Conversations with Sean Gokool

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Gokool.

Hi Sean, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I think it dates back around the time of 2016/2017. A good friend of mine at the time pushed me to buy a camera. I was shooting with an iPhone 7 at the time. She sent me a couple of Craigslist ads with some cameras she felt would be a great fit for me to start taking professional photos. So I finally pulled the trigger on a Nikon D5300 with a kit lens. I realized at that moment how much easier it was to just snap photos with an iPhone vs using a DSLR. But I pushed myself over the next couple of months to really learn the functions in and out. At times it was super frustrating because I felt as if I wasn’t getting the hang of things. I started attending photography meet-ups that were hosted and held by many talented Houstonian creatives. And trying to get as much insight as possible to better my craft. Melo, also known as @melothemogul on Instagram was my biggest influence by far. She pretty much taught me everything I needed to know and really pushed me to achieve my full potential. Especially during the pandemic. I felt like every day we were trying to create something. Watching YouTube videos from Krispy media, Jared Polin, Peter Mckinnon, and many others I then started to develop my own style. Fast forward to 2020, I think this is when I really started to have my craft down packed. Do not get me wrong, I’m still a student every day and will always be learning new ways to be better creative. But now, I was attending a lot of car meets, social gatherings, getting my name out there. Simply just catching candid moments that will forever live on through my photos. People are what makes this so special to me. It has never been about making money to me, ever. I simply do what I do out of pure passion and it has always put me in the position to win. That being said, I’ve now gotten to work with some of Houston’s finest like AB (@filmfoot), Le$, Jorgey, Freddie Gibbs, Dios, DJ MrRogers, Nightride.Exp, Mason (@masonfotos), Mike (@brokinspanish) Hugo (@hou.go) Rob, (@maxhummels), and that’s just a few to name off the top of my head. All of these people have contributed to a part of our Houston culture and showed their perspectives through their form of art. Looking back at 2016, the best thing I ever did was pick up a camera.

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?
I would love to say yes, but unfortunately, it has not. A lot of times I ran into creative funks, and felt uninspired about my work. Which at times, I just took a break from shooting. Looking back at it, I needed those breaks. It was a time of clarity, and some recharging that was needing to take place. I’d like to tell all the other creatives out there this is sometimes needed so don’t be to hard on yourself. Another major obstacle I faced was what I was worth. Doing jobs for free a lot of times I really needed the income or undervaluing myself at times. But I feel that it’s part of the game, we all experience some form of this phase as a creative. In the end, I figured out what works best for me with some help from others that are navigating the same fields as myself.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
So aside from being a creative. I’m a bartender by trade, and currently working at Bludorn one of Houston’s hottest restaurants. I also specialize in Houston real estate photography on my downtime. I’d say I’m mostly known for my love and passion for cars. Older BMWs mostly, but I appreciate and love all classics. A lot of friends tag me and share cars they see throughout Houston, and other parts of the United States on Instagram. I feel as if we are a community in the car scene, it’s really cool that we can all share and appreciate the little things we enjoy so much together. Which in the end, created new friendships that may have never been possible without social media. I’m proud that I never gave up on myself, and kept pushing when at times I felt tired or lost. I think what sets me apart from others, is that I’m the same guy no matter where I go. I’m willing to engage with anyone no matter what. I absolutely love to meet new people and hear their stories. I’m an open book myself, and believe we are all here to help each other in ways you couldn’t ever imagine by simply just starting a conversation.

How do you think about happiness?
Spending time with my family and friends makes me the happiest. There is no better feeling than being surrounded by people you truly enjoy living life with. I also like to just hop in one of my E36s or on my motorcycle and cruise around to clear my mind. I find something so therapeutic about just driving around with a groovy playlist on. At that moment, I’m in a peaceful place.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livefromtheshutter

Image Credits
Feature photo by @filmfoot