Today we’d like to introduce you to Yuri Gonzalez.
Hi Yuri, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Yuri, which means “the one who tills the land.” I believe that name perfectly reflects my journey because, just as the earth requires effort and consistency to bear fruit, I too have had to work with dedication and perseverance to carve out my own path and build a future.
I’ve always been passionate about art. From a young age, I devoted myself to acting and producing artistic shows, even though I first earned a degree in Education with a specialization in Biology a profession I practiced until I emigrated to the United States. At the same time, I was cultivating my love for the arts, especially acting and stage production. Over time, I realized what truly fascinated me was the lighting design of each performance, because it allowed me to create unique atmospheres. Without noticing, that love for light was guiding me toward photography because at its core, photography is exactly that: painting with light.
My passion for lighting and design led me to graduate in Artistic Show Production. At first, I thought photography was boring and without meaning. I didn’t realize that it was actually the very thing I loved most the art I had been searching for, only frozen in time. Photography revealed itself to me in the most profound way when I lost my father at just 16 years old. To this day, I don’t have a single photo with him. The only image I had of us together, I cut out to place on his grave. Years later, I realized that was our only photo. That loss made me understand something I carry with me every day: photography is one of the greatest treasures we can leave behind, because at the end of life, what remains are the images of those who stood by our side, of who we were, and of what we achieved.
From then on, I always carried a camera with me. I started learning on my own, later took courses, and little by little photography became an essential part of my life. When I moved to the U.S., I decided to reinvent myself professionally. I began working in photography and videography for social events, first as an assistant, then as the lead photographer for a company. I am deeply grateful for the experience and maturity I gained during more than six years with them.
Then life put me to the test. At a job I thought would last forever, I suddenly faced the possibility of being fired for reasons beyond my control. In that difficult moment, someone asked me: *“Why don’t you fully dedicate yourself to what you already know and become your own boss?”* That question changed my life. I made the decision to transform part of my small apartment turning my living and dining room into a photography studio. That’s how my brand was born. Over the past two years, it has grown steadily, thanks to my personalized approach with each client tailoring every session to their needs and possibilities, while also keeping the business sustainable. Now, I no longer fear being fired, because I am my own boss. I went from working for someone else’s brand to collaborating together, creating opportunities that benefit us both.
Today, from the space I built with my own hands, I tell stories through my camera. Every session is an opportunity to create memories that will last forever. Because more than just a photograph, what I offer is the chance to relive and feel those unique moments again and again, every time someone looks at their images.
Alright, 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?
It hasn’t been an easy journey. Many times, I’ve had to face both economic and cultural barriers. One of the main challenges I currently face is that sometimes there aren’t enough clients to afford renting a photography studio due to the high rental costs. Often, people don’t believe that a business can grow successfully from a living room or a garage and even surpass others that operate from a commercial space businesses that may focus more on selling the brand than on delivering true quality.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am currently a yard coordinator at the HEB distribution center, a company I’ve been with for almost 10 years, where I’ve grown both personally and professionally. My schedule allows me enough free time to dedicate myself to photography, and little by little I’ve been working toward doing it full-time. I specialize in portrait photography, covering social events such as quinceañeras, weddings, birthdays, baptisms, and all kinds of celebrations. I also do studio photography, including Smash Cake sessions, birthday sessions, and corporate photography. On several occasions, I’ve also done real estate photography.
I’m known for the way I connect with my clients often becoming more than just the photographer for their event, but the photographer for their family. This bond is built from the moment the contract is signed until the final delivery of the work, through personalized attention and genuine trust.
I feel proud of what I’ve accomplished and of how I’ve overcome every challenge life has placed in front of me, both personally and professionally. What sets me apart is that I truly believe no one is in competition with anyone else we can all learn from each other, and that mindset has shaped the way I approach both my work and my relationships with clients.
How do you think about luck?
I believe luck, whether good or bad, has played a role in my life, but it hasn’t been the deciding factor. I’ve faced difficult moments that some might call bad luck like losing my father at a young age or nearly losing a job I thought was secure. But I learned to turn those experiences into motivation. Rather than relying on luck, I’ve relied on my ability to work hard, adapt, and create my own opportunities. For me, luck may open a door, but it’s effort and perseverance that have truly allowed me to move forward and build the business I have today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yurikophotography_studios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YurikoPhotographyStudios/
