Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle “Sora” Gazzaneo.
Hi Michelle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story began in the country of Venezuela, where I was born and lived for the first 6 years of my life. After that, we immigrated to Houston, Texas where I’ve lived split between two cultures–Venezuelan and American–for the majority of my life. One culture at home with my family and another in the outer world at school, work, on tv, and essentially everywhere else. Art’s ability as a medium to transcend cultural norms has drawn me to pursue it. Art is a universal language that we all speak, whatever that medium may be. Regardless of if I spoke Spanish or English, or if I had different cultural backgrounds, art allowed me to express myself. Art was a way that I found the freedom to be exactly who I am: a queer, fluid, multicultural individual.
I fell in love with videography when I was 14 years old because of an uncle who is a producer that started to show me the ropes of Sony Vegas and the technical aspects of videography. The way that one can make something out of nothing had me hooked right from the start. From there I started making my own videos with different anime and shows that I used to watch, adding music and different effects to create the visuals that I was going for. I also began editing videos of different festivals and concerts that I would attend. Not too long after choosing to study Media Production at the University of Houston, my videos expanded into photography as well.
I love being able to capture moments and images and make them into a beautiful works of art that will last past that moment itself. Today I graduated with my Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Media Production from the University of Houston, and have started my own Freelance company digital media called, Michie Productions. I’m still finding my niche but I do a lot of different work from events to promotional work to portraits, and so forth.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have definitely been struggles along the way, such as finding myself in the midst of the chaos that is this society, especially as a queer person in a Hispanic/catholic household. There was a lot of confusion when it came to accepting myself because of everything that I had been taught and shown at home and in the real world. With that comes the struggle of holding myself back from fear of failing.
I think that’s probably one of the biggest struggles I still face, but I am aware of it and continue to push forward because I’ve learned that without at least trying, there won’t even be room to succeed. I’ve learned that failing is inevitable. It’s how many times you get back up after you fall and what you take away from it to be able to do better the next time.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What sets me apart from everyone else is the wide variety of work that I am able to accommodate with my clients, and also being a queer photographer/videographer I provide a safe space for my fellow LGTBQ+ community. I am still finding my precise niche in the digital media world.
As of now though, I do a lot of different things from music videos, promotional videos/photos, events, such as birthday parties, quinceñeras, weddings etc. Also portraits of cosplayers or business professional photos.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to support me is by booking a session whether it’s for photography or for videography. This enables me to grow my portfolio and my experience. Working with clients not only provides me with the finances to get new equipment but also helps me empower the community through my work. I’ve experienced the challenges of navigating an oppressive society firsthand, and through my work, I hope to bolster traditionally marginalized groups.
At the same time, I’m able to provide the community with high-quality photos and videos. Another good way to support me is to follow me on Instagram on my media page: @michieproductions. That’s where I upload my latest work. In regards to collaborations I’m looking to expand my music video portfolio so if you are or know any musicians please send them my way so that we can collaborate and make something amazing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gazzaneomichelle.myportfolio.com/home
- Instagram: @michieproductions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michieproductions
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb-q6CyPpWDAcKXLh9veI4A
Image Credits
Azul Guerrero
