submitting my series on “Breastfeeding in Public”; I would love for them to be published and sold; a part of the income I will be donating to a breast cancer foundation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.deboragphotography.com
• Phone: 323 620 2006
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: deboragphotography
• Facebook: deboragphotography
• Twitter: deboragphoto
• Yelp: deboragphotography

Image Credit:
Stefano Ganddini & Griffin Burke
Zander Fryer
Icon’s Closet
Charlotte Rothwell
Cynthia Kirchner
Lauren Parkinson Cruze
Tiana Tuttle
Jay Carreker