Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriella Salinas.
Hi Gabriella, 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?
At the age of 12, I was gifted my first DSLR camera by my great-grandpa.
At the age of 16, I finally began taking clients around the KC, MO area and I have scaled my business in the past several years and now have a steady income of clients year-round.
I have deepened my appreciation for the art of photography and am starting to shift towards more personal projects that allow me the creative freedom to execute my visions with less pressure.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely been a struggle maintaining a freelance business and being a full-time student.
I have sacrificed many hours driving back and forth between Columbia and KC to serve my clients. It has been hard being in a college bubble and now transitioning back into a bigger city and proving to people and also myself that this is something I want to continue with and take seriously.
Another struggle I have had is attracting clients year-round and ensuring that my business stays afloat 365 days of the year.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a portrait photographer and am mostly known for my ability to work with people in black and brown communities.
I am very proud of this because as I get older and see the representation (or lack thereof) in the mainstream media, it makes me very happy to have a full portfolio of beautiful people that don’t normally receive positive or fair representation.
I want to ensure that all of my clients, no matter who they are, are stripped away of all stereotypes and given the opportunity to be themselves and celebrate their accomplishments in life.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
One of the most important lessons I learned was to stop comparing and take a step away from social media if I find myself falling down a spiral of comparison.
Since so many photographers showcase their work online, it is so easy to get lost in scrolling and feel as if you’re not doing enough. Covid-19 reminded me of the importance of self and mental health. When running your own business it is easy to neglect and overlook those things but they are integral to the health and longevity of a business.
Comparison prevents me from producing work that I find beautiful or meaningful and puts pressure on me to produce ‘perfect’ work each time when in reality, the best photos will be photos that I simply enjoyed taking.
Contact Info:
- Email: 624fotos@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.624fotos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/624fotos/
