about the human behind the camera

Hello!

I am Andrea de Gabriel…

The heart and mind behind Andrea de Gabriel Portraits

light finder.

confidence reviver.

“WOW!” creator.

How I got here…

“Life brought me to professional photography almost by accident as, before then,

my working life orbited around different technical and customer service roles”

Unlike many other photographers, I do not have a “I grew up with a camera in my hand” story.

In fact, I didn’t even have a camera for most of my life, though I did LOVE a Polaroid my dad gave me for my birthday when I was a teenager - but he then proceeded to complain incessantly when he realised how much the film pack for it actually costed!

I used that camera a LOT, but it was mainly because of the novelty factor - instant images!

(Hmmm… was I preparing for the advent of digital, that many years before it became a thing?!)

Moving on!

I fell in love with photography at college, whilst doing a C&G Photography Course, which is totally back to front, right?

Nonetheless I did fall in love with it, finished my course, and set up my business!

From day one my work has been about making a difference to, and having a positive impact on, the lives of everyone who stands in front of my camera - and this ethos is still very much the driving force behind everything I do!

My “why”?

“I see my mother’s eyes in every woman I photograph…”

No. I am not trying to make you cry, or being overly emotional. Promise!

But the truth is that my mother was my greatest role model.

My most enthusiastic cheer-leader. My Hero!

“She taught me to love who I am, and to understand that I am unique: not better, not worse, than anyone else. Just unique.”

She made me understand that this is true for all of us!

She gave me unshakeable confidence, without arrogance. Without snobbery. Without conceit.

My mother passed away too young, at the age of 50, but she still inspires me and I do see her eyes in every woman I photograph, regardless of age, shape, colour, or walk of life!

Why?

Because our eyes show joy and fear, confidence and vulnerability, certainty and doubt!

Her eyes showed it all and I see these same feelings, and more, in my clients, all the time.

Much like my mother did for me, I want to help women step into their confidence, to feel unstoppable, and to celebrate individuality and uniqueness!

Awards!

(they are nice to have, but haven’t gone to my head!)

I am the recipient of several Portrait Masters’ Awards, for my women’s portraiture work.

I am also a winner of the prestigious Woman Who Solopreneur Award, in 2020, a Finalist at the 2021 Awards, and the recipient of the prestigious Special Commendation Award, in the “Woman Who Creates” Category, in 2022.

(These are awards for my business, as opposed to my photographic work)

What The Judges Said on awarding me the Special Commendation, really moved me, and I felt understood both as a business and as a photographer:

"Andrea's passion for what she does, shines through.

Her love for, not only, photography but her vision to make a true difference to her clients is evident, in allowing them to see the best version of themselves.

We believe that Andrea deserved a Special Commendation, not only because of her commitment to her art form, and for her incredible talent in all that she does, but also for her desire to give people a lasting legacy!"

I am always dead chuffed with awards because they are an excellent barometer for business, and of my growth as a photographer - but to be honest, and totally cheesy, my clients’ satisfaction and the joy they derive from what I create for them is far more the sort of soul food that I adore!

MY VALUES

INTEGRITY

Acting with integrity to me means always being honest and ethical.
It means acting with complete transparency in all my dealings with clients, suppliers, and everyone I meet!
A PASSION FOR CREATING

So many people have described me as “passionate” about my work.
I believe that my love for what I do and for serving my clients with enthusiasm, honesty, and dedication, comes through in the way I engage with everyone, and in everything I do.
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS

Building lasting, positive, and constructive relationships with my clients is central to my values, and something I care about, deeply.
This is why I never outsource any of my work, and take responsibility for the delivery of my services from your first enquiry to handing over your images and products.