Meet Gabriel Mc Creadie | Commercial Photographer & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabriel Mc Creadie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabriel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Some background info – I am a Commercial Photographer and Filmmaker based in South Africa –

I have always had a deep connection to art in all forms.

I was very fortunate to have been born into a family full of entrepreneurs , from my parents all the way down to my siblings , we all have our own businesses. ( I am the youngest of 4 )

When my parents had noticed my love for art , specifically conceptual photography , they immediately nurtured the connection and threw as much support as possible my way knowing that I could build a company out of it later on in my life.

At the ripe age of 14 they had gotten me my first camera to play with – By the age of 17 I was taking on professional work and now at 22 I am an Internationally Published and Sponsored creator. ( Sponsored by GodoxSA)

I matriculated and immediately jumped into the industry without hesitation and without any further formal education.

So, What was my thought process?
There wasn’t a thought process, it came naturally, it was simply meant to be.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Despite what my momma tells me, I am not the best photographer in the world, I am not even the best in South Africa – But the beauty of art is that the artist will always be reflected is his/her work regardless of his or hers skill level.
And thats not up the artists, it’s simply how it is.

So what sets my work apart from others?
It is me, and there is only one me.

“How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy?”

Nothing worth anything is easy , thats what gives it it’s worth –

Every entrepreneur has said this, and I will say it again , Hard work.
I had taken 1000 horrible images before ever taking a half decent one.

Let’s say you have broken legs ( touch wood )
And you are laying in bed recovering and suddenly become very hungry, starving – It doesn’t matter how broken those bones are you will find a way to your fridge to fill up your belly.

If you truly want something bad enough , you will do whatever is necessary to obtain it.

Long story short – Hard work and persistence , I have unfortunately not come across any shortcuts yet, but I will definitely let everyone know if I find one!

“What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?”

One lesson I always share with the new shooters I mentor is ,

Gear vs Studying –

This will be subjective and I am sure there are many who disagree – But I don’t think you should study photography .

With Youtube being so easily accessible, I don’t think spending any capital on studying is worth it , rather spend 10 hours a day on Youtube learning how to use a camera and what makes a good picture while reserving all your capital for gear as well as digital business assets like a website and marketing is the correct way to startup.

I am not taking anything away from Photography courses, they have their place and I am sure some are better than others, but with a professional camera setup being worth $10 000+ , your startup money is better spent elsewhere.

Youtube and years of taking bad pictures got me to where I am, It can do the same for you.

“What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?”

The world doesn’t need to know about me , It’s not about me, it’s about the people I photograph.

I want the world to see those people for who they are and and to resonate with their smiles and emotions.

My work has two purposes – Either to provoke a feeling and or to sell a product for a business.
If one image can do both, I am happy to say that that photograph was a success.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So I am knee deep in the events industry – My brothers a SAMA winning drummer , my best friends are DJ’s and many of my clients are either musicians ,DJ’s or event organisers.

So our parties are covered 10 fold, You will find us in the VIP sections of all the coolest local parties mingling with absolutely beautiful individuals!

Food wise – I am addicted to Eggs Benedict!
I have had it at every possible restaurant so you best know we will be visiting my top 5 breakfast spots.

Ultimately, I try work 24/7 , I am consistently on set and or in pre and post production, so I hope my friend has his or hers own hobby because realistically they only have me on Friday and Saturday night haha – But those nights will be full of fun.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family –

Growing up I always said I wanted to be a Professional Photographer – People laughed at me , from school friends to teachers , they all said ” You cant make a living from clicking a button.”

But my family, especially my parents, had a very different perspective.
They understood that one of the most important characteristics of success is passion – They saw that passion in me and never doubted it for a second.

My father , Alf , always said ” Your job has to be orgasmic, otherwise its not worth you doing it”

He’s right, life is so long yet so short, we should be spending doing things with unquestioned love.

My family truly shaped me to be the individual I am today – They didn’t make me a Professional Photographer , I was always going to be one , but they made the dream incredible possible, and for that I cannot thank them enough.

Maree Mc Creadie
Alf Mc Creadie
Nick Mc Creadie
Tracey Mc Creadie
Raffaela Mc Creadie

These people deserve the world, and if I can give it to them in my lifetime, I absolutely will!

Website: www.AfricanBigMac.co.za

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/african.bigmac/?hl=en

Facebook: African BigMac Photography

Image Credits
Models : Lula Odiba Candace Raubenheimer Clementine Mosimane Krispy Kreme Sherbet Agency Keegan Amorim Woolworths SA