Meet the girl behind the lens
Hi, my name is gabrielle
But you can call me Gaby, and welcome to my digital home! Here you can learn all about me and why I do what I do. To get you started, let me tell you a little bit about myself.
I was born in Durban, South Africa, though my parents are both from Tanzania. I was then raised in Johannesburg, and I've lived in JHB since we moved. You could say that I'm a true Joburger, though I still have roots in Tanzania.
I found the camera, or you could say it found me, at the age of 12. My interest in photography started with photographing still life, self-portraits, architecture and wildlife. After years of experimentation, I found that my true passion lies in people and storytelling through the people I photograph, as well as the experiences I personally live through. The mere act of capturing a moment in time - fortified by its intrinsically significant meaning - means so much to me and is an honour to do. Thus, in the spirit of gratitude, I welcome you to my corner of the internet. So that you may learn more about me, my process and how we can collaborate or work together!
Why I do this
I am driven to tell meaningful stories that preserve true lived experiences for future generations. I believe in honouring people's stories and experiences, as well as creating lasting impact through driving social change with the power of authentic self-expression. To me, the very first step to changing lives is simply changing minds.
How I work
While I aim to lead with skills of logic and practicality, I am a visionary at my core, who constructs and develops ideas entirely with my heart. My process is highly meticulous - in other words, I am precise, and I take my time. This is because I believe exceptional work requires deliberate patience. With me, you always receive intentional, high-quality creative execution.
Fun Facts about me
I frequently draw inspiration from my own writing and weave poetic storytelling into my conceptual projects for my creative and fine art pursuits. For some fun and a challenge, I embrace my logical side by programming or going to a local chess club and playing against other chess enthusiasts. I also like to unwind by playing the ukulele or watching films and anime!
More About TIAFU
The message of TIAFU is the bridge between my heart as an artist and my ethos as a business. It stands for This Is All For Us - An ode to the underrepresented, the voiceless and those whose stories are often left out or forgotten.
My aim with the mission and core message of TIAFU, is to focus and uplift individuals who may not have the resources or ability to do so themselves. I believe in living through and within my purpose and values - creating with pure intention, seeking authentic human connection, and honouring radical authenticity, compassion and empathy. These values naturally evolve into the three professional pillars of TIAFU Photography
Empathy
Drawing upon my core values, I ensure every single subject feels completely safe, understood, and naturally at ease in front of my lens. From animals to children, to strangers or close family and friends. Everyone deserves to belong and be as they are.
Purpose
As I am deeply connected to my mission of ensuring that the work I do makes a difference, I am driven by this purpose (making a difference) with the intention of creating sustainable, accurate and lasting visual narratives - for you.
Integrity
In all that I do, I aim to carry the value of integrity wherever I go - from clear communication to being on time and following through on promises. I am constantly honing my skills to ensure that my clients have a wonderful experience with me.
Whether I am capturing a corporate boardroom, documenting a grassroots community project, or telling the stories of community members, my mission remains the same: to capture the authentic spirit of humanity and prove that these stories, moments and archives are, indeed, all for us.
- There is a story in all of us waiting to be shared and told; these are the moments I capture.
Why TIAFU PHOTOGRAPHY?
Choosing to work with me means a guaranteed smooth, professional and fun experience! I bring my personality into the work I do, and I honour integrity in how I approach my work and my clients. My work is inherently driven by my purpose - that being to make a positive difference in the lives of those I engage with. I value empathy, compassion and authenticity; therefore, I aim to treat every individual with kindness and honour their lived experience. We all know the world needs it.
I Can't wait to work with you!
Ready to take some photos?
Phone
+27 69 522 0372
Location
Montgomery Park, Johannesburg, South Africa
tiafuphotography@gmail.com