Buffalo Boss Babe: Gabrielle DeFazio
This week, our Buffalo Boss Babe is Gabrielle DeFazio, the face of Gabrielle DeFazio Photography. We were thrilled to have the chance to chat with a thriving self-taught entrepreneur. She is definitely a woman on the move - watch out!
What made you start or brought you where you are today ? Tell us your Story. What makes you a Buffalo Boss Babe?
Ever since high school I have been taking photos of my friends, of strangers, & documenting events. Back then I didn’t have a DSLR or even know I’d be interested. Back then I shot on my terrible quality flip-phone - my friends didn’t care. They thought it was awesome. I was always taking photos of them and others.
It wasn’t until my dad got me my first point and shoot that I started to see things a little differently. From there, the rest is history. I never took a single class for photography or ever thought about it. I was determined to teach myself. Throughout the years I’ve followed an assortment of other photographers’ work and doing so, I learned what I aspired my photos to look like someday. I never thought I’d actually get there, but here I am.
I see all sorts of progress in my work from my first shot to my current work. It humbles me and also makes me grateful to say that I am a self-taught photographer. I learn something new with every day, every shoot. I watch videos, ask questions, and take my camera almost everywhere. I also believe it’s important to learn from your mistakes. I still make them, but I learn from them.
I photograph to help people, make them smile, raise awareness, tell someone’s story and capture moments in time that our eyes can’t.
What does being a Buffalo Boss Babe mean to you?
It’s an absolute honor. If you told me freshman year in high school I’d be honored like this I
would have laughed in your face. I am humbled.
Who are your favorite people to follow?
@afarmedia @brianbowensmith @shawnastanley_co @meganannphotography_
@emoellerphoto @nikon_portrait
Photo credit: EMoeller Photography
What are your favorite things to do in the area ?
EXPLORE! I love finding new restaurants, discovering murals and more.
Tell us about your favorite collaboration or dream collaborations?
I would like to learn and grow from a more-experienced, Buffalo photographer. No one ever really took me under their wing to show me the ropes, so I feel like I’m missing out on that experience. I will continue to work towards raising awareness for local causes (breast cancer, brain cancer, Salvation Army). I would like to work with more local business owners, the mom & pop shops where the owners started from the ground up - people who had a dream and went for it!
If you could have coffee with anyone in the world who would it be?
Sandra Bullock.
Photo credit: EMoeller Photography
What are your hopes, dreams, and goals. Big or small?
My hope is that I can help people with my photography even if that help comes in the form of a smile. My dream is to continue to grow and learn while meeting all sorts of wonderful souls along the way. Maybe someday I will be able to do this full time and be able to mentor someone just starting out.
Tell us about your family?
They are crazy, loud & extra Italian. I wouldn’t trade them for the world. These guys are my home team, my cheerleaders & my biggest supporters. They give me unfiltered feedback and help me to see another perspective. Truthfully, if it wasn’t for the help of my sister I wouldn’t be where I am today. She got me my first DSLR and has pushed me to chase my dreams from day one. I am and will be forever grateful for these wonderful humans I call my family.
Photo credit: EMoeller Photography
Feel Good Favorites
Color: Plum, but I can be a little sassy and love red as well!
Super Power: Teleportation.. not sure why I can’t do this yet, it’s 2019!
Animal: Elephant
Season of the Year: Give me all that Vitamin D, SUMMER!
Favorite Thing About Buffalo: It’s the place I call “home.”
Photo credit: EMoeller Photography
Gabrielle is truly an inspiration for anyone who wants to follow their dreams and become a true Buffalo Boss Babe. Follow her at @gdefaziophotography on FB and IG!
Until next time Babes, xoxo. - M
