We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Fabrice Jean-Gilles. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Fabrice below.
Fabrice, appreciate you joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
In the field of photography, I stand apart from the industry standard by focusing on capturing genuine moments and emotions, free from excessive retouching and manipulation. Unlike many others, particularly within editorial photography, I refrain from heavily retouching and photoshopping my subjects. This common practice often distorts reality, creating unrealistic and cartoonish versions of individuals.
An instance that exemplifies the repercussions of this practice is the case of Karol G, a Colombian singer who posed for a GQ photoshoot. The resulting images were dramatically altered to fit GQ’s predefined standards of beauty, prompting Karol G’s vocal criticism. She even donned a “Cancel Photoshop” shirt during her SNL appearance, protesting against the unrealistic portrayal propagated by retouching.
While it’s easy to cite high-profile instances like Karol G’s, I’m more concerned about the impact on everyday people, particularly young women, in my local photography scenes. I’ve witnessed instances where individuals, seeking to be captured at their best, are transformed into unattainably slim, blemish-free versions of themselves through excessive retouching.
This practice has a damaging effect, especially on the younger generation. It establishes an unattainable standard that can lead to self-esteem issues and dissatisfaction. For example, a 16-year-old who perceives themselves as overweight might struggle when confronted with a retouched photo where they appear 20 pounds lighter and without their natural imperfections.
My approach to photography is centered on authenticity. I firmly believe that heavy retouching is rarely necessary in the majority of photographic situations. My goal is to encapsulate real moments and individuals as they truly are. Drawing from personal experience, as someone who once harbored insecurities about my appearance, I’ve grown to embrace my authenticity and unique features.
My photography is not about transforming non-models into supermodels; rather, it’s about commemorating genuine interactions and shared moments. I keep my editing process to a minimum, involving slight adjustments to skin tones and colors. Every freckle, wrinkle, and scar contributes to a person’s story, and that’s what I aim to capture. My clients value my work not because it makes them look flawless, but because it captures their authenticity.
I’m proud to deviate from the industry standard if it means that those who are photographed by me can see themselves in a true and authentic light, fostering self-acceptance and appreciation.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Allow me to introduce myself and share the story behind my journey into the world of photography. My foray into this creative realm was serendipitous in nature. After graduating from Charleston Southern University in December of 2020, I took on an internship with Grace City Church. When the internship concluded, I found myself at a crossroads, lacking concrete job prospects. It was during this period that fate intervened, leading me to an unexpected passion.
The spark for my photography venture was a suggestion from a dear friend, Brett Heatley. He graciously lent me his camera, proposing that I delve into the basics of photography while concurrently seeking employment opportunities. This seemingly casual decision led me down a captivating rabbit hole of discovery. I rapidly immersed myself in mastering the camera’s settings and creative shooting techniques. Soon after, I bought a dusty, old Minolta X-700 film camera from an estate sale, which marked the beginning of my deep passion for film photography, and photography as a whole.
My inclination toward human connections emerged during my initial photography education. Despite my inherent introversion, I discovered a deep appreciation for observing and capturing the intricate tapestry of human experiences. This revelation naturally steered me towards portrait photography. The allure of portraying the inherent beauty of individuals through my lens resonated deeply with me. Beyond portraits, I also specialize in family and couples photography, where I am granted the privilege of glimpsing into the lives of others, capturing candid, poignant moments that reflect the essence of relationships.
Distinguishing myself in a competitive field, I have a unique expertise in both digital and film photography. My proficiency spans across various film formats, including 35mm, 645, 6×6, and 6×7, setting me apart as one of the few photographers in Charleston proficient enough to seamlessly integrate film into my repertoire.
An integral aspect of my approach is ensuring that my services are accessible and valuable to my clients. I take pride in offering pricing structures that are not only competitive but also reflect the exceptional quality of my work. Clients who choose to collaborate with me can trust that they are receiving exceptional value for their investment.
Ultimately, what sets my work apart is my unwavering dedication to capturing the authenticity of human experiences. Through my lens, I striver to encapsulate genuine moments, preserving the beauty of each individual’s story. My journey from accidental initiation to proficient photographer has equipped me with a unique perspective that I am excited to share with potential clients, followers, and anyone who appreciates the power of visual storytelling.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Towards the close of 2022, I found myself in a bit of a pickle on my photography journey. I had recently made the bold move of leaving my full-time marketing gig to pursue a path more attuned to my passions. Yet, reality hit hard as about three months passed without any leads, clients, or photography business coming my way. Navigating through this challenging phase, I confronted the possibility of selling off my camera gear to tide over the next few months’ rent. Logically, that seemed like the smartest choice to make. But hey, I’ve never been one to stick solely to logic.
Instead, I took a leap of faith and decided to invest my last $1000 in a 70-200 portrait lens, convinced that this choice would eventually lead to a return on investment. From January through March of the following year, I was still grappling with unemployment and struggling to secure bookings. However, my determination remained unshaken. I persisted in self-promotion, even offering free shoots to increase my visibility. I even took the plunge and bought a domain to host my photography portfolio. And then, things took a turn for the better come April.
Out of the blue, a friend who runs an event coordination business approached me to photograph an event slated for October. Suddenly, the winds shifted, and I found myself lining up three summer weddings almost overnight—scheduled for May, June, and early September. Since then, I’ve added dozens of family shoots, couples shoots, and even a newborn session!
In addition, I decided to dive deeper into the world of photography by second shooting for a local photographer. This strategic move paid off handsomely, not just in terms of creative growth but also in the form of a burgeoning workload. I began adding a remarkable 5 to 6 shoots a week, all aimed at bolstering my name, skills, and portfolio.
Back when it seemed counterintuitive, I backed myself and my aspirations. Today, by some stroke of fortune or perhaps a sprinkle of divine intervention, I’m reaping the rewards of seeds sown back in November. I’ve never been busier, my artistic spirit is thoroughly satiated by the images I craft for my clients, and I’ve emerged from this journey with a sturdier resolve, a greater tenacity, and an increased willingness to put in the hard yards. Why? Because I’ve learned that when you bet on yourself, remarkable things have a way of unfolding.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
In the spring of 2022, a pivotal moment arose that laid the foundation for my business’s inception. During that April, a tax refund came my way, and at the my initial plan was to save the funds for a significant purchase: an engagement ring for my then-partner. The prospect of marriage had been a serious topic of discussion between us. However, I chose to hold off, because the timing didn’t feel quite right.
Opting for a perhaps more selfish decision, I made the deliberate choice to redirect the money towards an alternative investment—a better camera. This decision was prompted by the practical need to return the camera that had been on loan to me by Brett. It proved to be a lucky decision, considering what would happen. Within two months, my partner and I parted ways, leaving me single, but with a camera that would be the start of my photography journey.
The realm of photography boasts a relatively accessible entry point, financially speaking. The $1300 that I spent for a Canon RP camera and a 50mm lens proved more than ample for embarking on my photographic journey. Over time, I expanded my arsenal by acquiring three additional lenses high-end, giving me more creative tools.I also secured a second camera body, which has proven instrumental in streamlining my workflow during client engagements. This enhancement enables me to seamlessly transition between tight and wide-angle shots without the need for lens adjustments.
In hindsight, that pivotal choice to channel my tax refund into a camera investment transformed the trajectory of my ambitions. While the context may have been formal—embarking on a business endeavor—my approach remained grounded and reflective of just who I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: jeangillesphotography.com
- Instagram: @jeangilles.photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeangilles.photography
Image Credits
Fabrice H. Jean-Gilles II