When Gessy joined the Photography Bootcamp, he already knew he loved taking photos — but he didn’t yet have the tools, the structure, or the business foundation to turn it into a sustainable career. He had finished studying a year prior and had some big ideas and plans, but he didn't know how to make it his own thing and make it work. He had been experimenting with photography, but felt he needed more, and just so happened to come across the IOC courses.
“I already had the eye. But IOC gave me the words — the structure — to talk about my work in a way that felt real.”
He came into the course wanting to create space for himself. He’d been going through a transition period after university, looking for something that would help him focus creatively and professionally. What he found was more than just a skill-building experience — it was a complete reset and a clear path.
“IOC helped me take myself seriously. Not just as someone who likes photography — but as someone building something.”
After finishing the bootcamp, Gessy didn’t follow a single set path. He experimented. He took on weddings, humanitarian projects, real estate jobs, fashion shoots. He worked in Brazil, France, and across Latin America — saying yes to opportunities and learning by doing.
In the early days, not every experience was easy. He found at times he was being underpaid for his work, and one client used his images in ways they weren’t supposed to. According to Gessy "There were times I got paid unfairly. Times my images were used without permission. That’s when I realised how important it is to understand your rights — and to set clear boundaries.”. But he learned from it — how to create boundaries, value his time, and choose the right work.
“There were some hard moments. But they taught me what kind of photographer I don’t want to be, and what kind of clients I don’t want to work with.”
Over time, he built a business that felt like his own — offering not just photos, but support, guidance, and strategy to his clients. Today, he balances wedding work in France with a creative consultancy role for a family-run eco-hospitality brand in Chile, where he helps shape their visual identity and long-term brand story.
“The Chile project changed everything. I felt trusted — like I could bring all of me to the table.”
Gessy isn’t just taking photos and handing them off. He’s building relationships. He’s shaping narratives. In some projects, he’s involved before the shoot even starts — advising on how to communicate the brand visually and emotionally.
“I don’t just offer photography anymore. I help people understand what they’re trying to say — and how to say it visually. That’s the work I care about.” I support people. I help them shape their message. That’s what makes it meaningful.”
He’s also more selective now — only taking on work that aligns with his values, style, and vision. “I’d rather do a part-time job and have the freedom to choose clients I believe in, than take on projects that drain me.”
Gessy has seen firsthand how messy the creative journey can be — and how important it is to find your own rhythm. For anyone who is just starting out, here is Gessy’s advice…
Learn how your work can be used — and protected.
“Know your image rights. Know what you’re signing. That’s part of being a professional.”
You’re not just taking photos.
“You’re managing clients, communicating, building a brand. Be prepared for that side too.”
It’s okay not to have a niche.
“You’ll find it over time. The work will guide you.”
Don’t be afraid to say no.
“If something doesn’t feel aligned, it’s okay to walk away.”,
Find some guidance
”IOC gave me the tools I was looking for. The missing pieces I needed.”
Now, Gessy is focused on projects that give him space to grow — creatively and professionally. The work he does in Chile allows him to contribute visually, strategically, and emotionally — while also staying connected to the kind of photography that brought him here in the first place. It only takes one look at Gessy’s portfolio to realise how amazing his work is, and he is now flourishing.
“IOC gave me the tools to get started. But more than that, it gave me the belief that I could start. And that I had something worth building.”
To see more of Gessy’s work, check out his website https://www.gessygasselin.com or visit his Instagram here. @iamgessyg
