Meet Gabriel Ortiz of G. Ortiz Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriel Ortiz.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been involved in many aspects of art growing up as a child. I grew up in the South End / Roxbury neighborhoods of Boston in the 80’s and early 90’s which exposed me to a lot of streets cultural whether graffiti or cultural neighborhood murals. In 2001 I attained a Visual Communications Degree and that opened up a new chapter in my life as an Artisan. I worked briefly in the digital design industry until I was laid off in 2003. I stayed freelancing in digital design and working for advertising companies creating murals throughout the city.

In 2008 I was offered a full-time position in a State Agency nothing to do w/ the creative fields but the benefits where a factor considering I was on my 2nd child. Around this time my wife had the misfortune of being laid off and I was working in every aspect I had time for to makes ends meet. Still employed w/ the State Agency I picked up 2 part-time jobs on top of freelancing to make sure we stayed afloat. I always had an interest in Photography but never wanted to invest in the expensive equipment.

In 2010 I finally decided to purchase a good entry level DSLR and a few lights and decided to focus specifically on Photography as my part-time job. Working multiple PT jobs was not in my cards anymore so I set up a small home studio and for 2 years shot everyone who wanted free photographs. I officially established G. Ortiz Photography in 2014. Fast forward to 2018 I now have 3 children and I’m still employed full time at the State Agency while photographing part-time under G. Ortiz Photography. I have been fortunate to have been published internationally and asked to create how to’s on editing techniques for various photography sites. I love stylistic portrait photography and have been lucky to photograph beautiful weddings throughout New England and beyond.

Currently, I have been focusing on Fine Art Portrait work for additional publications and offering Headshot Services for individuals or cooperate groups. Here in New England Wedding Season is short so I try to stay busy throughout the year. Investing in myself 8 years ago was the best selfish financial decision I could have done at the moment but it paid off. I feel this was in my cards, everything I was involved in pre-photography ended up developing my style.

Mural work gave me a sense of color theory, digital editing gave me experience in today’s top photography editing programs. It’s weird how I learned backwards when in theory normally a photographer learns to use a camera, then edit the image. Learning the editing process then the camera controls has been a unique and awesome method for me. I know what I want prior to looking through the viewfinder so I learned to shoot and produce as close to my for seen image I can get within the camera’s capabilities. Its been an awesome ride and who knows, maybe in a few years Photography would be my one position of employment and a new chapter in my ongoing series.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has had its rough times. Investing in equipment when every dollar counted was tough but my wife believed in me. Photography is a very saturated field and Boston is a very small city. Competition is high so you always have to stay on your A game and produce the best you can produce. As I grew my brand I started to realize the difference in moral and financial support. I learned not to be bothered by friends and family expecting free or discounted work.

I learned at an awesome workshop that family and friends, for the most part, won’t see you as a business, your just a family member or friend good at photography. They may promote you to others but when it comes to them they just see it differently. Learn how to promote yourself and your value and your targeted client base will come.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about G. Ortiz Photography – what should we know?
I consider myself a Stylistic Portrait and Wedding Photographer. My goal is to create images that touch your soul and tell a story by themselves. I love Portrait Photography especially conceptual projects and working w/ a team of creative individuals. I love to create themes and produce photo series.

I bring that same energy into the Wedding Season when I am blessed to capture beautiful weddings. My influences prior to photography sets me apart from the average photographer. All the elements of street culture and color theory play a heavy role in my conceptual projects. I love edgy organic feelings and earthy tones which I have been told are very prominent in my portraits.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I want to establish myself as an individual styled photographer. In today’s era with social media, trends dictate what is good photography and not. I’m creative enough not to follow trends and stubborn enough to believe I can make it my own way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gortizphotography.com
• Phone: 617-276-2730
• Email: info@gortizphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g.ortizphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/G.OrtizPhotography
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/g-ortiz-photography-south-boston-2

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