We’re looking forward to introducing you to Esmeralda Gonzalez. Check out our conversation below.
Esmeralda, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Who are you learning from right now?
I’m constantly learning from the photographers I meet and connect with. Each conversation teaches me something—whether it’s a technique I want to try one day or something that I realize isn’t for me. Being around others in my industry helps me continue to grow, refine my craft, and understand what I truly value in my work. I believe learning is ongoing, and I’m always becoming a better version of myself through community and collaboration.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Esmeralda Gonzalez, a portrait photographer based in Leander and serving Central Texas. I specialize in professional headshots and family portraits, and my goal is always to help people feel comfortable, confident, and truly seen in front of the camera.
I’m very community-oriented and I love being involved locally — whether that’s partnering with small businesses, supporting local events, or giving back where I can. This community has given me so much, and I really enjoy pouring into it.
For me, photography is about connection and preserving the moments and relationships that matter most. I want every person who walks into my studio to feel welcomed, celebrated, and like their story matters — because it does.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The people closest to me have always seen me before I could see myself. My family, my friends, and the mentors who crossed my path — they saw my strength, my creativity, and my heart long before I ever thought to claim those things. For a long time, it was hard for me to recognize my own growth and worth. I was just trying to figure things out, one step at a time.
But they held the vision for me when I couldn’t. They reminded me that I was capable, talented, and evolving. I’m still learning to look at myself with that same compassion and clarity. I’ve come so far, and I know there’s still so much ahead — both personally and as a business owner. And I’m grateful for the people who believed in me first, until I could learn to believe in myself.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. Life can be hard, and there have been seasons where the challenges felt heavy and overwhelming. I’ve made mistakes — I tend to learn through experience, and sometimes that means learning the hard way. There were moments where I questioned myself, my decisions, and the path I was on.
But even in those moments, something in me kept going — sometimes it was faith, sometimes it was the support of the people around me, and sometimes it was just a quiet, stubborn voice saying, “Not yet.” Those difficult seasons shaped me. They taught me resilience, patience, and grace for myself.
I still have days where giving up crosses my mind — we all do — but I also know how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown. And that keeps me moving forward.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes and no. The version of me that people see — the one who’s out in the community, showing up for my business, serving others through photography and volunteering — that is me. I care deeply about being present and giving back. That part comes straight from my heart.
But there’s another side of me that people don’t always see. The part that longs for stillness, home, and quiet moments with my family. I love what I do, but I also crave that soft space where I can just be — without having to show up for anyone but the people I love most.
Both versions are real. One is how I show up for the world. The other is how I recharge and stay grounded.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes. What I do isn’t for praise or recognition. I give my best because I’m passionate about my work and because I believe that even the quiet, unseen efforts can make a difference. The impact isn’t always loud, but it’s meaningful — and that’s what drives me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.portraitdesignbyesmeralda.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portrait_design_by_esmeralda
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esmeralda-gonzalez-b892a8367
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/portraitdesignbyesmeralda
Image Credits
These were all taken by me 🙂
