Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabe Herrera
Hi Gabe, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My love for photography ignited when I picked up my old man’s camera in 2000. The real deal began in 2006 when I took a couple of photography courses towards a BFA for graphic design. Since 2010, I’ve been in the professional photography game, and in 2018, I kicked off Gabe Rene LLC, my own brand.
My journey touched on Graphic Design at the Art Institute, and I’ve been riding the Adobe Creative Suite wave since my high school days in 2001. While I’ve worn many hats, photography has always been my jam. It’s my passion turned profession, and I’m stoked that I get to do what I love. Oh, and I’m sharing this wild ride with my partner in crime and my fiancé Kyle!
Kyle’s a Navy Vet, business owner, and an entrepreneur himself. He hopped on board when he saw my struggle to find backup during the wedding season madness. These days, he’s my second shooter, style guru, and all-around rockstar. He’s the yin to my yang, and together, we’re effin’ killing it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to owning a business has its ups and downs, no doubt, but I’d say there have been more ups than downs. Going full-time at the end of 2022 was a bold move—scary as hell, to be honest—but damn, it was worth it. I’m not just learning to run a business and grow it; I’m leveling up personally too, both in my craft and as a human.
One of the biggest challenges? Balancing the creative side with the business side. Don’t get me wrong—I love creating badass visuals and pushing my creative boundaries, but there’s a whole other side to this gig that doesn’t always come naturally to creatives. I’m talking about the nitty-gritty stuff like managing finances, marketing, and keeping clients happy. It’s not the sexy part of the job, but it’s crucial. I’ve had to dive in headfirst and figure out how to keep that fire burning while also staying strategic and organized.
Another big one has been building a brand that really reflects who I am and the kind of work I want to be known for. It’s easy to get caught up in trends or play the comparison game with others in the industry, but staying true to my vision and the unique voice of Gabe Rene LLC is everything. There’s been plenty of trial and error, and yeah, I’ve had moments where I questioned if I’m on the right path, but those struggles have only made me more determined to stay the course.
And let’s be real—the workload can get intense. As much as I’d love to say it’s all glamour and creativity, the truth is there are long hours, late nights, and the pressure of knowing that every decision impacts the future of the business. But you know what? Every challenge has been a lesson, and those lessons have shaped not just the business, but who I am as a creative pro. And I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We specialize in creating badass visual experiences across a range of photography genres. Our bread and butter? Glamorous weddings. We’re all about capturing the big moments and those little details that make each couple’s day uniquely theirs. Our clients walk away feeling like royalty because we deliver images that are not just stunning but timeless.
We also dive into desirable boudoir and maternity sessions, where the focus is on empowerment and celebrating the beauty of the human form. These shoots are personal, intimate, and a hell of a lot of fun. It’s about creating a vibe where clients feel confident and can truly shine—whether they’re marking a special moment or just celebrating themselves.
Creative portraiture? That’s where we really push the boundaries. Whether it’s an individual looking to capture their essence in a killer shot or a brand telling its story through visuals, we’re all about creating something that’s not only visually striking but also deeply meaningful.
Speaking of brands, collaborating with companies of all sizes is one of the most exciting parts of what we do. We love helping brands tell their story through killer visuals—whether it’s product photography, lifestyle shots, or content that nails their vibe. But we don’t stop at just photos. We also offer design and marketing services to help brands build a cohesive, powerful visual presence. From designing eye-catching packaging to crafting marketing materials that actually grab attention, we’re here to deliver the whole damn package that’ll take your brand to the next level.
And when I need to recharge, I escape into capturing dreamy landscapes. There’s nothing like being out in nature, chasing that perfect light, and creating images that transport you to another world. It’s my way of reconnecting with the pure, unfiltered love for photography.
What sets us apart? It’s our commitment to making every session—whether it’s a wedding, boudoir, branding, or portrait—a collaborative and personalized experience. We’re not just snapping pictures; we’re telling stories, capturing real emotions, and creating art that resonates. I’m most proud of the connections we’ve built with our clients—those moments when they see their images for the first time and realize we’ve nailed exactly what they were hoping for, and then some.
At Gabe Rene LLC, it’s all about blending technical expertise with raw creativity, and delivering results that blow expectations out of the water. Whether it’s through photography, design, or marketing, we’re here to make sure your vision comes to life in the most epic way possible.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy in all of this? It’s those moments when a client sees their photos or designs for the first time, and you can see it in their eyes—they’re blown away. There’s nothing like that feeling when they realize we’ve nailed exactly what they were envisioning, and sometimes even more than they expected. Knowing I’ve helped someone tell their story—whether it’s through a killer wedding album, a bold brand image, or an empowering boudoir session—that’s the good stuff.
I also get a real buzz from the creative process itself. Pushing boundaries, trying out new ideas, and watching them come to life. There’s something deeply satisfying about taking an idea from just a spark in my head to a final product that not only meets expectations but smashes them. And let’s be real—knowing the work we do has a lasting impact, whether it’s capturing a once-in-a-lifetime moment or helping a brand connect with their audience, is just damn rewarding.
At the end of the day, it’s all about making connections, telling stories, and creating something that sticks. That’s what fuels my fire and keeps me pumped to do what I do every day.
Pricing:
- Weddings $3500-$13,000
- Boudoir starting at $700
- Portrait sessions starting at $500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gaberene.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaberenephoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaberenephoto
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gaberenephoto
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/gaberene_afterdark
Image Credits
Gabe Rene LLC
