Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gabriella Fasano. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Gabriella, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?

The bride’s decision to have this special photo shoot stemmed from a place of deep love for her grandmother, who, due to frailty, couldn’t be present for the wedding in Italy that summer. Being entrusted to document such a significant moment was an honor.

As I framed each shot, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the emotions in the air – and the bitter sweetness of the occasion. It was a reminder of the importance of family bonds and the role photography plays in preserving these fleeting moments.

Experiencing the gratitude on the bride’s face as she received the photos afterward was truly rewarding. It reaffirmed to me the impact that our work as photographers can have on people’s lives, capturing memories that they will cherish for generations to come.

This experience will always hold a special place in my heart.

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?

Starting my photography business was a dream that took root in my high school years. It all began with my best friend at the time. We would do photo shoots of ourselves in the city of Buffalo downtown, and take candid moments on film of strangers and interesting people we would meet. I realized that whatever I was going to do in life, it was going to come from a place of creativity, as that best allowed me to express myself and my emotions.

However, it was my mother who truly inspired and believed in me to turn that passion into something tangible. From the very beginning, she saw the spark in my eyes whenever I talked about photography and encouraged me to pursue it wholeheartedly. Her support became the cornerstone of my journey as a photographer.

Despite the self doubt that comes with starting a business, as other’s worried if I would be able to support myself, my mom’s belief in me never wavered. Her words of encouragement became my light during moments of doubt, pushing me to stay true to my passion.

I then attended Villa Maria for photography, purchased my first camera, and started doing small sessions in a home made studio in my garage. I loved being creative and editing the images, but most of all surprising people with what I have captured.

I would say what sets me apart from others is determination to deliver exceptional results, even in the face of challenges that might cause others to give up. One of my greatest strengths lies in my ability to capture incredible images, even in less than ideal circumstances. I firmly believe that every moment, no matter how chaotic or challenging, holds the potential for magic. So when clients are feeling frustrated or when children are crying, instead of seeing obstacles, I keep going and see opportunities to create something truly special. Whether it’s finding the perfect angle, adjusting the lighting, or simply connecting with my subjects on a deeper level, I’m committed to going above and beyond to capture images that exceed my clients’ expectations. I’ve had clients return to me, amazed at how I was able to ‘make magic’ when they initially saw nothing but chaos.

For me, photography is not just about snapping pictures; it’s about telling a story, capturing emotion and personalities, and creating art that will be cherished for a lifetime. Starting my photography business wasn’t just about turning a passion into a profession; it was about honoring the belief my mom had in me and staying true to the path that brings me joy and fulfillment. And for that, I’ll be forever grateful.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

In the world of creative professions like photography, the work doesn’t end when the session does. Behind every stunning photograph lies hours of preparation, communication with clients, planning, editing, and social media management. While it’s amazing to bring visions to life, there’s no denying that it can also be energetically draining. Add to that the pressure of maintaining an active presence on social media platforms, where comparison and self-doubt can easily creep in, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Self-care is essential in navigating the challenges of a creative profession. Taking time to rest, engage in activities that nourish your soul, and surround yourself with supportive peers can help replenish your energy and confidence.

Despite the challenges, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing your work touch the lives of others. It’s that sense of purpose and passion that fuels us to continue believing in ourselves and our craft.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

My journey to building a strong social media following for my photography business was challenging and time consuming. I invested countless hours engaging with like-minded individuals and using the power of hashtags to expand my reach.

One of the key strategies I implemented was to follow and engage with people who shared a genuine interest in photography, as well as those who followed similar accounts. By actively participating and showcasing my work, I was able to organically grow my following. I researched relevant hashtags that were trending and resonated with my target audience. I also offered free photo sessions solely for promotional purposes. Moreover, I regularly hosted giveaway contests, enticing followers to participate and share my page. It was all worth it in the end!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gabriellasophiaphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriella.sophia.photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GabriellaSophiaPhotography/