Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryan Gonzalez.
Bryan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a self-taught nightlife/music event photographer in Austin, Texas. My journey as a nightlife photographer started about four years ago in early 2018 but before I jump into that I’d like to give you a little backstory.
Photography has always been a form of art that I admired and practiced any time I held a camera. Started off with some flip phones, leveled up to a hand-me-down digital camera that had 5 megapixels, and eventually bought my first DSLR in 2010. It was not until 2014 that I realized I could make some money doing what I love and at the time, I was very much interested in photographing cars. I began my first entry-level position as a photographer for a local Mercedes Benz dealership in Newport Beach, California. At 22 years old, my drive, confidence, and photography was at an all-time high for me. My experience in the professional world was very rewarding, I finally learned how to write a proper email. All jokes aside, I was lucky to have spent three years with like-minded individuals, striving for creative greatness. I honestly couldn’t have asked for anything more… except maybe a raise. Haha. Ahh, I’m getting old.
I moved to Texas from the bay area and it has been a great life experience. 2017 was the year I would settle, and in early 2018 an opportunity revealed itself in the service industry if you will. A bartender had seen me walking around the bar with my camera and offered to upload any photos that I took that evening to their social media. I had no experience shooting in actual darkness so it was a rough set of photos but I thought it was a great start to get my name out. Till this day, I am still taking photos for them and many more venues across Austin, Texas.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I did not know anyone coming into Texas, so networking was one of my struggles early on. In my experience, taking a job that drew in large groups of people definitely helped me grow in that aspect. It’s important to be kind to everyone you meet. Small conversations can go a long way.
Another struggle was learning how to shoot nightlife! I had no experience taking photos in extremely dark settings. Getting into nightlife photography was difficult because I thought I knew what I was doing, but I didn’t. My previous workflow with car photography had very little to do with nightlife photography. What I knew in Photoshop did not apply in this new realm of work. I was no longer removing objects from a scene just to make it look perfect and clean. I was no longer replacing the sky and manipulating the scenery to perfection. Nightlife is all about timing, colors, energy, and storytelling in the photo. The more of those you have in one photo, the better.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a nightlife photographer, I specialize in showing you how happy you look like while you’re dancing in the dark. It’s important for me. I am a strong believer in music and its ability to heal, influence, connect people and also create a space for people who want to disconnect for a little bit.
I’m known for photographing the environment that Electronic Dance Music brings to Austin, Texas. I try to revolve my work around the sounds that I believe in the most, House music specifically, but EDM in general. I have gotten to know and take photos of many local talented DJ’s as well, which I am very proud of.
I think what sets me apart from others is the amount of time I’ve put into actually shooting. The payoff is when I am able to adapt in various dark situations.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Absolutely. Photographers are everywhere, and it’s a very competitive field. Pick a subject to take photos of and work to be the best at it.
Secondly, if you feel like you need the best equipment in order to be the best, you’re wrong. What’s more important is what you’re taking photos of and how you executed the photo. No one cares about your gear.
Third, networking is important. Go out and meet some people. It’ll open doors for you and it might even change your life, who knows?
Fourth, connect with other photographers and grow with each other.
I wish I knew I would make something out of photography. There were so many times where I dropped it for years at a time just because I would value other people’s opinions.
Fifth, Keep Shooting.
Contact Info:
- Email: bryanegonzalez@yahoo.com
- Website: www.thehellolifestyle.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bryan_portray
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bryangonzalezphotography
Image Credits
Alexis Lazcano – (Bryan Gonzalez headshot)
