Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Atencio.
Hi Gabriela, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Maracaibo, Venezuela, a city full of culture, creativity, and life. From an early age, I found myself drawn to the arts. Whether it was music, design, fashion, photography, or visual storytelling, I was always fascinated by the ability to create something meaningful and share a unique perspective with others. Creativity has never been just a hobby for me, it has always been a part of who I am.
My journey into photography began around 2014, when my sister, who was a model in Venezuela, constantly asked me to take photos of her. At the time, I never imagined those moments would shape my future. If I’m being honest, I was usually annoyed by it at first. Looking back now, though, I have to give her some credit, without knowing it, she played a big role in introducing me to the passion that would eventually become my career.
The more time I spent behind a camera, the more photography became something I genuinely loved. That passion continued to grow as I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design in Venezuela. During my studies, I had the opportunity to take photography courses that helped me develop both technical skills and a deeper appreciation for visual storytelling. It was there that I realized photography wasn’t just something I enjoyed, it was something I could truly see myself doing for the rest of my life.
After moving to the United States, I continued exploring different paths while trying to discover exactly what I wanted my future to look like. Through every stage of that journey, one thing remained constant: I was always documenting life. I loved capturing moments, preserving memories, and creating images that allowed me, my friends and family to revisit meaningful experiences long after they had passed.
In 2024, I decided it was time to fully embrace what inspired me most and turn my passion into something bigger. Since then, I have dedicated myself to capturing meaningful moments for others. Whether it’s a portrait session, a wedding, a family celebration, or another important milestone, I feel incredibly grateful to be trusted with preserving memories that people will cherish for years to come.
At the same time, photography represents much more than documenting special occasions. I am constantly looking for new ways to create, experiment, and grow as an artist. I enjoy exploring different styles and subjects, and I never want to limit myself to just one form of photography. Fashion, music, and art continue to inspire me every day and influence the way I see the world through my lens.
One of my favorite things to photograph is live music. I love attending concerts and capturing the energy, emotion, and atmosphere of those experiences. There is something special about freezing a fleeting moment and transforming it into a lasting memory. Fashion is another major source of inspiration for me, as it allows creativity, personality, and storytelling to come together in a visual way. Together, music, fashion, and art have become some of the strongest influences on both my work and my identity as a creative.
When I look back at the fourteen-year-old girl who reluctantly took photos for her sister, I can’t help but smile. The journey has been filled with learning, growth, and countless opportunities to create. That younger version of myself would be incredibly proud of where I am today. Photography has allowed me to combine everything I love, art, human connection, storytelling, and creativity, and I am excited to continue evolving, innovating, and sharing my perspective with the world through every image I create.
Alright, 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?
Building my photography career has not been without challenges. One of the most difficult parts of my journey was moving to a new country and having to start over from scratch. Leaving Venezuela meant leaving behind my family, my friends, and the people who had been part of my life for years.
When you begin building something in a place where you already have roots, there are often friends, family members, and acquaintances who help spread the word about what you do. In my case, arriving in the United States meant starting over completely. I had to build new relationships, introduce myself to an entirely new community, and create opportunities where none existed before.
There were moments when that felt overwhelming. Starting over can be lonely, and growing a creative business without an established network takes time. It requires patience, consistency, and a great deal of faith in yourself, especially when progress feels slower than you hoped.
Over time, however, those challenges became some of my greatest opportunities for growth. Through photography, I have been able to meet incredible people, create meaningful connections, and become part of a community that once felt out of reach. It has taken time, but every relationship, every client, and every opportunity has been worth the effort.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What inspires me most is the opportunity to create something that allows people to feel a moment all over again. Photography, for me, has never been just about taking beautiful pictures. It’s about preserving emotions, connections, and memories in a way that feels genuine. When someone looks at one of my photos years later, I want them to remember exactly how they felt in that moment, the excitement, the love, the laughter, or even the small details they may have forgotten with time.
Creativity has always come naturally to me. Some of my favorite ideas appear when I least expect them. I can be doing something completely unrelated, and suddenly a concept, a pose, a location, or an entire shoot idea comes to mind. I’ve learned to embrace those moments and trust my creative instincts because they often become some of my favorite projects.
I think one of the reasons people connect with my work is that I am constantly looking for ways to create something fresh and meaningful. I don’t like approaching every session the same way. Every person, every couple, every family, and every story is different, and I enjoy finding ways to reflect that through my work. I am always searching for new ideas, new perspectives, and new ways to tell stories through photography.
At the same time, creativity alone is not enough. I am also incredibly detail-oriented when it comes to my work. I care deeply about the quality of everything I create and deliver, and I believe that the smallest details often make the biggest difference. From planning a session to editing the final gallery, I want every image to feel intentional, polished, and professional. The work I deliver is a reflection of who I am, so I always strive to create something that my clients will love and that I can be proud to put my name on.
What makes me most proud, however, is not a specific photo or accomplishment. It is the person I have become throughout this journey. Building a business, adapting to a new country, meeting new people, and continuously challenging myself creatively has helped me grow in ways I never expected. I am not the same young girl who first picked up a camera years ago. I have become more confident, more resilient, and more willing to take risks and pursue the things that inspire me.
I have achieved things that at one point felt far beyond what I imagined for myself, and that growth means more to me than any single achievement. Every challenge, every lesson, and every experience has helped shape not only my career, but also my character.
When I think about what sets my work apart, I believe it comes down to intention. I want every gallery to feel personal, emotional, and authentic to the people in it. Rather than simply documenting a moment, I strive to create images that feel alive—images that tell a story and allow people to relive meaningful memories whenever they look back at them.
I am also constantly pushing myself to evolve creatively. I love exploring ideas that feel different, finding inspiration in unexpected places, and creating work that feels true to my artistic vision. While every photographer develops their own style, I am always searching for ways to make my work recognizable through the emotions it evokes, the stories it tells, and the care behind every detail.
At the heart of everything I do is a desire to keep growing, creating, and connecting with people through meaningful imagery. My goal is not simply to take photographs, but to create something that people can feel—something that becomes a lasting reminder of moments they never want to forget.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
It’s difficult for me to choose a single favorite childhood memory because, when I look back, what I cherish most is an entire chapter of my life rather than one specific moment.
When I think about my childhood, I remember laughter, creativity, and togetherness. I remember spending hours with my sister creating stories, making videos, singing, and turning ordinary days into little adventures. I remember sleepovers with cousins, family gatherings, and all those small moments that seemed so ordinary at the time but have become some of my most treasured memories.
I also remember growing up in an environment where creativity was always encouraged. My father would often tell my sister and me that we were going to become great artists or famous singers one day, and my mother was always there supporting our interests, whether it was music, languages, or any new hobby we wanted to explore. Looking back, I realize how much those experiences helped shape my imagination, my confidence, and the creative person I am today.
That’s why it’s impossible for me to choose just one favorite memory. When I think about my childhood, what I remember most is the feeling of being surrounded by love, encouragement, and people who believed in me. Those moments continue to inspire me and remind me of the importance of creativity, connection, and preserving meaningful memories.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gabrielaatenphoto.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielaatenphoto
