We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gareth Neckles a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Gareth, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? We’d love to hear the backstory the illustrates how you grew your brand.
In the early days of my photography journey, I faced a daunting challenge – little to no clients. Armed with a passion for photography and a basic camera, I began capturing the world around me, from the blooming flowers, to the sunsets on evenings. These were the foundational moments that fueled my aspiration to become a professional photographer.
The first glimpse of success came
after honing my skills and building a small portfolio, I managed to secure my first paying client. It was a milestone that filled me with excitement and validation. I took on small events, birthday parties, grad shoots and offered portrait sessions to friends and family. Word of mouth played a pivotal role in attracting my initial clients, and it gave me the encouragement to push forward.
As I began to build a reputation, I decided to focus on the types of photography I enjoyed most: weddings, events, and portraits. Weddings were a unique canvas for me, where I could immortalize the love between couples. Events allowed me to document celebrations and gatherings, while portraits let me create captivating individual stories through the lens.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Today, I’m proud to say that my journey from having little to no clients to serving a diverse range of clients has been a fulfilling one. I’ve been privileged to photograph numerous weddings, document significant events, and create timeless portraits that my clients treasure. It’s a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a deep love for the art of photography.
Of course there were challenges along the way, from managing the pressure of capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments to dealing with equipment failures during critical shoots. But these obstacles only fueled my determination to improve and excel in my craft.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
One of the most touching and rewarding aspects of photography is the ability to preserve cherished memories for individuals and families. Photographs have the remarkable power to transport people back to a specific moment in time, rekindling emotions and memories long after they’ve passed. Whether it’s a couple’s wedding day, a child’s birthday, or a family reunion, being the one to capture those irreplaceable moments is an honor.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
The primary objective of me doing photography is to capture unforgettable moments and create lasting memories for my clients and myself. Additionally, it can serve as a valuable source of secondary income through the sale of high-quality photo sessions.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.gknphotos.com
- Instagram: Gknphotos
- Facebook: GKN Photography