We recently connected with Imogen Gonzalez and have shared our conversation below.

Imogen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Some of the most interesting parts of our journey emerge from areas where we believe something that most people in our industry do not – do you have something like that?

The photography community is a large one, and with so many individuals in such an intense space, I think it makes sense to assume that there is going to be a rather large amount of people who all think that what they believe is correct… or I guess I should say, most beneficial.

I have an opinion that I think some folks would disagree with: I am sort of anti-niching down. Many people push for finding a niche and really cleaning up your portfolio in order to find dream/ideal clients, and trust me, I am well aware that there is some proof in that statement; however, I do believe that with that, you do lose other people. You lose opportunities. You lose the ability to have that fluidity as a creative, which, for me, is somewhat of a non-negotiable. When you have your creative outlet open to all others and opportunities, you build connections from all walks of life. You learn to appreciate them a little more, carrying those journeys with you as you continue to meet and connect with others and learn their story.

All in all, I think that with niching down, you lose a lot of opportunities to build those connections that – at least for me – really help someone thrive as a creative.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve been influenced by creativity, expressing myself, and viewing life through an artistic lens my entire life. Growing up, my mom always pushed for my siblings and me to use those sides of ourselves. So before I really connected with photography, I used to sketch, paint, and find all sorts of different ways to express myself. Like many others, I did photography throughout high school, and when I finally graduated, I put my camera down. I went into my first year of college thinking nothing really was going to happen and photo was going to be my creative outlet, but not my means of providing for myself and my family. Once COVID happened and I moved back home, my boyfriend was actually the one who approached me to convince me to pick up my camera and see what happened from there. So, I said screw it. In 2019, I created my Instagram page and began to share my work and just see what happened.

Now, in 2024, I am continuously working on my craft. Just like anything in life, I think that expanding your knowledge in your profession is important. Photography is super cool because there are many talented individuals who are willing to share their knowledge with you; you’re able to connect with others, meet with them, and set up little shoots together. Shooting alongside one another is such an incredible way to learn, especially when you all view things a little differently. You’ll see one of your friends doing a certain angle or pose, and you’ll catch yourself saying, “Hey, I didn’t even think to look at that in that way.”

My sessions vary from day-to-day portrait sessions to large wedding days. I particularly enjoy weddings because I love to be a fly on the wall and see the love that radiates from everyone on that day. It is such a special thing to witness and be a part of.

Overall, what I want people to know about myself and my brand is that I value the connection I make with potential clients/clients. It doesn’t matter what the session is. It is also what I am the most proud of as well, within my business, because I have always authentically been myself in this way. I want to know about you, your journey, what we are documenting together, and how it makes you feel. I think it is important and really changes the way people approach their work. It makes it all the more personal because just as my clients sorta bare themselves to me, I do the same towards them. I hope that makes sense.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I actually think there is a form of family legacy that has begun with my siblings and me. Or even a fulfillment of a destiny.
As I said before, my mother has been the root that established this instinct between all of us. We have this all because of her. Honestly, when I think of my life, I don’t see office cubicles or a typical 9-5. I see something more. And I see that for each one of my siblings as well like we are destined for something way more incredible and creative than your conventional job (not that there is anything wrong with that at all, but it’s just this feeling you have when you’re literally meant for something). So, that is what drives my creative journey: my hunger for this, the fact that it’s a generational dream that I am making come true. Chasing greatness. That’s why I do this.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think something that non-creatives struggle to understand about someone’s journey as a creative is that it does not matter where we are in life; we are going to make this work to the best of our abilities. It may not always be the same medium or outlet, but it isn’t something you hang up and be done with when life gets tough. Shoot, I tried that option and learned relatively quickly (even with the push from my boyfriend) that if I gave this up forever, I would be miserable. Yeah, there are a lot of moments when you sort of question whether or not you’ll provide for your family equally, but what you realize at the end of the day is that creating is not providing; it is using your gift. It is using what you are meant to be doing. You can’t just turn it off. But if you aren’t creative, sometimes that does not compute in someone’s mind.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/imogengonzalezphoto

Image Credits

Image of me (personal image) shot by Rocio Rivera.
Photo of bride laughing was second shot for Dee and Liz Photography.