It’s Spotlight day, where we introduce you to Chris Gillyard of Chris Gillyard Photography and share the stories behind their company.
When people ask “what do you do?” how do you answer?
I am a professional photographer that captures elegant moments for a living.
What did you do before you did this?
I worked at Walt Disney World attractions before moving over to the professional photographer’s area.
When and how did you get into the wedding industry?
I started photographing weddings with Disney Fairy Tale Weddings and Events.
How long would you say you’ve been doing what you do today?
I’ve been photographing weddings for 22 years; this includes my career at Disney, covering hundreds of events and weddings. Then I formed my own business in 2005.
How did your work evolve to get you to where you are today?
Working at Disney for 12 years with a great team of photographers, learning different photography styles, education through PPA (Professional Photographers of America), And working on photo shoots with Master photographers , weddings and commercial events, fashion along with great mentor-ships over the years.
What is your favorite thing about what you do? What’s your WHY?
Creating a piece of artwork from their wedding day by freezing a moment in time. When you know it is so perfect and priceless and in the end, you hear that gasp from your couple when they see the image for the first time…that’s my moment of success.
Tell us about your most memorable event so far.
It’s difficult for me to choose just one event as I have favorite moments. For example, a wedding from this March was for a local radio celebrity that had a magical fairy tale theme with a unicorn (horse) she used for a romantic character prop for her wedding that’s not something you capture everyday .
What’s the best part of your job?
The freedom a bride gives me sometimes to capture them on their day or the cool part of traveling somewhere new to capture a wedding I’ve never photographed before. I love to go to new locations!
What motivates you to do this every day?
I get to enjoy creating art work for my client. It’s the excitement that they trust me to create a moment in their photos or plan a big photo shoot for a Magazine …Or Display a company’s product in a cool way they never thought of … It’s creative side for me.
What fun fact would people be surprised to learn about you?
All the men in my family are artists and make a living at it… And I eat Tacos 3 times a week . Yum
What is the most unique service/product you offer?
Turning ordinary images into art .
What does your most popular package include?
Engagement session, album, and a framed print to showcase at your wedding.
Use three words to describe your business?
Trusted, Skilled and Fun
What makes your business stand out from others in your category?
The years of experience I have photographing weddings from the age of 22. Spending 11 years at Walt Disney photographing up to 3 weddings daily with exposure to multiple cultural weddings brings me the knowledge and perspective to another level. Given the playground to work in many fields of photography such as Portraits, Weddings, Architectural, and Fashion. Plus I have managed a venue which gives me a planner perspective.
Tell us about your ideal client.
One that loves our work so much that they continue the relationship from wedding to family portraits, maternity, newborn, and commercial photography if they own their own business.
Why do you think your business is successful?
Relationships. Relationships. Relationships both with vendors and client referrals.
Name three unique venues that you enjoy working at and why.
1) Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando is absolutely stunning with its Italian inspired landscape, lighting, stylish corners carved out with that feeling you are actually in Italy.
2) Casa Feliz is a historic gem in Winter Park that highlights beautiful sunsets, historic architectural features of this 1920’s flair of its own not to mention its spiral staircase make it a playground for photography.
3) The Alfond Inn due to its stylish hallways of cool modern artwork gives it beautiful backgrounds wherever I point my lens. Long hallways of natural light and modern furniture make for unique photos.
What some of their previous couples had to say….
“Great Photographer who is not only very professional, but he also put his heart and soul into capturing the best moments on any special day! I highly recommend Chris to catch with his camera the magic of any special occasion. Thank Chris for your outstanding work! ” – Ana, Cypress Grove Estate House
“With a surprise, “mom we are getting married, in 4 weeks, on Christmas Eve”, Chris Gillyard photographed my daughter’s wedding very professionally and with beautiful pictures. We would recommend him to anyone needing his expertise. Thank you again for the great job you did. We will have many years to enjoy the photos. ” – Vicki, Altamonte Chapel
“Christopher Gillyard is just PHENOMENAL!!! I cannot find words to thank him enough!!! He’s pictures are fabulous, simply breathtaking! He is an amazing photographer! He was constantly creating poses, making sure everything checks out like the lighting the background, etc… He had helped me tremendously to make our wedding day happen!!! He captured memories that we will cherish for a lifetime! I will eternally be thankful for him! BEST DAY EVER!!! 🥰 Thanks a MILLION!” – Anna Maria, Sea World – Discovery Cove
