Q&A with Gabriel Duluc (23 Year Old Boxer)

Gabriel Duluc

Gabriel Duluc is a 23 year old upcoming boxer from Dorchester, MA. With a professional record of 8-0, Duluc is on his way to a promising career. But his journey thus far has been anything but easy.

Alongside his mother, he made his way to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic in 2000, when he was only 10 years old. He began training at the age of 14 at the Grealish Boxing Club; under the wing of well respected boxing coach, Martin Grealish. Duluc showed dedication and passion for the sport since day one. But his will to fight was tested, after being denied entrance to several boxing tournaments, due to his illegal status of residency (at that time in his early career). The average person might have thrown in the gloves in this situation, but not Duluc. After years of paper work and a long stressful process, the fight for his residency proved to be his biggest win yet. Since then, he has set his eyes on becoming a legend. After competing in numerous tournaments around the nation, Duluc has successfully brought home numerous belts. 3 of which are hanging up in the gym, as trophies (or a reminder). It's easy to assume they are on display to serve as a confident booster, but I see much more. I see proof that obstacles are only there to test your faith and ambition. 

John Hutchinson (left), Gabriel Duluc (right)

After witnessing Gabriel in action (sparring), I had the privilege of sitting down with him and asking him a few questions.

If It Wasn't For Pictures

I spent my 4th of July like most did: eating juicy hamburgers off the smoking grill, sipping amazing mixed drinks and enjoying great conversations with friends and family. The weather was perfect and fireworks decorated the clear sky. But everyone knows a cook-out isn't complete without good music. 

Luckily that same day, American rapper, Jay Z, released his 12th studio album, titled Magna Carta Holy Grail. Although I like all the songs, "Oceans" (featuring Frank Ocean) stood out to me the most. To be more specific, it was a line in Jay Z's verse that inspired this article. The song deals with his personal and ancestral journey from slavery to millionaire. In one line he refers to pictures being the only reason why some people have been able to see him.

His exact words are:
"If it wasn't for these pictures they wouldn't see me at all"

This got me thinking; he was right! Without photos, how else would some of us witness certain events, people or places the world has to offer. Thanks to pictures, I have a clear mental image of the Eiffel Tower in France and of the Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Kids can experience the jungles of the Amazon and couples can relive their wedding day. Photography has played a key role in the process of sharing not only our (human) history, but also our personal lives. This simple realization left me in complete awe!

It brought me back to a conversation I shared with a special friend of mines, when she told me the story of how her parents met. Her father was living in New York city (1970s), when he saw a picture of a beautiful women during a visit to his friend's home. After learning she was single and living in Puerto Rico, he set his mind on conquering her heart. They began exchanging letters and photos; getting to know one another, despite the distance. After months of communicating via mail, they finally had the chance to meet, and proceed with their love. Me and my friend laughed about how that photo brought her to existence. Although we joked about it, it was true. If it wasn't for that picture, her father would have never seen her mom (at least not when he did). It wasn't the quality of the picture or the photographer. It wasn't the scene or the composition. The subject was all that mattered.

As a photographer, I am aware of the power I have. To capture and share my life with others. Every second I spend with my camera is an opportunity to freeze a moment worth remembering.

So, if it wasn't for pictures... what would you have missed?

(send me an email with your answer: MrFlakoVeli@gmail.com)

48 Hours w/ a 50mm

The world of photography is made up of many different styles. Each one different than the next, but all connected by an artistic thread. The key is to find one (or more) that speak to you as an artist. I personally tend to lean towards street (candid) photography more often than usual. Although I enjoy experimenting from time to time.

Picture this: It's mid-afternoon and you're aimlessly walking around the city. No destination in mind, only your instincts to guide you. Your eyes notice the homeless man sitting on the sidewalk, asking for spare change. The young girl, who's riding her bike in circles, making sure to stay inside the imaginary lines her parents told her about. Your attention is then drawn towards the birds in the sky, as they play in the sun light above you. 

These are all spontaneous moments that can not be orchestrated, only captured. This technique is best known as The Decisive Moment. A technique made famous by French photographer, Henri Cartier-Bresson. Known for sitting on locations for hours, only to walk away with two or three pictures. Patience was his greatest friend, as well as life itself. At times he would even hide his camera from the view of his subjects, to make it as natural as possible. This method of work is what led him to be known as the Godfather of Street Photography. While researching his work, I came across an interesting fact: Henri was a big fan of the 50mm lens. Most of his work was done using this specific lens.

That fact alone brought me to the presence of fellow artist and good friend of mines, Dante Luna. Around that time we were working on The Samurai Exhibit project, and I was aware he has been using a 50mm lens. After a small talk, we both agreed to switch lenses for 48 hours. He would use my 18-55mm and in return I would use his 50mm. I wanted to see the world through the eyes of Henri himself. So, I did.

(To view this project CLICK HERE)