Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabbi Swan.
Gabbi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a photographer & stylist originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Growing up I remember always loving to do anything creative. Whether it was putting an outfit together, rearranging my room, drawing, taking photos, etc. No matter what it was big or small, as long as I was able to be creative, I was thriving. As I got older, I became more and more attached to my camera. Creating composition, working with shadow and light, styling a set – It became more apparent that this was what I wanted to do with my life.
I attended the Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia while I was a senior in high school. Upon graduation, I was accepted into the Hallmark Institute of Photography in Turners Falls, Massachusetts. I spent some time after graduating frolicking around the New England states and did some solo traveling as a young adult. Between taking the step to move away from home & the opportunities I’ve been blessed with to travel, I realized that I would love to market my photography business as a worldwide service. Our world is so big and beautiful, are so are its people, and I want to document & create in every little corner of it that I can!
I currently reside in Denver, Colorado and have taken to step to pursue my dreams of living as a full-time creator. I have big dreams and many avenues I’m determined to work my craft!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I think freelancing, especially as an artist, full or part-time is inevitably very anxiety-inducing and difficult. You have to spend money to make money, market strategically, build your clientele and produce high-quality work. Your confidence can definitely plummet at times and questioning your value happens! It’s a day-by-day journey that I know I’ll continuously be working through for quite some time, but it’s been the most rewarding and eye-opening thing I could’ve done for myself.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My business is big on helping and collaborating with small businesses – offering content for marketing, websites, etc. I also offer styled photo sessions for people, families, partners & anyone else you can think of! My favorite thing to photograph would probably be adventurous couples at their elopements or documenting weddings. My mission is to grow with my clients and create lifelong relationships. I want engagement sessions to become weddings, then come maternity sessions to newborn photos. I want to genuinely document the milestones in your life on a more intimate level.
We are an all-inclusive brand & pride ourselves on welcoming and encouraging clients from all backgrounds, races, and preferences. We love you all & can’t wait to create with you!
My practice has taken me all over the United States and as far as San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Rome! I’m most proud of my travels and the amazing content I’ve been able to make for the people who choose MY vision and trust my creativity.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My best advice would be don’t be scared! I’ve met some amazing and helpful people through different Facebook groups I’ve joined. The creative community is so amazing and everyone genuinely wants to help and see you flourish. Also, drop those business cards! I always have some on me – whether I hand them out to people, add them to a bulletin board, etc. You never know who you are going to meet, or who is going to see your marketing and be intrigued!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.gabbiswanstyling.com
- Facebook: Facebook.com/gabbiswanstyling
- Instagram: @gabbbiswanstyling
@gabbiswanstylingco
