Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriel Conover.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up surrounding myself with different forms of art. Whether it was music, painting, photography or other things. My brothers were both more interested in sports, which I also loved. But when I started high school I had to choose between committing my life to sports or art, and my choice was easy for me. I got married straight out of high school when I was 18, so pursuing a career in something I was passionate about was pretty risky since I had to start supporting a family so quickly. I originally pursued a career in retail management and became a store manager at Starbucks when I was 20 years old. In this time, my wife and I had 2 kids together and purchased a home, so it just definitely seems like opening my own business was on the horizon.
Unsurprisingly, I grew sick of my job very quickly and my wife and I decided I would quit and start my wedding photography business at the beginning of 2018. It is now June of 2018, and I cannot tell you how incredible everything has been. Wedding photography allows me to combine my 2 passions of art and people. I am able to capture so many uniquely beautiful stories through my job and I am loving every second of it!
Please tell us about your art.
I have a very genuine and fun style, which has become very popular in the past few years. So, it’s been a little difficult to make myself stand out when so many others are doing the same thing. I am a highly personable and out-going individual and I wanted my work to reflect what I love and what makes me love people! We all have seen those perfectly posed photos on our parent’s mantles that are really sweet and we love them. But when I am older and my kids are looking through my wedding photos, I want them to see how much fun my wife and I have together. I want them to see how deeply we love each other through the emotion in the photos. I want people to look back at your wedding album someday and say wow, we are so in love. I want to help people create memories that will inspire your passion for each other to continue to grow. My favorite photos are the ones involving laughter, tears, passion and fun.
My inspiration behind my photography is actually the relationship my wife and I have together. We have had the unique experience of being able to literally grow up together because we have been together since we were 13. We have made every decision together and have travelled through some pretty messy roads. Our love for each other is raw, imperfect, and truly incredible. Something that anyone who knows us well would tell you about us, is that we are EXACTLY the people we want to be. Imperfectly beautiful. We defy the norms of society and our mission is to inspire others to do the same. My business reflects these ideas.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
Art is meant to touch people’s lives and tell stories. Everyone has a different passion and a different story. But there are not many people out there who are confident enough to pursue their passions and tell their unique stories. This is the fact that shaped my mission.
I find the most success in owning and refining the identity that God has given me and using it to inspire others to embrace their God-given abilities to bless others. Sometimes we get so focused on self-love that we forget that true joy can only be found in loving others over yourself. Self-care is important, but we should be using self-care as an opportunity to build up our energy so we have more to give to others. I am totally confident in who I am. I do not change who I am, but I am constantly looking for ways to sharpen my unique abilities and qualities for the better.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work is mostly showcased on social media and the mantles of people’s homes. Honestly, the biggest support would be to support my mission. “To inspire others to embrace their God-given abilities and personality to bless others.”
Contact Info:
- Address: 9728 Marilla Dr. Unit 614, Lakeside, CA 92040
- Website: www.gabrielconoverphotography.com
- Phone: 6197295995
- Email: hello@gabrielconoverphotography.com
- Instagram: @gabrielconover
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gabriel-Conover-Photography/
Image Credit:
Shelly Anderson Photography (photo of me)
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