Today we’d like to introduce you to Pang Gilliard.
Hi Pang, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My love for photography began as a mom’s desperate attempt to freeze time. I didn’t want to forget anything, so I took up photography as a hobby, and it quickly became an obsession.
I’m also a full-time network admin, and my interest in technology has always been advantageous to my love of photography. Naturally, my creative side wanted to be fed as well which led me to dive headfirst into this business. Inevitably, with lots of learning and practice, I became a self-taught photographer.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t necessarily say it was a smooth road, but it hasn’t been a terribly difficult one either. I think it’s all about perspective and treating the road bumps as lessons learned and most importantly remembering that photography is FUN. I found that I was struggling with comparing my work to others as opposed to being inspired by it. Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that as technology progresses and trends change, you have to be open-minded enough to jump on some trends; meanwhile remaining confident enough in your style and artistry to stay on your own creative path.
As we all know, photography equipment is expensive, so it took a huge leap of faith for me to purchase my first DSLR and 50mm lens. That being said, affordability is definitely a struggle. You always want the coolest, newest, most feature-rich equipment possible, but it’s just not feasible.
Lastly, POSING. Posing clients require a sense of confidence that a client can trust. I found that the best way to learn posing was to get in front of the camera myself and experience what it’s like to feel awkward and not know what to do with my hands.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a photographer that serves mainly Hardee and Highlands County. I specialize in lifestyle photography, but I’m open to any creative projects or collaborations. I do have studio space that is used when Florida rain rolls around, but I mostly photograph in natural light. I’m proud of being a photographer that is approachable, understanding, and fun. I will make a fool out of myself to get a genuine smile out of my client.
I also love to travel. But who doesn’t? You may see some work from my travels on my website every now and then.
What do you think about luck?
I consider myself a pretty lucky person. In the sense that I’ve not been hit with too many situations that would hurt my business or lifestyle. I’m not the type to play the lotto or buy scratch-off tickets, so it’s safe to say that I don’t push my luck too often, but instead, appreciate what I already have.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pangsphotography.com
- Instagram: @pangsphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pangsphoto
Image Credits
Pang’s Photography
