Life & Work with Alexandra Gonzalez of Los Angeles, California

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Gonzalez.

Hi Alexandra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi I’m Alexandra, I’m a Colombian American DP and camera assistant based in Los Angeles. I got into film in high school when I took an editing class. Soon after, I went into college wanting to double major in film editing and photography. I always had a love for photography growing up using my dad’s cameras. But it wasn’t until I saw a movie while I was attending Chaffey College that was so cinematically beautiful that it inspired me to want to express and create art in that way. The movie was LaLaLand, that movie was gorgeous and I’m grateful that I did see it because it was the start of my journey in the cinematography route. I then transferred and graduated from California State University Los Angeles with my Bachelor’s of Fine Arts, TV, Film, and Video Production. I graduated at the end of May 2023, so one month into the film strike that then happened to be one of the largest strikes in a very long time.
Long story short, after graduating I started attending networking events and working as a camera assistant (camera operator/ first assistant camera/second assistant camera/camera utility). I absolutely love working in every role in the camera department, it honestly just gives me so much joy being apart of not only my work and creations but to also create with my friends as well on their films.
One of my films that is out right now is a documentary showing at Hauser and Wirth, Arts District Los Angeles until August 16, 2026. It’s about the renowned Eileen Harris Norton and her art collection. She has work focusing on women artists, artists of color and many Californian artists. I loved being apart of bringing that story to life. I’ve also worked on other documentaries in the past and starting to dig into short films and commercials. I have been learning so much as a camera assistant and so blessed and grateful to all of the talented wonderful people I have met along the way. The film community is just so supportive and I know I’ve definitely made some friends for life throughout this journey. I’m extremely fortunate to have parents that have also supported me into making sure I followed my passions. My focus is to continue growing as a Cinematographer and to continue creating visual stories with amazing people.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, the film industry is pretty difficult to break into. Especially being apart of it since the strikes. I definitely had to keep a part time job here and there to help with some bills. I also realized that I had to change my mindset as a whole. I use to be very shy and antisocial growing up as a kid to my early 20’s. As I started to grow throughout college, I did join CSULA’s sorority AST. I will always be grateful to have did something out of my comfort level, the friends I met there are for life. I loved to be around women who support and uplift each other. After graduating, I continue to push myself out of my comfort zone to pursue my goals. It was a huge change I had to make to fulfill my dreams of working in the film industry. The film industry has helped me become more confident as a person. I had to learn the hard way that if you want to survive in the film industry you definitely can’t be shy. My advice to others is to not stop networking and making connections. I continue to meet the most down to earth filmmakers it’s amazing to hear everyone’s stories and how they came up. Of course also having to hear the word “no” or “good luck” or being rejected is highly possible to come across (it definitely happened to me a good amount of times) but that should never let you stop from being consistent and pursing your passions.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a cinematographer and a camera assistant. I specialize in the camera department within the film industry. Specifically as a cinematographer, camera operator, 1st assistant camera and 2nd assistant camera. I have loads of fun being apart of any role in camera. I have worked on productions such as features, music videos, commercials, live events, documentaries, reality, etc. I find every job to be a blessing and a great learning experience. It’s fascinating how there’s always something new to learn on set that someone will teach you. Some companies I’ve worked for are Netflix, Neon, and Sony. I’m most proud and known for my collaborations with CSULA and Hauser and Wirth. I loved being apart of creating the documentaries Luchita Hurtado, Yo Soy and Eileen Harris Norton, Her Story. My dream is to continue creating, play with more colors on set, and connecting with more filmmakers. I believe what sets me apart from others is just being my own authentic self. I started to create my own pathway into the film industry, I just pray to continue growing as a person.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @alxandxra
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15716327/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Image Credits
Armand Camaioni
Brenny Wilson
Les Thompson