We were lucky to catch up with Matias Gonzalez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Matias, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience is a quality I’ve nurtured through a lifetime of transitions, challenges, and deep-rooted connections. My journey began in Chile, where I was born, and continued in Argentina, where I moved in 2014. These shifts taught me to adapt, to find strength in uncertainty, and to create a sense of belonging wherever I was.
One memory stands out vividly—a trip back to Argentina after many years away. I remember walking the bustling streets of Buenos Aires, the city humming with a mix of nostalgia and vibrancy. It was a reminder of where I came from, the resilience embedded in my family’s stories of starting over, of finding joy amidst hardship, and of embracing change as a constant.
Later, as a photographer, I realized that resilience wasn’t just a personal trait—it was a necessity in my work. Weddings, for example, are filled with unpredictable moments: sudden rain, changing timelines, or the raw emotions of the day. Each time, I’ve learned to pivot, stay calm, and capture the beauty in the chaos. Resilience is what allows me to keep my creative energy alive, no matter the circumstances.
Parenthood has deepened this quality even further. Raising a child while building a business requires balancing dreams with reality, finding patience when things don’t go as planned, and celebrating small victories. It’s about showing up every day, knowing that resilience is not just about enduring challenges but about growing through them.
Ultimately, my resilience stems from the communities I’ve built, the stories I’ve captured, and the love I’ve given and received. It’s a mosaic of experiences that reminds me: no matter what comes, I have the strength to face it, and more importantly, to thrive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m Matías González, a documentary photographer and cinematographer, and my passion lies in telling stories through images. My work focuses primarily on weddings and portraits, where I aim to capture authentic, emotional moments that stand the test of time. What excites me most about what I do is the opportunity to be both a witness and a storyteller of the most genuine and meaningful human connections.
Every wedding or session is a new chance to observe and reflect the beauty of real moments: knowing glances, heartfelt embraces, spontaneous laughter. My approach isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about creating a visual legacy that people can revisit time and again, reconnecting with those unique moments in their lives.
Right now, I’m focused on growing my career in the United States, specifically in New Jersey, New York, and the tri-state area. This year is a fresh start for my family and me as we’ve relocated to this region with the goal of building a strong foundation and collaborating with more couples, families, and creative colleagues.
I’m also thrilled to announce the launch of my new website, where visitors can explore my portfolio and learn more about my approach to photography and cinematography. This fall, I’ll be offering special packages for weddings and portraits, with availability in August, September, and October.
What I want people to know is that my work isn’t just about photography or video—it’s about connecting with each story on a personal and authentic level. My goal is to ensure that every client feels seen and that their most important moments are documented with the respect and dedication they deserve.
If you’re someone who values the real, the imperfect, and the beautiful aspects of life, I’m here to work with you and help preserve those memories that tell the story of who you are and what you love most.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I can identify three key qualities and skills that have been most impactful in my journey as a photographer and cinematographer:
1. **Empathy**
Empathy is at the heart of my work. Understanding people’s emotions, connections, and stories allows me to create images that feel deeply personal and meaningful. Whether it’s a couple on their wedding day or a family during a portrait session, my ability to connect with them on an emotional level helps me capture their essence.
**Advice:** For those starting out, practice listening and observing. Spend time understanding the people you’re working with—what matters to them, what they value, and how they express themselves. Building genuine connections will always reflect in the quality of your work.
2. **Adaptability**
In photography and cinematography, no two moments are ever the same. From unexpected weather changes to emotional highs and lows, adaptability has been essential for me to remain calm and creative in any situation. Being able to pivot quickly, adjust plans, and still deliver high-quality results has shaped my approach to work.
**Advice:** Early in your journey, focus on being resourceful and flexible. Challenges will arise, but they’re opportunities to grow. Develop the mindset that every problem has a solution, and over time, you’ll learn to thrive in unpredictability.
3. **Storytelling**
Photography and cinematography are about more than technical skills—they’re about telling a story. Learning how to compose images, use lighting, and build sequences that evoke emotions has been critical to my journey. I aim for every frame to contribute to a larger narrative that feels authentic to the people I’m capturing.
**Advice:** To develop storytelling skills, immerse yourself in different forms of art. Study films, paintings, literature, and music. Pay attention to how they communicate emotions and messages. Then, practice telling stories with your own work—ask yourself what you want each image or scene to convey and how it contributes to the bigger picture.
The most important thing I’ve learned is that these qualities aren’t static—they evolve with experience and intentionality. Be patient with yourself, stay curious, and always strive to connect deeper with the work you do and the people you serve. It’s a journey of growth, and every step counts.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
The people who have been most helpful in my journey are those who have challenged me, inspired me, and supported me when I needed it most. It’s hard to name just one person because so many have shaped my growth, but there are a few key figures I always come back to.
First and foremost, my family has been an incredible source of strength and inspiration. My partner, Rocío, has been my greatest support, and our daughter Ámbar motivates me to constantly grow and improve, both personally and professionally. Rocío has not only stood by me every step of the way but also shown me the value of patience and dedication in everything we do together.
Secondly, I’ve learned so much from the photographers and cinematographers I’ve had the privilege of working alongside. Carolina Rivera, who is also my friend, has been a great collaborator and inspiration in my career. Her passion for what she does and her ability to deeply connect with people have pushed me to improve and constantly strive for excellence in my work.
Finally, the clients I’ve worked with have been some of my greatest teachers. Each couple or family brings their own story, personality, and challenges, and it’s through these experiences that I’ve learned empathy, adaptability, and the art of storytelling.
**Advice for Others:**
Surround yourself with people who push you to grow—whether they’re mentors, collaborators, or loved ones. Be open to learning from everyone you meet, and don’t hesitate to ask for help or feedback. Success is rarely a solo journey; it’s built on connections, shared experiences, and the willingness to learn from others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.matigonzs.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/matiasgonzalez.ph
Image Credits
All the photographs are made by Matias Gonzalez @Matiasgonzalez.ph @Thesquad_Studio
