Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Barbara Gracner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Barbara, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
The world of an artist is filled with periods of intense work, followed by stretches of stillness. In those quieter times between projects, when responses to numerous pitches and proposals are met with silence and my creativity feels depleted, self-doubt begins to creep in. These are the moments when the idea of a 9-to-5 job becomes tempting. However, the deep fulfillment I get from creating, the connections I make, and the stories I tell through photography always guide me back. It’s this love for the craft, despite its unpredictability, that reaffirms my choice of creative freedom over anything else.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My journey into the world of photography began in the picturesque landscapes of Slovenia during my teenage years when I first picked up my dad’s film camera. Those early days were spent capturing the candid moments of my sister and our family dog and soon expanded to concert photography, where I blended my love for music with visual storytelling. After moving to USA and completing my studies in Documentary Photography and Photojournalism at the International Center of Photography in New York, I focused on creating documentary projects covering a variety of social issues, as well as studio and editorial portraits.
Whether working on long term projects or studio portraits, I prioritize building relationships and understanding people’s narratives. I believe in taking the time to listen and connect, ensuring people feel comfortable and valued, which I find crucial for authentic storytelling.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One significant lesson I had to unlearn was the counterproductive habit of comparing myself to others in the creative field, as it often led to self-doubt and blocked my creativity. True creativity thrives on individuality. While seeking inspiration from others is beneficial, recognizing the value of our unique contributions is equally important. This realization was a turning point, teaching me to appreciate my journey rather than measuring success by someone else’s standard. My advice to fellow creatives: Embrace your unique path. Let your distinct voice and vision guide your work, free from comparison. Treat your individuality as your most authentic form of expression and your strongest asset.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
My curiosity has been a driving force in my career as a photographer, leading me to cross paths with an incredible array of individuals, from Broadway performers, rock stars, and elite classical musicians, to disability advocates, victims of war crimes, and those living on the edge of society. The humility and gratitude I feel when people open their lives to me, sharing their triumphs and tribulations, is profoundly touching and rewarding. Each encounter has expanded my perspective, and taught me that beneath our diverse exteriors, we share more similarities than differences.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.BarbaraGracner.com
- Instagram: barbaragracner
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/barbaragracnerphotography