Meet Gabrielle Desroches

We were lucky to catch up with Gabrielle Desroches recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gabrielle, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

It’s funny that this question came up, because it’s something I’ve only really recently learned about myself. Perfectionism has always been my best friend and also my worst enemy. Lately, it’s been hindering my ability to create, and even live authentically, so in the last few months or so, I’ve been challenging myself to let go of it.

It’s been a difficult, but liberating experience. Having a career in the creative world makes it difficult to be vulnerable and to create without the pressure of making the end product one that reflects my personal brand as a professional. I’ve learned that the hurtful parts of perfectionism came from a place of fear of being judged and of failure rather than success. Once that core truth was realized, I could begin the journey of removing the high pedestal I held other’s opinions on, and could begin to experiment and create for myself.

I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of an incredibly supportive dance troupe, where I’ve been able to create and be vulnerable in a space without any career repercussions, which gave me the freedom to truly let go and experiment. My experimentation and passion in that space was met with such vibrant support, it gave me the foundation to start building a more authentic creation experience across the board.

I’ve always been a creative at heart, my passions and hobbies cover all aspects of visual art including dance, sfx makeup, fashion, painting, photography, and making films and videos. The best way to keep all that creativity alive and flowing is to give yourself a space to be creative. Whether that’s the people you surround yourself with, how you decorate and value your own spaces at home (which trust me, does a lot), or reminding yourself that not all art has to be ~perfect~. I’ll wrap this answer up by repeating the best advice I’ve ever gotten: Treat your creative ideas like they’re a person. If you constantly shut that voice down with internal criticism, ignore their needs until it’s the ‘perfect time’ , or whatever doubts stop you from pursuing those creative ideas, that person will inevitably shut down. Have the courage to act on those creative voices.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m an award-winning non-binary Director of Photography (DP) and First Assistant Camera. I primarily work on narrative stories and music videos. I work hard to increase the production value of any project I am brought on, and I love creating bold, colorful images. As a DP, I often get asked what my style is. I am still figuring out a concise way to articulate my style, but I do know that I love creating primarily backlit shots, especially if there’s a lens flare involved, I absolutely ADORE lens flares. I generally like the look of spherical lenses more than anamorphic lenses, with the exception of using anamorphics for action and sci-fi based films. I love finding excuses to include bright colors in the lighting set up as well, whether that be from practicals, or using color in an abstract, experimental way by using gels, sheers, or elements from art department to bleed some color into the frame. I also adore halation and soft highlight roll-offs with effects such as black pro mist filters and film emulations.

If you’re looking to see some of my work, both as a DP and a First AC, I crewed as an AC and Cam-Op on my first feature film this year and I am looking forward to the release of Dashing Through the Snow, a film by Prince Bagdasarian, coming out this December. I am also excited for the festival circuits that a few shorts that I’ve worked on as a DP will begin entering later this year. The award-winning Born to Be Bad music video for Blake Corpse I shot and directed is also officially out on Youtube for viewing!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

For me, the key players in my journey were learning more about the capabilities of different cameras and lenses, refining and examining my people skills, and solidifying and growing my understanding on different lighting units.

Understanding cameras and lenses, their specs, and how those impact the image was a game changer for me. As I’ve progressed on my journey, my continuously stronger understanding of the camera through both working in the camera department and as a Director of Photography is going to play a big part in how I continue to develop my skillset as a technician. Understanding and trying out lots of lenses helped me build my own style and preferences within image-making as well. I’ve also had a ton of fun learning about more lighting units and developing my arsenal of tools to light and shape light with.

The biggest development I’d say in my journey thus far has been my people skills. I have always generally been on the shyer end when it comes to socialization, but in a position of leadership and in an industry of networking, that mindset will not let you thrive. I’ve made a ton of progress and I am very proud of where I am today compared to when I started. I still have a long, but ultimately fulfilling, journey ahead of me. The biggest thing I can advise for others going through a similar journey is to be kind to yourself above all else. You don’t shame yourself into growth, nurture yourself into it.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

As someone in the film industry, collaboration is the name of the game! I’d love to help bring visions to life whether it’s working as a DP, an Assistant Camera pulling focus, or even a camera operator. Making friends and being on set with those friends for a career is a joy like no other. I’m primarily looking to connect with producers, directors, and writers that have stories to bring to life, but am happy to meet other cinematographers that I can work as an assistant camera under as well. I also love photography and am always looking for models to shoot colorful and dramatic ideas with. Don’t hesitate to reach out! My website will be linked at the bottom of the article and has links to all of my socials to reach out on, or there’s an email template to send any inquiries on my site too.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Emily Roberts Photography
Sharath Visions

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