Conversations with the Inspiring Alvinita Gonzales

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

Alvinita, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up around photography and videography. My mother always had disposable cameras, as well as giving my brother and I one. She would let us photograph whatever interested us. My grandfather was always videoing memories, school programs, holidays, birthdays, etc.

As a kid, I always loved exploring artistic fashion, hairstyles and hair colors. I actually thought of becoming a fashion designer when I was older! Exploring those things and being around photography, subconsciously created a passion within me for both of those things. So, I now love to do Fashion Photography. I enjoy capturing different architecture and landscapes with traditional fashion and non-traditional, sometimes unusual fashion. Those things coming together are beautiful.

I also really enjoy capturing different cultures’ traditional fashion. Traditional fashion mixed with modern elements is so fun to work with, and showcase. I love being able to capture those things, to bring awareness and knowledge of the people wearing them proudly, and people proudly displaying their culture traditions with pride.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of the obstacles I’ve experienced as a photographer, some people don’t see photography as an art, they would commission highly, and respect. Trying to change the cultural mindset that photography is an art form and should be more valued, not just through compensation, but as an artistic expression.

Advice I would give for new photographers would be to keep holding onto your camera and never let it go! Take the rugged road, smooth roads put me to sleep.

What should we know about A.G. Photography? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
What I’m most proud of is being able to shine light on the beauty of Native American Tribes’ culture.
Speaking as a Hopi-Native America (and Mexican) myself, I’ve never been able to see other Native American Tribes’ fashion and their traditional-cultural wear, until I started photographing other Native Americans.

Being able to capture that beauty in my photography, I hope to bring awareness and knowledge to those who have never seen Native American fashion photography. Especially other Native Americans, who like myself, are continuously learning about their own culture or other tribes’. Through the lens of my camera, I am bringing other Native Americans confidence to be proud of their cultures and traditions and to show them off with love.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My mother is my biggest inspiration. A bit cliche, but true. She is the strongest and most hardworking person I know. She’s inspired me in so many ways that I could write a book about.

However, in my professional life, her will and hard work to leave a good and secure job, and go back to school for an entirely different profession. A profession she felt in her heart to go and be in, and not give up or push aside. To take a risk for. That inspired me and showed me to go for my dreams and passions. To not give up on them and go for the safe route. Take a risk! Which photography is my passion, dream, and dream job. A profession, that some would say, is hard and risky, or “not a real job”. It’s a job I love and makes me happy. As well as others happy.

Pricing:

• Photography Packages Starting at $99

Contact Info:

• Website: photographsbyag.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/photographsbyag
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/photographsbyag

Image Credit:
Models: Katherine Fregozo; Stacy Ortiz; Suzy Hill; Tatianna Reyes

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