Life and Work with Christina Gonzales

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Gonzales.

Christina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My passion for the arts has run deep for as long as I can remember. My dad was an artist and him and my mom always supported my passion for it. As for photography, there was a day in Middle School Art Class that we made a pinhole camera, take a picture with it and develop it. This memory has stuck with me to this day, as I was so amazing by how the light drew the picture on the paper to capture the image, the memory. It was just incredible to me. From that day, I continued to dabble in film photography through High School and College. It wasn’t until the year I got married that I purchased my first DSLR camera, mainly to take photos on our honeymoon. I was hooked once again. I began to photograph any subject I could, from weddings to seniors and kids. After our first child was born, I captured all his milestones month after month. I loved watching the changes he made so rapidly that first year. This spoke so deeply to me and I began to move towards specializing in Babies and Kids. After our daughter was born, I quit my banking job to pursue photography full time and haven’t looked back since!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think with any journey there will be struggles, but it is with those struggles and lessons that you learn to grow and push forward. My biggest struggle would definitely be work/life balance. I built my business while raising two very young kids, and for the first couple of years, I was also working a day job too. My advice, especially for moms would be to set boundaries early on when your work hours are and when your family time is. Time is so fleeting with your kids, you don’t want to miss out while you check your business constantly.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with McGonzo Photo – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I provide clients with personalized sessions that have a timeless look and perfectly enhance their home décor when displayed. I specialize in Newborns, Kids and Families and I absolutely love capturing milestones of the first year and documenting a family growing. I find myself connecting to my clients on a more personal level and have often developed wonderful friendships with them! Being a part of their lives and their stories fills my heart and gives us a connection that is easily brought out in their sessions. What sets me apart? A vision for unique photography with depth, beautiful light and emotion that tells their story.

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Be confident in who you are and let that speak through your business and your interactions with your clients. Be real, be you, and you will find your tribe and your ideal clients.

Pricing:

• Sessions start at $250
• Milestones start at $175

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mcgonzophoto.com
• Phone: 970-581-5841
• Email: christina@mcgonzophoto.com
• Instagram: followmcgonzo
• Facebook: mcgonzophoto

Image Credit:
McGonzo Photo

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