Making the move from New York City to Los Angeles could not have been easier for me. I hopped on the plane to LAX with my dream and my cardigan... but actually though...I did.

As a student, artist and adventurer, making the move from NYC to LA was a big frightening; however, looking forward to the next chapter in my life, I submitted applications to colleges around the country, along with a portfolio of photographs: images I am particularly proud of. I received acceptance after acceptance all with offers for scholarships.

After visiting my top choices, each offering a variety of opportunities, I concluded that living at home in New York City would be the most constructive and affordable way of establishing my own photography business for my freshman year. New York City is compelling with its myriad of cultures and backdrops and while it meant staying home, I believed that the networking opportunities for business would be my best option.The choice to stay in New York City was a tough one and presented many difficult challenges, the one thing that has given me joy during that time was my camera. I have longed to leave my home of nineteen years and allow my camera to take me on a new journey, further developing my own niche and goals to create memorable photographs that evoke endless empathy. New York City will always be in my heart, I have made the decision to move on to a new place to “wander and observe,” seeking new inspiration in unfamiliar areas.

While in New York City, I have assimilated techniques from world-renowned mentors, through the use of technology, books and in person seminars. Although my passion has been photographing different terrains and landscapes particularly at night, the beauty of portrait photography has also become alluring. Creating an exceptional portrait isn’t simply about clicking the button when someone is in front of the camera. It’s about encapsulating who they are, understanding subtleties that portray the essence of their soul. Overlaying my distinctive artistic style and using New York City as my setting, my business had begun to thrive. Now that I am based out of Los Angeles, I am thrilled to say that I have another place to call home and flourish in.

I have always been challenged to look for inspiration everywhere I go. I notice the smallest of things and paint pictures in my head that ultimately lead to future photographs. As I explore environments around me and travel to various programs across the country, my skills have tremendously improved. Dark or eerie, nightscapes and landscape provide colossal beauty no matter how sparse or plentiful; likewise every individual I photograph is just as motivating as I strive to embrace their differences. I exist in everyday the same as Steve McCurry does with the thought that “my life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport.”

All Photographic rights are reserved to ©GabrielleRobinson.