We recently connected with Gloria Gruber and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Gloria, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I have always lived a creative/artistic life. I have been an actress for over 20 years and have tried to find creative ways to supplement my income. Photography was always something I did for fun. I never even considered it as a profession until a few years ago. Friends saw how much it inspired me to take photos of them and encouraged me to pursue it. Then, a few years ago my father in law bought me a camera and a lens. After seeing my photos he asked his journalist friend what he recommends based on my current photos and that’s how he made his decision on what to get me. It was such a thoughtful gift. I was intimidated at first, but once I actually picked up the camera and started using it, I knew I wanted to start shooting professionally. I used that as my starter camera and I learned so much. At some point I realized it was time for an upgrade so I retired that camera and got a new one. I will always keep that camera because its so special to me. It was the jumping off point to take my photography to a professional level.

Gloria, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have been professionally acting for over 20 years and have worked in casting as my “day job” for the last 15. I always loved shooting photos and capturing what I see is unique in others. When I had the opportunity to take my photography to a professional level, I knew I had a good foundation to build on. I’m able to use what I’ve learned from acting and casting to inform how I shoot people, with the goal of capturing what is unique in every individual.

I shoot headshots, lifestyle, and editorial portraits. I have worked on everything from maternity shoots to live shows to red carpets. I just love taking photos of people. Doesn’t really matter where and what I can find the fun in all of it.

I have a collaborative approach. I think it’s important to get a sense of what someone likes. See if they have an idea or a vision for themselves and then put my spin on it. Often times I think creatives hear a lot of limited thinking around us and sometimes we buy into it. “These are the steps 1,2,3 to get where you want to go”, when there are many ways. I think having a vision for ourselves empowers us to embrace whats special about us and remind us that we are not in competition with each other. We are all special. We are not just another “actor”, “writer”. “painter” etc.

I like to create an environment that doesn’t feel rushed and leaves room for inspiration. I offer affordable headshots in a relaxed environment. I have and still am at times on the other side of the camera, so the experience being fun and easy is important to me and something I understand is necessary for the best outcome. For that reason I charged based on time, not outfit changes. I want to make sure we have enough time to move at a pace that doesn’t feel rushed but gives the opportunity to cover a lot of ground.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

It is my mission to do the best for each client and be a part of getting them the tools they need to be able to live their art. To make them feel as if they have been understood and captured in photos they are proud to show others. Like any creative career there is no end point where everything is figured out and there is no where else to go. I love that aspect to a creative life. You are always learning and growing. Having new experiences and sharing experiences with new people every day is fulfilling and what drives me to continue, Every day and every job is something new. I learn about all kinds of people, different lives, something new about the art of photography and on and on, There is always room to evolve and change.

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 to judge my ideas and remind myself of it as I shoot. I have learned to remain open and in the flow of a shoot. I always start with preparation and a plan but when the time comes to shoot, I let go. When an inspiration or idea does hit I have learned to go with it. Sometimes, early on I would dismiss an inspiration prematurely and not see it through. Looking back at the photos later I realized to never abandon an impulse. I would see that an idea I didn’t think was working, actually was when I had the chance to review the photos. So now if I have an impulse I stick with it and see it through.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @gloriagruber_photography

Image Credits
Joy Lofton Tara Novick Gloria Gruber