Today we’d like to introduce you to Ulises Gonzalez
Hi Ulises, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a passion for telling stories visually. Growing up, my uncle would record all of our family functions on a ’90s Canon camcorder, and now being older and looking back at the footage of our family from years ago is something I’ve held onto forever. Even though what my uncle was recording wasn’t narrative driven, it helped preserve our family history, as we’ve sadly had some family member pass over the years, so having physical memories of some of our last times with them is very heartwarming to me.
Having that as my foundation from when I was younger sparked something inside of me, I had no clue at the time what that was going to look like in my future, but I always knew that I was stunned by the camera. In high school, I was blessed to have the opportunity to be contracted with a popular YouTube show called ‘Teens React’ which only solidified my dream of being on set and being around the cameras that I always was in awe of. Being the talent on the show was very fun and probably some of the best memories that I have from high school, BUT I realized that I felt more compelled to be behind the camera to see what the actual production side of things was like.
When it came time for me to head off to University after high school, I went in as a, you guessed it, Business Marketing major. Very random, but I thought it was the best choice for me as it was something I could pass off as a “real” career as the idea of pursuing something in the arts was so foreign to my family (I’m first generation American). Being in those Business classes truly drained me and I didn’t feel an attachment to the material that I was studying. I ended up taking a couple of film class GEs and passed those with flying colors and was LOCKED IN to the material, which makes sense as it was/is my first true passion. I switched my major to Film Production and didn’t look back. When I first switched, I felt so happy for myself, but the next problem I was going to have to face was communicating that Film is an active career with good money behind it to my parents. Surprisingly enough, they took it well and it only made my confidence rise being in the program.
Since switching my major and taking this career field more professionally, I’ve been able to make some amazing connections and make some beautiful work with other creatives. I officially graduate from San Jose State University this upcoming December with my Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Radio-Television-Film with my concentration in Film Production and a minor in Digital Media for Mass Communications and I genuinely could not be happier, this is truly only the beginning of my professional journey.
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?
The road to get where I am at today has been slightly challenging. Being the first of my siblings to go to a university already set its own set of problems as I had nobody to relate to when it came to creating better time management skills and getting adjusted to being so far away from family and friends. Like I mentioned before, I was also taking up a different major before I switched to Film Production, and whilst being in those business classes I battled imposter syndrome…even when I switched to Film I battled imposter syndrome because I felt so undeserving.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Photographer & Videographer & Director & Producer.
For photography, I’ve done editorial fashion work, behind the scenes photos following higher profile celebrities, event photography, marriage engagements, truly everything and anything you would need photos for I’ve done. I would say I’m known for my portraits and up close detail shots.
I’m most proud of being able to write, film, and edit my second short film. I had this concept for a while and was finally able to execute it, definitely was the most rewarding experience.
What sets me apart from other creatives is what I bring to a shoot. I, for one, like to shoot with natural lighting. And I also bring a collaborative environment where the client and I can both find a happy medium to produce something that encompasses both of our styles.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love LA. I was born and raised in the city, so the attachment to the street culture is something that I wish could be preserved. People who aren’t from LA all say the same thing that “LA culture is fake…etc”,, but that’s because they’re looking past the rich history that this city has and are looking for the next ‘aesthetic brunch spot’. LA is a melting pot of so many different cultures and if you’re going straight to Hollywood or Beverly Hills, you would never know. I’ve been in LA my whole life and I still act like a tourist when I go out because there’s literally always something new to experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/KbxSIUltWYNTC
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ulisesgonzalez.pv/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/UlisesGonzalezLA
Image Credits
All photo credits to Ulises Gonzalez of Uli’s.POV.
