Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Gomez.
Hi Rob, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My dad was a professional photographer, so I’ve been around it for as long as I can remember. But it wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school that I actually got my hands on a camera. I took an analog photography elective, and from the moment I started, I completely fell in love with the process.
Fast forward a few years, one of my best friends was planning a trip to Europe and invited me to join for part of it. I’d never been, and I wasn’t particularly happy with my job at the time, so I decided to take the leap. I handed in my two weeks’ notice, cashed in some credit card points, and booked a last-minute flight to Barcelona. I won’t go into all the details, but it ended up being a month-long adventure where I explored Spain, Morocco, Portugal, and the Netherlands, armed with my tiny Sony a6000 camera. I shot pretty much every single day.
When I returned, I had this massive collection of photos, so I started posting them on Instagram, and the response was incredible. Soon after, I was invited to participate in an artists’ showcase in Austin, where I could share my work and sell prints. This was the first time I really started to think—maybe, just maybe—there was a way I could make a living as a photographer.
Months later I was shooting a small event at a lumber mill called Delta Millworks. I posted a photo on Instagram of the owner demonstrating a traditional Japanese wood-burning technique called Shou Sugi Ban. They really liked how I showcased their mill and asked if they could see more images to purchase. Little did I know, that would become a major turning point in my career.
From there, I started shooting more for them, and because Delta Millworks produces such high-quality architectural-grade wood, I found myself naturally getting into architectural photography. It gave me the perfect opportunity to start building my portfolio. Thanks to my work with Delta, I was fortunate enough to photograph some high-profile projects, one of which was published in two books. That really helped get my name out there and boosted my confidence to pursue more architectural work of this level.
This all eventually led to me being selected as the official photographer for the AIA Austin Homes Tour in 2025. So, you’re catching me right at the tail end of that process—at least my part in it! I’ve just finished shooting all the homes that will be featured on the tour this October, and I had the incredible opportunity to work with 10 of the top architects in Austin, and arguably the country. The experience of working with such talented designers and photographing these stunning homes has been invaluable, and it’s something I’ll treasure for a long time.
So, if you love architecture or just appreciate an amazing house, make sure to check out the AIA Austin Homes Tour on October 25th and 26th. Some of these homes are truly unlike anything you’ve seen before!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My main challenge early on was figuring out exactly which direction I wanted to take with my photography. At the beginning, I wasn’t even aware that architectural photography was a distinct field, so I was open to exploring various types of photography. However, I found that a lot of the projects I worked on didn’t resonate with me as much as I had hoped.
Once I identified architectural photography as my primary focus, everything started to click. I gained a clear understanding of my target clients and the best ways to reach out to them. From there, it became a matter of building my reputation, getting my name out there, and allowing my work to speak for itself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Rob Gomez Photography?
I’m not great at self-promotion, and I’m not one to toot my own horn, but what clients and friends often compliment me on is the way I use light to really bring a space to life, giving it depth and dimensionality.
I’d say I’m most proud of carving out a unique style for myself—one that plays to my strengths, rather than trying to incorporate trends that may be popular in the industry right now.
I primarily shoot architecture and interiors, so if you’re an architect, interior designer, or builder and you like what you see, let’s work together!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
For anyone interested in getting into architectural photography, I would recommend starting with the basics. It’s one of the more technical areas of photography, and having a solid understanding of the fundamentals can really help you get started. A great resource is Apalmanac.com, which offers a wealth of information, including articles on how to begin, pricing strategies, and more.
Once you have a foundation, the next step is to build a strong portfolio. This is the most effective and fastest way to capture the attention of architects and designers, and get them interested in working with you. When you’re reaching out to potential clients, the quality of your work is the only thing what will set you apart, so make sure you are only showing your best work.
A great way to build this portfolio is by photographing public architecture that interests you. When you’re passionate about the subject, it allows you to capture it in a way that reflects your unique perspective and style, which is ultimately what makes your work stand out from others.
When you’re ready, research architecture firms and explore their work. Get a sense of where you could add value to their projects and then begin reaching out.
Lastly, I would advise being persistent. This was something I struggled with early on, but I can’t tell you how many times I received responses after following up multiple times—sometimes on my fourth or fifth email. It’s also not uncommon for clients to save your information and contact you later when a relevant project comes up.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.roblgomez.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robbiegomez/
Image Credits
All images are by Rob Gomez
