Meet Thomas Gillman

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Thomas Gillman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Thomas with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My determination to have a better life for myself than the way I grew up. My parents were great in many ways, however circumstances dictated that I was homeless many times as a child. Sleeping in a station wagon in the cold, in Philadelphia, was not something I ever enjoyed. When I was old enough to get a job I did and i promised myself that the days of going through that were over. The cycle stops with me and it did and it will continue that way as long as I live.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a photographer in the Tampa area that focuses on weddings and families. To me the joy of a wedding day is palpable. The feelings, the emotions. I love every bit of it. When I married my wife in 1997 those feelings were present then and I get to relive them with every wedding I photograph. As for my brand I provide a luxury service at a justifiable cost. I provide a high premium service for a rate that people can attain.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

For me its practice, education and consistency. Learn your gear. Learn how to light and edit properly, and learn business. Find your style and run with it. Do your best not to compare yourself with others. There are hundreds of flavors of ice cream. Some you like.. some are ok and some you just say no to. The same is with what I do. Develop the style you resonate with, your “flavor” and go with it. The right people will find you and hire you.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

This is a great question as someone that has anxieties. I can get overwhelmed quickly. Sometimes I just have to tune out the world. I take breaks, walk the dogs, set the work down for a moment and go watch a movie or turn up the Spotify. Something to ground myself and get my breath and feet back under me. I also have a wonderful wife that encourages me and offers to help take things off my plate in any way she can. The other thing I think helps is realizing that.. in reality.. with what I do.. Its just pictures.. no one is dying.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Thomas Gillman / Abundant Grace Photography

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