We recently had the chance to connect with Anthony Gauna and have shared our conversation below.
Anthony, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
In 2022, I was diagnosed with ADHD. Getting that diagnosis later in life helped me make sense of a lot from my childhood, but it also made me look back at my journey as a wedding photographer since 2012. I realized the systems and workflows I built for myself—everything from to-do apps to time blocking—were ways I was already trying to manage my undiagnosed ADHD. I’ve always been into productivity tools and tech, and this year, I also learned I’m Autistic.
Last year, I felt a real pull to start a YouTube channel. My goal was to share the tech and strategies that have helped me navigate life as a neurodivergent creative. Honestly, the hardest part was getting comfortable talking to a camera and being that open. Now, I’m working on a new project for the channel: interviewing other neurodivergent creatives about their routines, habits, and favorite apps. I’ve spent most of my life feeling like I don’t quite fit in, but now that I understand myself better, I want to help build a community where we can all share tools, resources, and stories that make life a bit easier for others like us.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Anthony, and my work is all about capturing the real, unscripted moments that make people and their stories unique. My background’s a little unconventional (think: mosh pits and local bands before weddings), but that’s shaped how I see people and stories. I care way more about connection and authenticity than perfect poses or trends, and I want folks to feel genuinely comfortable and themselves whenever they’re in front of my camera.
These days, while I’m still deeply invested in photography, I’m shifting more of my creative energy to my YouTube channel. There, I create content for the neurodivergent community—sharing tips, tech, and stories that help folks like me navigate work, life, and creativity. I’m passionate about building a space where people feel like they belong, whether that’s through the lens or on camera. My goal is to keep things genuine, inclusive, and a little bit nerdy—just like the community I serve.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Growing up, I always felt like the odd one out—like there was something about me that just didn’t fit. For a long time, I believed I was just “too much” or “too different” for most people to really get me. Now, after learning more about myself and connecting with others who share similar experiences, I know that I’m not alone or broken—I’m just wired differently.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this: You’re doing the best you can with what you have, and that’s enough. You don’t have to have it all figured out, and it’s okay to take things one step at a time. Give yourself some grace—you’re learning and growing, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that what really matters to me is caring deeply for the people in my life. Whether it’s family, friends, or the folks I work with, I put a lot of heart into making sure people feel seen and supported. I’m passionate about what I do, and I try to show up authentically—no pretending or putting on a front. I want the people around me to know they matter, and I’m always striving to create genuine connections, both in my work and my everyday life.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What false labels are you still carrying?
One false label I still carry is that I’m not “enough”—not experienced enough, not talented enough, not deserving of the opportunities I’ve had. Imposter syndrome still sneaks up on me. I have to remind myself regularly that it’s okay to feel this way. I’m still learning to trust that what I bring to the table is valuable, even when self-doubt tries to tell me otherwise.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://anthonygaunaphoto.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/_anthonygauna
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonygauna/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@_AnthonyGauna
Image Credits
Photos by me.
