We recently connected with Carynn Gonzales and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Carynn, thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

I started my photography business during a season of life where I was balancing a lot—being a college athlete and figuring out what I was truly passionate about.

Photography had always been something I loved, but turning it into a business felt like a big step.

If I could go back in time, part of me wishes I would have started sooner, simply because I would have had more time to grow, experiment, and build confidence in my craft. But at the same time, starting when I did gave me the life experiences that shape the way I photograph people today.

Looking back, I think I started at the right time for my journey. Starting earlier might have given me more years in the industry, but starting when I did gave me the perspective and purpose I bring into my work now.

Carynn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a photographer, content creator, and entrepreneur who is passionate about capturing real moments and telling meaningful stories through my work. Photography started as a creative outlet for me, but over time it grew into something much bigger.

As a mom of two girls, I’ve learned how quickly life moves and how important it is to preserve memories. That perspective deeply influences the way I approach photography. I don’t just focus on taking pictures—I focus on capturing authentic moments that people will be able to look back on and feel years from now. My goal is always to create images that feel natural, timeless, and full of life.

Through my photography business, I provide services such as lifestyle photography, event coverage, and creative content for individuals and brands. I also work in the social media space, which allows me to combine photography with storytelling and digital content creation. This helps businesses and individuals not only capture beautiful visuals but also create content that connects with their audience online.

One of the problems I love solving for my clients is helping them feel comfortable in front of the camera. A lot of people say they’re “not photogenic” or feel nervous about being photographed, but my approach is very relaxed and natural. I focus on creating an environment where people can be themselves, which leads to genuine expressions and moments that feel real rather than forced.

What sets me apart is the way I blend creativity, storytelling, and connection. I take time to understand my clients, their vision, and what they want their photos to represent. Whether I’m photographing a family, an event, or creating content for a brand, I approach every session with the mindset that these moments matter.

What I’m most proud of is building something that allows me to combine creativity with purpose while balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. Being able to grow a business while raising my daughters has been incredibly meaningful, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward and expanding my work.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

One of the most effective strategies for growing my clientele has been building genuine relationships and letting my work speak for itself. A large portion of my clients come through word-of-mouth referrals, which means someone trusted my work enough to recommend me to others. That’s something I’m incredibly grateful for.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media really started with simply sharing my work and being consistent. In the beginning, I didn’t focus on numbers—I focused on documenting moments, sharing my photography, and allowing people to see my creative journey.

My biggest advice for anyone starting to build their social media presence is to stay consistent and stay true to your voice. It’s easy to compare yourself to others or feel like you have to follow every trend, but the most powerful thing you can do is create content that genuinely reflects who you are and what you love.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cargophotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cargophotography