By
Erin Coulehan
Editorial Photography by
Annabella Mireles
Additional Photography courtesy of
Enrique Lozano and Lindsey Tovar
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the stories of an acclaimed photographer speak volumes in praise of the culture of our community.
For the past decade, Bobby Gallagher has been capturing the essence of the Southwest through her camera lens. Her journey as a photographer began with an innocent love for snapping casual photos of her friends using a simple Sony Cyber Shot but gained momentum. Photography started as a fun hobby and evolved into a rewarding career, though it wasn’t something she originally planned. Her first step into the professional world came at 16 years old when she began working for online magazines like Enfiestate, Topmetro, and Niche, documenting the vibrant bar and restaurant scenes in Juarez and El Paso.
“I had a blast, met so many people, and got to have a little fun at a young age,” she recalls fondly. What began as a side gig for extra cash soon became an immersive experience that shaped her future in photography.
Now, as she reflects on the last ten years, Gallagher’s career is filled with significant milestones. From discovering her passion for food photography to hosting her first solo show at The Falstaff, her journey has been a series of triumphs.
“One of my favorite highlights was winning Best Photography in The Best of the City 2023,” she shares, though her true love lies in the unexpected niche of food photography. “Food photography is my favorite thing to shoot. It’s tricky but rewarding.”
Her work goes beyond capturing beautiful images; it is a continuous evolution as an artist.
“What stands out to me the most is how much she cares about our region and how she just wants to continue to see it grow, whether that’d be helping a local entrepreneur with her amazing photography work or simply covering a server shift at a local restaurant,” says Chef Enrique Lozano. “She’s multi-talented, and I’m super proud to call her a best friend.”
Gallagher’s style, which she describes as intimate and rooted in formalism, has grown with her deepening appreciation for symmetry; a passion influenced by filmmaker Wes Anderson. Over the years, she has mastered the art of transforming everyday subjects into visually striking compositions that feel both familiar and elevated.
In an industry filled with talented photographers, Gallagher’s unique perspective, especially in food photography, helps her stand out.
“It’s definitely a competitive industry, but I believe my passion for food photography sets me apart,” she explains. While many overlook the intricacies of photographing food, she embraces the challenge, expertly capturing the flavors, textures, and artistry of each dish.
Of course, her journey hasn’t been without its challenges.
One particularly tough moment during a wedding shoot was when a guest accidentally knocked her camera to the ground.
The damage was only realized later when reviewing the photos.
“The groom even said I was a horrible photographer,” she recalls, laughing at the memory.
Despite the pain of the setback, she turned it into a learning moment, understanding the importance of preparation and resilience in her craft.
Additionally, while photography technology continues to advance rapidly, she remains loyal to her tried-and-true equipment.
“I’ve been working with the same gear for the last decade,” she admits. Although she is aware of the allure of newer tools, her deep knowledge of her equipment allows her to produce high-quality work without feeling the need to constantly upgrade.
During moments of creative block, Gallagher turns to her favorite source of inspiration, books.
“I like to take myself on a Barnes & Noble date and read all the books and magazines I can find,” she says.
This simple ritual helps reignite her passion and creativity, enabling her to produce work that resonates with her audience.
Among the many subjects she’s had the pleasure of photographing, one name stands out, Taylor Swift.
“I remember it all too well!” she laughs, referencing the pop star’s famous song lyrics. But whether she’s photographing a celebrity or a dish at a local restaurant, she approaches each project – and relationship – with the same level of enthusiasm and care.
“Being friends with her is epic,” explains longtime best friend Lindsey Tovar. “As for her career path, it’s been a blessing to witness. I know she prefers culinary photography overall but seeing her photograph all aspects and ventures of life is to observe a chameleon adapt to any environment. In the beginning, the opportunity to watch her work was in a very social setting and always kept light, over the years I now see the depth she strives to achieve and translates into her film.”
Looking ahead, her aspirations are far from slowing down. With a “photographer’s bucket list” in mind, her next goal is Ireland, where she hopes to capture new landscapes and experiences.
Eager to continue evolving as an artist, Gallagher is excited about the next phase of her career.
When asked what advice she has for aspiring photographers, her response is thoughtful and genuine: “Don’t think that your competition are also your enemies. It’s a competitive world, but not an evil one.” Her approach to photography is one of community, and she’s built lasting relationships with collaborators and subjects throughout her career.
Gallagher’s decade behind the camera has been a journey of growth, creativity, and connection.
From her early days capturing El Paso’s nightlife to her work being featured in national publications like Urban Outfitters and Nylon Magazine, she has consistently pushed herself to create images that are both inviting and thought-provoking. With her love for food, fashion, and music driving her art, Gallagher’s photography celebrates the beauty found in both the extraordinary and the everyday.
As she looks to the future, one thing remains certain: Bobby Gallagher will continue to create, inspire, and click that button for a living – one perfectly composed shot at a time.
