Conversations with Hunter Gabriel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hunter Gabriel.

Hi Hunter, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a child, I was drawn to cameras and photography as a whole. In 2014, when I was 13-years-old, I received my first DSLR camera for Christmas. Nothing crazy expensive, just a basic kit. From there I started teaching myself how to use it and all the settings. In 2018 I decided to take a brave step and I created my small business, Hunter G. Photography. Today I specialize in portrait and lifestyle photography, but in a way some might consider odd. Instead of focusing on which color or editing techniques are trending online, I try to make my photos look as close as possible to what we see with our own eyes. This alone has grown my business over the last seven years, and I couldn’t be happier with how things are going today.

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?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but it hasn’t always been rough either, if anything it’s been incredibly humbling. Not only do I suffer from crippling social anxiety, sometimes preventing me from being as talkative and upbeat as others at my shoots, but I’ve also struggled with insecurities in my work over the last seven years. Even today I still compare my work with that of other photographers and often feel as though I’m not good enough, even though the reactions say otherwise. However, I’ve taught myself to remember that each photographer has their own unique style and it has helped me overcome these feelings.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am what I like to call an “unconventional photographer.” While it is my job, I don’t like to treat it as only that because it’s all about the art and the experience to me, not the money. I try to make each shoot fun, interactive, and stress free. I want my clients to feel confident and comfortable, not like they’re there to smile a few times then pay me. For example, I specialize in lifestyle photos and portraits, mainly family photos, couples, senior casuals, and now headshots. In these, instead of only focusing on the classic poses and the usual smile, I go for the candid moments and natural laughs or expressions. I also post my work online a little differently. Depending on the platform, I like to add a short story along with the photos to explain how I got the laugh or the expression from the subject, and to make the viewer feel like they were there too. In doing this, I’ve built up a supportive group of “fans” who always kinda hype my clients up with sweet comments. That’s what I’m most proud of, pushing people to be kind to others indirectly through art. And, on a funny note, I’m also known for being the opposite of pushy at shoots. I’m shy so whatever my clients want to do, I’m good with it as long as it’s something physically possible for me to do.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me personally, success is not a high number of followers or likes you get on social media. Instead I believe success is the persistence and the amount of effort you put into it. I believe if you can remain standing through all the rough moments without giving up, even when things are horrible, you’re successful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunter_g_photography?igsh=MWt6ZzgzeHJnazNpOA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DPHN4wToo/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hunter.g.photos?_t=ZT-90YP9kgO3jx&_r=1

Image Credits
Alyssa Foster (Rockin’ AF Photo), Hunter Gabriel (Hunter G. Photography)