Meet Gary Barragan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gary Barragan. 

Hi Gary, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was about 18 or 19 when I first caught the itch for photography. I can remember going around taking random pictures here and there of nature, cars, family and friends, etc. It was then in 2010 when I borrowed a DSLR from a friend that opened my eyes to how much more I could with my hobby (as opposed to using a point and shoot). I soon purchased my own DLSR shortly after that. After about a year of learning and growing with that camera, a friend suggested to go ahead start my business so I have a place to start growing into. In 2012 I registered my business and took the leap to go from hobbyist to professional. 

During the first 5 years, I concentrated on building my business with consisting of portrait and wedding clients. Then towards the end of 2017, I began to transition out of weddings and start focusing in on headshots. I would still photograph portraits but headshots is something I found a strong passion for and decided to hone my art and skill set around that niche. Within a year I was being listed as a top headshot photographer in Louisville. Today, although I’m still specializing in headshots and it is still my main wheelhouse, I am starting to bring my portrait work back to the forefront. My portrait work is considered to have a magazine editorial feel while my boudoir work is heavily influenced by the fine art portrait masters. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
As with any career, there has definitely been struggles. The biggest struggles were learning the back end of the business. Photography is honestly about 10% taking pictures and 90% business. Thankfully I’ve had some wonderful mentors to learn from. Within the local photography community here in Louisville, I met some wonderful people who would not only help teach me techniques relating to lighting, composition, and retouching but they also became good friends as well. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am considered to be Louisville’s preferred headshot photographer. My style of headshots are high-end and modern. I think what I’m most proud of is that I’m referred to as the go-to photographer for headshots in Louisville. It’s not something I really market, but it’s one of the most common things I hear from clients when they come to the studio. I think what sets me apart is that my style is flexible and the expressions I coach from clients are very nuanced. It’s not a simple stand here and smile run-of-the-mill session. What I create for clients is an in-depth experience from the time clients book with me, throughout the time of the session then wrapping up with the delivery of the final images. I help clients look and feel their best. I help build up their confidence when need be and then I coach their posing and composition to get the most flattering angles for their headshots. I genuinely care about my clients and the art that I create for them. So, with every session I ensure that my lighting is unmatched, my retouching is top-notch, and that my work is rated as next level. 

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My best advice is to find your voice, find your niche then take it to the stars. Don’t let anyone tell you different. There’s going to be roadblocks and naysayers, don’t let any of that dissuade you from pursuing your dreams. The one thing I wish I knew when I first started out that I know now is learning to figure out who and what is going to help excel your dreams and what is going to hold you back. 

Pricing:

• Headshots start at $200.
• Portrait sessions begin at $500.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://garybarragan.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photobygaryb/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garybarraganphotography
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gary-barragan-photography-louisville