Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Gabriellini.
Hi Thomas, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started shooting photos ironically enough because I’m a musician and wanted not to pay a photographer/videographer to shoot visuals for my projects, so I bought a camera. I fell in love with the craft of photography, and before I knew it, I was spending thousands of dollars on equipment without batting an eye. Before I got into photography/videography, I wanted to draw concept art for a living, but photography was way more immersive. Something about being able to create and physically making it happen on camera made it so much more engaging and fulfilling. Having shot with various clientele, I have strengthened my craft. Having started primarily working with families and musicians and now moving into many different clientele, including cosplayers, musicians, families, and, most recently, commercial clients, I have been so happy with the growth of Ribshot Visuals. I plan to work with many more commercial clients in the new year. I’m looking to expand my business and strengthen my professional portfolio.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has most certainly not been smooth in the slightest, honestly. Starting a business comes with tremendous risk. I have had many setbacks and challenges that have made it difficult to continue doing this, especially as a primary source of income. I have had several months where no one would book work no matter how hard I pushed myself, and that comes down to the state of the economy and bad luck sometimes. Regardless, there is nothing I would rather be doing in this world! When I am behind a camera creating something, I am 110% fulfilled. Much of it comes down to working with like-minded creatives who want to achieve goals and make something extraordinary, which makes this so fulfilling. I have seen so much growth in my skills and client base due to my dedication and a “stick to it” kind of attitude. Remembering to say it to yourself is hard, but I am very proud and happy with how far I have come.
As you know, we’re big fans of Ribshot Visuals. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
I am a freelance photographer/videographer local to central Florida! I am most proud of my music video work, and that’s what I am most known for, but I am putting a heavy focus on breaking more into the commercial side of the industry! I am most proud of my eye for composition/color. It has taken years to hone those skills, and some in the industry have yet to get there. I specifically think I shoot photos/videos differently than most in this field because I always think about composition. When photographers snap a picture, they often snap a picture of the subject, but I prefer to provide context around the subject. I always shoot with exciting lighting, follow lines in the frame, and focus super hard on making sure every photo/video is composed in a way that grabs you when you look at them.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I shoot everything! I am not nailed down to one specific niche (though I am known predominantly for shooting with bands). I practice lifestyle photography, commercials, bands, events, and anything! I’m going to focus on commercials this year, though!
Pricing:
- General Photography $250/hr
- Music Videos $700+ (depending on complexity)
- Commercial Work (Ask! I work with all budgets.)
- Events (Ask!)
- Weddings $1300+ (depending on complexity)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ribshotvisuals.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ribshotvisuals_
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ribshotphotovideo
Image Credits
All images by Juniper Morantes
