Gabriela Hansen
Photographer / Filmmaker / Co-Founder of Jumelles Agency
Los Angeles, CA
www.gabrielahansen.com
instagram @gammesworld
instagram @studiojumelles
Q What do you do?
“I’m a photographer, filmmaker, and musician.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I started doing photography in high school, and worked my way up from there. I took up video about two years ago to branch out and tap into something new. A lot of work comes through word of mouth - so I work on one project, and then get recommended for another.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Every project I’m involved in begins with a strong concept or narrative. I’m more interested in building something within a frame, a movie, a song. The story is important to me, and how it translates visually is where the magic begins. I’m also a big mental health advocate, and I think the desire to connect and engage, to be vulnerable and intimate, shows up in my work.
Q What are you working on right now?
My sister and I have a creative studio + we’re really excited to be working on a few music videos, directing, and producing.
Q What’s your style?
Lately, I’ve been leaning toward more surrealism. I’ve always felt like my work needed to be “pretty” and “clean” but I’ve gotten more and more comfortable getting weird and messy, especially within filmmaking.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I really love filmmaking and I definitely want to focus more on video this year, as well as music. I've been writing and producing music on my own but it would be great to spend some time this year learning from other producers, musicians, and filmmakers.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Honestly, time management. Since I work in multiple fields, there are multiple projects I want to accomplish but it's so easy to get distracted, especially in our age of social media. My phone is a big procrastinator, so I have to put it in another room to get work done.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
An assistant to reach out to potential new clients or partnerships, do some research, answer emails. That would be a literal dream.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would tell my 18 year old self with high expectations and a blissful innocence: The bad experiences will help you grow.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I’d love to learn more about music engineering + mixing, as well as video equipment and film technicalities.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Short-form videos, such as fashion films or music videos where there’s the possibility to collaborate with the artist or brand on the overall creative direction. Editorials, photographing artists, musicians, actors, etc.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
A Gucci fashion film and/or photographing Nicolas Cage
Q: What is your rate?
It depends on the scope of work + usage. Photography for web + social use can range from $1,500 - $5,000 (without licensing fees), and music videos or fashion films typically start at $5k. My scope of work usually includes art direction, shooting, and editing.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Send me an email at hello@jumellesagency.com introducing themselves and their project.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
My sister Melody is definitely one, but I think we help push each other to create anything and everything.
Valerie Chiang's work hits home with small-town Americana landscapes and beautiful portraiture, and I love Zhang JiaCheng’s work, especially the art direction and styling.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Rest, exercise, and taking in a lot of inspiration outside of the work I do, ie films, gallery visits, conversations, etc.
This member profile was originally published in March 2019, updated March 2022.