Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Montalvo.
Hi Gabriela, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi! I’m Gabriela, but everyone calls me Gaby! I’ve been a wedding and elopement photographer for almost 9 years (in August!). I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to Florida 4 years ago. I speak English and Spanish. I’m also part of the LGBTQ+ community. So, my business is a safe, inclusive, respectful, kind, and empowering place.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been attracted to visual creativity, which includes films, TV shows, and photography. I started as a teenager with a little camera, photographing my friends and directing films for school projects. I always had a fascination with filmmaking. During my first two years of college, while I was studying biology, I discovered video editing. That changed something for me, and I knew what to do. For my third year of college, I started my new major: TV and Radio Communications, specializing in Production and Directing. That’s when I bought my first professional camera and started the journey.
I learned on my own and started gaining experience. I worked in Puerto Rico for five years as a production assistant on movie and TV show sets, and with my photography and videography business. When I moved to Florida, I fell in love with the community and the industry. I’ve networked and created important connections.
I love traveling and crossing items off my bucket list, and now I’m combining that with my passion for photography for couples with an adventurous heart.
Which is where I am today! I offer wedding photography services in Florida, but I also provide elopement and intimate wedding photography services for all destinations in the United States and internationally. For elopements in the United States and International destinations, I offer everything from location planning to scouting to timeline creation to the final gallery. And for Florida weddings, I offer different photo collections that include a second photographer, a Wedding Planning Guide, rehearsal dinner, albums, and more! In Florida, I also offer one of my favorites, courthouse elopements!
I love my business, my clients, and what we get to create! I wouldn’t have it any other way. And I don’t see myself doing anything else. All I want to do is make people smile and be happy with their experience with me, and the memories that will last forever.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road; like everything, there are always bumps. But they’re important because you learn from them. The biggest struggle was moving to Florida and starting my business from scratch. The marketing is very different, especially when no one knows you or your brand. But I’m so grateful for this struggle, because of everything I’ve learned. I’ve become a better businesswoman because of it. I’ve also connected with many people working in the wedding industry. Something that I couldn’t do in Puerto Rico.
Florida has a great community with networking events and activities. The community over competition mentality is the best because we all help each other in the end, allowing you to make friendships and connections. This helps me serve clients better because they will always need vendor recommendations. And who better to recommend than a friend that you trust your client with and know their 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’m a wedding and elopement photographer. But I’ve also worked as a videographer and in the film industry. I’m proud of my growth, from my skills to the client experience. As a service provider, especially one who creates memories, there’s nothing more important than providing a unique experience and high-quality results for my clients.
What sets me apart is my approach. I’m a photographer who makes the clients feel comfortable. I always say to my clients, “We’re a team”, because we are! I’m always open to their ideas and show them the pictures while we create them, and that’s something that I’ve always received compliments about. My style is the perfect mix, I like to call it. It’s documentary-editorial imagery, focusing on emotions and details.
I also believe that what sets me apart is the core values of my business, which are:
– Equality: Celebrating love in all forms
– Authenticity & Transparency
– Self-Love & Empowerment
– Kindness & Approachability
– Empathy & Thoughtfulness
– Respect for the Earth by Leave No Trace Principles
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is when I started creating. Even if it wasn’t very good, I remember buying my first camera and taking pictures nonstop. After that, at school, sometimes we were assigned to film shorts, and I was always the director. I loved that so much!!! It continued to happen all the way through college, where I got to direct the documentary “Historias de Maria.” It told the story of Hurricane Maria, which hit Puerto Rico. My team and I ended up winning a Student Emmy!
Other childhood memories I love are going to the cinema with friends, ice skating, and bowling. I have a big family; I always loved the big holiday reunions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nexumphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nexumphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nexumphotography
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nexumphotography
Image Credits
www.nexumphotography.com
