We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gabrielle Lester a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Gabrielle , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

If I were starting over today, I think I’d lean even harder into trusting my instincts and doing things afraid—because honestly, it’s those uncomfortable moments that have taught me the most. Looking back, I’ve learned that if I listen to that gut feeling and move forward, even when I’m unsure, things always work out in the end. I’d focus on building something that feels deeply authentic to me, not just trying to keep up with what everyone else is doing. I’d remind myself that it doesn’t have to be perfect—there’s beauty in the mess and the process. Instead of holding back, I’d take more risks, experiment more, and embrace the mistakes along the way. The most important thing would be just to keep moving forward, even when it feels scary, because that’s where the real growth happens. And, of course, I’d try to have fun with it, trusting that things would fall into place as long as I stayed true to my vision.

Gabrielle , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a wedding and elopement photographer with a passion for capturing the deeply authentic, personal moments that make each couple’s story unique. I didn’t set out to be a photographer, but I’ve always been fascinated by the fleeting, powerful emotions that show up in life’s most meaningful moments. Over time, I realized that capturing those moments—whether it’s a shared glance or a quiet, intimate touch—was exactly what I wanted to do for others. For me, it’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about telling a story in a way that feels raw and real.

I embrace my own weirdness and sense of adventure, and I really encourage my couples to do the same. Whether we’re hiking to a hidden spot for a quiet elopement or walking through a beautiful, historic downtown for a wedding, I want the experience to feel completely true to who they are. I’m not here to create generic or posed images; I’m here to capture the emotion, the adventure, and the little moments that make life special.

I’m incredibly proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients over the years. For me, it’s about more than just getting the perfect shot; it’s about connecting with people on a personal level and earning their trust to capture some of their best moments. When I’m working with couples, I want them to feel seen, celebrated, and free to be themselves.

At the end of the day, I’m here to create something truly authentic and meaningful, not just beautiful photos. If you’re looking for a photographer who will dive deep into your story and lean into the adventure of it all, then I’d be honored to help tell that story through my lens.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the idea that there was a “right” way to take photos. Of course, there’s a technical aspect to photography, but at its core, it’s an art form, and art isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about expression. When I first started, I was so afraid of making mistakes that I became focused on following rules and doing things “correctly.” But in doing that, I lost sight of what truly mattered: creating from the heart. Letting go of those rigid rules that didn’t align with who I am as an artist opened up the space to create work that felt genuine and authentic. It completely shifted my approach, and now I’m able to create art that I’m proud of, and more importantly, that feels true to me.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media was definitely a journey, and honestly, it wasn’t always easy. Being perceived can feel so vulnerable, and at first, I was really scared to show up authentically. But over time, I realized how important it is to do just that—to show up as myself. For me, it was all about sharing content that aligned with who I am, not just the polished, perfect moments, but the messier, real parts of life, too. I wanted people to feel like they could get to know me and trust me simply by interacting with my posts.

My advice for anyone just starting to build their social media presence would be to focus on authenticity above all. Don’t worry about fitting into a mold or trying to be someone you’re not. People connect with you—your personality, your story, and your journey. Keep showing up, even on the days when it feels hard, and don’t be afraid to share the real, raw moments that make you human. That’s how trust is built, and that’s what will attract the right people to your brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.gabriellecynthiaphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellecynthiaphoto?igsh=MWVxdW9naWVoMHBlZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AvMbeW2RK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits

Gabrielle Cynthia Photo