Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Gonzalez.
Hi Robert, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into photography was a little unconventional. By trade, I’m a student pastor, and a few years ago I took a day trip to a nearby waterfall with some potential volunteer leaders. They were all into photography, and although I had never really used a camera before, our youth department had a few cameras lying around. I figured, “Why not?”
Something came alive in me that day. I became completely hooked. I started taking a camera everywhere I went, eventually bought one of my own, and photographed just about anything and everything I could.
By the end of my first year, one of my photos—a portrait of a friend—was displayed in Times Square. It was surreal and became one of those moments that convinced me this wasn’t just a hobby I enjoyed, but a creative passion I wanted to keep pursuing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I started photography when I was 35, and now, at 40, I’m often competing with people who are half my age. Because of that, I had to teach myself almost everything. I watched countless YouTube videos and was fortunate to receive an online photography course as a gift from a friend.
One of the hardest parts of my journey was that there weren’t many people my age just starting out. Most photographers seemed to have years of experience or had begun much younger, so it was easy to feel behind. On top of that, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to shoot or where my strengths were, so I spent a lot of time feeling creatively lost before I found my footing.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I spend a lot of time photographing artists and doing street photography, but my specialty is people. I love telling stories through my photos and creating images that invite people to wonder what’s happening beyond the frame. I enjoy leaving space for the viewer to fill in the gaps and connect with the moment in their own way.
I also love photographing concerts and live events because I get to be a fly on the wall, capturing genuine moments as they unfold. That said, I’m still discovering what I love to shoot most, and I think that’s part of the fun of being a creative.
As for what sets me apart, I’m not entirely sure. If I had to point to one thing, it would probably be my use of color. While I have a deep appreciation for black-and-white photography, I’m drawn to vibrant, colorful images. Whether it’s a person, a city street, or a concert, I’m fascinated by the way color can shape emotion and tell a story.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My wife has been my biggest cheerleader from the very beginning. When I decided to pick up what quickly became an expensive hobby, she never questioned it. Instead, she encouraged me to dream big, take risks, and simply enjoy the journey. I honestly don’t know if I would have become the artist I am today without her support.
I’d also mention my friend Matt, who has been a professional photographer for many years. He generously answered my endless questions and even gifted me an incredible photography course that became the foundation of my craft.
Beyond that, I’m incredibly grateful for my community of friends. Many of them are creatives in their own fields, and they’ve been a constant source of encouragement. We challenge one another, take creative risks together, and celebrate each other’s work. Having people who believe in you and create alongside you has made this journey so much richer.
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