Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Durant.
Hi Gabrielle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been seriously practicing the art of photography for approximately 3 years now. I started photographing my family with an iPod touch back in 2008. I transitioned to an iPhone until I received my first camera in 2016. I played with my camera off and on, photographing just about anything. It wasn’t until 2019 when I decided to really focus on my craft. In the second half of 2020, I worked with my first model which changed the game for me. Ever since then, I have been pushing myself to continue creating creative work.
I have always had an interest in photography. I took an online course in high school for a semester that I never finished. Even though I didn’t like doing the work given in school, I still enjoyed taking photos. I started photography so that I everyone could have the cool photos I always wanted taken of me. I would take photographs of my family at different events with my iPod touch. Whenever my family didn’t have events, I would always try to find ways to creatively shoot ordinary objects. Throughout high school and the beginning of college, my interest in photography sort of simmered down. It wasn’t until I knew that I wanted to work in sports media that my interest in photography came back. I partnered with the UCF track and field media person to help our page improve. During this time, I also started a UCF Throwers Instagram page. I was able to practice both videography and photography. While working on the Instagram accounts, I realized I didn’t have any interest in editing videos, but I love the different possibilities that could come from photography. I worked with the UCF media person to come up with different concepts and photoshoots. Soon after that, I received my first camera for Christmas. From there, I photographed just about anyone that would let me photograph them. Between 2016-2020 I tried multiple different genres of photography. I quickly learned that portrait photography was my favorite. I loved the creativity and versatility of portraits. I love having the ability to connect with people and help them see the beauty they hold. I joined different photography groups on Facebook, watch numerous YouTube videos, and shot as much as I possibly could to get better. I slowly seen my growth and decided it was time to be more serious about my photography. I started working with models at a photo meet-up. The models were so nice and encouraging that I decided to continue to work with them. After that meet-up, I planned and shot my first creative shoot; it was Halloween themed. Those photos came out better than I expected. From there, I knew I wanted to do more elaborate and creative shoots. During the next year, I was able to practice senior/college grad and couples’ portraits and loved the variety of shots I could achieve. Fast forward to January 2022, I decided I wanted to pick my niche. I decided that portraits, couples, families, and high school seniors/college grads were my favorite to shoot. I love that all these shoots could be done in a traditional sense as well as have a creative spin to them. Here we are today, where I photograph both traditional and creative themed portraits, couples, families, and high school senior/college grad shoots.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Photography has not been an easy journey. There have been times when I have considered stopping. My biggest struggle has come from not feeling adequate. I have found myself at times comparing my work to other photographers. I have allowed not being fully booked to affect me and my self-worth as a photographer. But none of those mental hurdles stopped me from continuing to create. I used them as motivation to be better. I think the hurdles I faced made me appreciate the journey as an artist more. I know that when I finally start achieving my photography goals, I will appreciate the outcome even more because I know where I started and every hurdle I had to face along the journey. While I am not as booked as I would like to be, I know I will be in due time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a central Florida-based LGBTQ+-friendly photographer. I specialize in portraits, couples, families, and high school senior/college grads. I photograph both traditional and creative styles. I am known for having an easy-going personality during the shoot. I work to make sure my clients are comfortable in front of the camera. I am also known for creative concepts for shoots. I love for shoots to be completely collaborative. I appreciate when clients come with their own ideas and inspiration, and we work together to make their vision come to life. I am most proud of my confidence behind the camera. I have spent so much of my journey comparing my work to more experienced that it has affected my work. Now that I am more confident, I am able to create more work that I am consistently proud of.
Outside of being a photographer, I am a photography teacher. I absolutely love being able to teach my students about something I am passionate about. While I am not able to shoot every day, I am glad that I get a chance to interact with photography in some aspect every day. My students help to push me to be a better photographer every day.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson that I’ve learned along my journey is that your journey is not the same as other photographers. In order to truly be successful and appreciate the journey, you have to learn to be patient and trust the process. It is easy to watch and compare yourself to other photographers in the area, but you have to not let that discourage you from continuing to learn and work. I have seen what focusing on my path has gotten me. I have been practicing photography for over five years, and slowly I have been seeing the growth in my craft. It wasn’t until about a year or so ago that I started really receiving recognition or appreciation for my work. I am going to remain patient and keep working and understand that my journey is different from other photographer.
Contact Info:
- Website: gabflicks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabflicks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabflicks
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabflicks
Image Credits
Lynette Ortiz Photography
Gabrielle Durant
