We had the good fortune of connecting with Gary Ottonello and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gary, why did you pursue a creative career?
I had an early fascination with cameras, and when I was in high school I got a job washing dishes at a deli so I could save up for a proper camcorder. Fast forward to after high school, and I was working a warehouse job for 6 years until I started thinking about pursuing freelance photography full time. It’s been over 9 years since I went full time as a freelancer photographer, and I can say it was the best decision I ever made to quit my 9-5 job to pursue working for myself. I love what I do every single day.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I shoot anything that involves me holding a camera. I’d say that my success came from a certain stubbornness that I knew I wouldn’t fail. I knew I would do whatever it took to succeed as a no-name photographer. And I’m still not done trying to learn and progress and grow as a professional. I’ve learned that integrity and communication are crucial to the success as a professional, but I am in no means an expert in everything to do with being an entrepreneur.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
So I’m one of those photographers that lives in a Sprinter van, so my perfect vacation is to get as far off the grid in my van with my dog and a ton of cameras, and just go on some hikes, bbq so delicious food, and go on hikes. If you’re looking for somewhere specific, just take the highway 395 along the Eastern Sierra’s or just about anywhere in Montana.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I’m at in life without the support of my father and grandfather. For whatever reason, they both showed me support early on in my interest with cameras, and without them I don’t think I would have ever made it as an independent contractor. Both of them died years ago, so I strive to stay successful enough with my business to make both of them proud.

Website: www.garyomedia.com

Instagram: @gary_ottonello

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@garyottonello8744

Image Credits
All photos shot by me.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.