Today we’d like to introduce you to Omar Gonzalez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Omar. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It really all started when I bought my first camera during my sophomore year of high school and when I started my art page on Instagram, @november.7. My very first DSLR was a Nikon D90, which probably was not the best camera but I loved it. It was that same year, 2014, that I joined a photography class that my high school offered. It was that class that really pushed me to be a better photographer. Although my teacher was a film photography expert and not very good with digital photography, he taught me valuable lessons about photography and life. That following year, I decided to quit my high school basketball team and fully pursue my passion for photography.
Flash forward nearly three years later, I am now a junior studying photojournalism at the University of North Texas. My time at UNT and the process of being on my own has taught me a lot about life and has helped me come to the realization that photography is something I will do for the rest of my life. Now, after four part-time jobs and a lot of photoshoots, I am now fully pursuing photography full time.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most people my age, I have struggled with paying rent, taking the wrong class, buying food, being low on gas, and having the occasional flat tire. Although my life has been relatively good thus far, I have had my own personal struggles. I questioned my photography skills, my business, and even my own artwork.
Fortunately, I have been blessed to have supportive friends and family. My girlfriend has always been there for me since high school and continues to do so while I am at UNT. She really was the one that pushed me to take more client work, expand my portfolio, and ultimately do photography full time. My family has always supported my photography. My older brother was the first one to ever buy a canvas from me and my older sister was my first ever client. And my Dad was the one who helped me pay for my previous camera, which I just upgraded from. I truly am grateful for everyone who has believed in me and continues to do so.
Please tell us about Omar Gonzalez Photography.
I shot family photos for most of my photography career. However, as of late I have been shooting real estate, weddings, and even club photos. I have also developed my video skills and I now do music videos, promotional videos, and company/commercial videos. As of 2019, I am the photographer for Citizen, a Dallas uptown club.
I strive to make the best possible image, whether it be my business or my art. I also try to be as efficient as possible. I do that by quickly delivering photos for my clients without sacrificing quality. In addition, I put a big emphasis on customer service, which is something I learned while working in the retail industry. For me, it is not just about taking the photograph. It is about making a connection with the person you are working with AND giving them quality work with quality service.
I have put my artistic photography on hold for the moment as I build my business more and study in school. I do not post as much on my @november.7 photography page, but when I do I make sure to post something that tells a story and most importantly something that connects with people. My latest photo set, The Struggle, is about how in Mexican culture women can be seen as less, and often are treated differently than men. I constantly look to make that connection with my clients and fans of my art.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I have always had an interest in art. My earliest memories are of me drawing cars in my sketchbook and coloring with markers. It was in 5th grade that I found my passion for photography. I remember I joined after school photography club that librarian. We would walk around the school and neighborhood taking photos.
For me, that was the first time that I felt like I was really good at something. I enjoyed the process and seeing the final image on the screen. That experience led me to be an explorer and it opened my eyes to a new world of making art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/omargonzalezphotography/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/november.7/
Image Credit:
Omar Gonzalez
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