We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabriel Chingolani and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Gabriel, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
I love this question because it spans even bigger than just my business. To answer simply: risk taking. Even before I started my own business I was always a risk taker. I visualized what I wanted and I would take whatever risk necessary to get there.
For example I was born and raised in Argentina, but because I fell in love with cinema and photography at a young age I always knew I wanted to go to America where photo and cinema was top notch.
I started this journey in 2016. At 22 years old I started a job on a cruise ship out of Florida as a photographer, barely able to speak English.
My friends thought I was crazy but I learned English on the job and built up my confidence in sales. By 2017 I had earned best photographer and best salesman in the entire company which included over 60 cruise ships worth of photographers.
If I never took that first scary risk I never would have accomplished this important stepping stone in starting my own business.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think what sets me apart as a photographer and videographer is I refuse to sacrifice high quality work.
I am always researching my craft and re-investing money and my time to stay at the top of my game.
If my business and my skill is sitting still then it’s not moving forward. I’m not one to take the easy way out and I’ve learned that it’s much more important to play the long game than hustle for short returns.
For example as far as photography is concerned, I see a lot of photographers using flash and zoom lenses because it’s cheaper and easier. I only own prime lenses because it delivers a higher quality portrait, even if it means I have to be more diligent about lighting or posing; I refuse to deliver a run-of-the-mill photo. None of my photos play it safe with everything and focus, I’m always going for that high-quality portrait refined look.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Our must do Miami list is as follows: Aventura Mall, Time Out Market, Gianni’s aka: The Former Versace Mansion, and food truck Tuesdays at Haulover Beach!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people to thank for how far I’ve come as a person and business owner.
First I have to thank Image Photo Inc. and Royal Caribbean for giving me my first opportunity as an employed photographer in America.
Next I have to thank my parents for always supporting my dreams and goals no matter how big and crazy they seemed.
Finally I have to shout out my wife Gina, who tirelessly works to make our joint vision come to fruition.
Website: Www.gabrielchingolani.com
Instagram: @GabrielChingolaniPhotography
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabrielchingolaniphotography/
Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RzxBJln7HIU&
Other: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/gabriel-chingolani-photography-videography/f260752aaf91f1e8.html