We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jose Gonzalez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jose below.
Jose , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from a mix of my faith, my family, and the lessons I’ve learned through life’s challenges. As a 45-year-old father of three boys and a husband, I’ve had my share of ups and downs, but I’ve always believed that perseverance and hope can carry us through anything. My sons, Jacob, Caleb, and Isaac, inspire me every single day. They remind me that the choices I make and the perspective I have shape the kind of example I set for them. I want them to grow up knowing that no matter how tough things get, there’s always a way forward.
My marriage has also taught me the importance of seeing the good in situations, even when it’s not obvious. My wife and I have faced challenges together, but those moments have made us stronger. I’ve learned that staying optimistic isn’t about ignoring reality—it’s about choosing to focus on solutions, growth, and the blessings in life.
My time in the Army shaped my resilience and taught me to appreciate the little things. And now, as I pursue my education, I see every step forward as an opportunity not just for me but for my family. I want my boys to know that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, and optimism is a big part of what keeps that fire alive in me.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a passionate storyteller with a camera in hand and a heart for capturing moments that matter. My wife and I run a photography business where we focus on creating timeless, meaningful images for families, couples, and individuals. What excites me most about what we do is the opportunity to freeze emotions in time—whether it’s the joy of a wedding day, the quiet love in a family portrait, or the sense of adventure in a personal shoot. Each image tells a unique story, and being trusted to tell that story is a privilege we don’t take lightly.
What makes our work special is the personal touch we bring to each session. As a husband and wife team, we combine our skills and perspectives to create something truly collaborative. It’s more than just snapping photos; it’s about building relationships and making our clients feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
Right now, we’re exploring exciting new directions, including branching into more travel and adventure photography. My dream job has always been to work for National Geographic, so we’re working on projects that blend our love of storytelling with the beauty of nature and culture. We’re also in the early stages of planning workshops for aspiring photographers to help them hone their skills and find their creative voice.
For us, it’s not just about photography—it’s about connection, creativity, and leaving a lasting impact through the art we create. We’d love for folks to follow along on this journey as we continue to grow and explore new horizons!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities and skills that were most impactful in my journey are resilience, adaptability, and storytelling. Here’s why each was important and some advice for those early in their journey:
Resilience
Life doesn’t always go as planned, and challenges are inevitable. My time in the Army taught me to push through obstacles and keep going, even when things get tough. This mindset has been essential in building a business, pursuing my education, and being a father and husband.
Advice: Cultivate resilience by reframing failures as learning opportunities. When you face setbacks, take a moment to reflect on what went wrong, what you can improve, and how you’ll move forward. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage you to keep going.
Adaptability
Whether it was adjusting to new environments during my military service, learning new photography techniques, or balancing family life with business and school, adaptability has been a game-changer. Staying open to change and embracing growth has allowed me to seize opportunities I might have otherwise missed.
Advice: Practice adaptability by seeking out new experiences and stepping outside of your comfort zone. The more you expose yourself to change, the more comfortable you’ll become with it. Be willing to let go of rigid plans and stay open to new possibilities.
Storytelling
As a photographer and filmmaker, storytelling is at the heart of what I do. Understanding how to connect with people and craft a narrative has not only helped me grow my business but also deepened relationships in all areas of my life.
Advice: Develop your storytelling skills by actively listening to others and practicing empathy. Whether through writing, photography, or conversation, focus on capturing the essence of a moment or person. Invest in tools and resources that refine your craft and help you tell stories authentically.
For anyone early in their journey, remember that growth takes time. Focus on small, consistent steps to build these qualities and skills, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or learn from others along the way.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling a strong sense of responsibility and work ethic. Growing up, I watched them work hard to provide for our family, often sacrificing their own comforts to ensure we had what we needed. They taught me that nothing worth having comes easy and that persistence and dedication are key to achieving anything meaningful in life.
My parents also emphasized the importance of integrity—doing the right thing even when no one is watching. That lesson has stuck with me throughout my life, shaping how I approach challenges, relationships, and my work. It’s been a guiding principle in how I raise my own boys, as I want them to understand the value of hard work and the impact of making choices rooted in character.
Their example not only motivated me to pursue my education and career goals but also showed me the importance of creating a stable and loving environment for my own family. Seeing their sacrifices and unwavering support laid the foundation for who I am today, and I’ll always be grateful for the lessons they taught me through their actions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joseandteresa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joseandteresaphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joseandteresa
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