Today we’d like to introduce you to Manuel Gonzalez Romero.
Hi Manuel, 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?
Hello, and thank you for the invitation.
Around 2012, I was looking for a way to photograph artwork in order to promote my wife’s creations at various art festivals. At the time, I lacked the proper equipment and had little knowledge of photography, so my early results were far from what I hoped for. Photography wasn’t something I considered pursuing professionally—I simply wanted to meet a need.
That changed in 2014 during a trip to San Francisco, California. While driving near Elko, Nevada, I witnessed a breathtaking sunset that completely transformed how I viewed nature. From then on, I felt compelled to capture those rare, fleeting scenes we don’t see daily.
Driven by that experience, I began teaching myself photography by watching videos on YouTube after work. It was challenging—most tutorials used technical language I hadn’t yet understood. I had limited time during the day, so I often stayed up late, watching and rewatching videos, then going out at night to practice. It wasn’t easy, and there were times I considered giving up. But the more I learned, the more passionate I became—especially about night landscape photography.
Night photography is one of the most technically demanding disciplines in the field, but I embraced the challenge. Over the next six years, I dedicated myself to learning and slowly began to grasp the deeper concepts of photography. What started as a simple necessity evolved into a lifelong passion.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all — the road has been full of challenges. When I first started, I didn’t have any professional equipment or formal training. My goal was simply to take better pictures of my wife’s artwork for local art festivals, but I quickly realized how complex photography could be. I worked full-time, so the only time I had to study was late at night. Most of the tutorials I found online were very technical and hard to follow, and I remember feeling lost many times.
Still, something inside me kept pushing forward. I would stay up late watching videos and practicing outside, sometimes alone in the middle of the night, just to understand how light, exposure, and composition worked. It was tough, especially learning night photography — one of the most technically demanding styles — with very limited resources and no one to guide me.
There were moments I thought about quitting, but over time, photography became a true passion, not just a necessity. Every challenge taught me something new, and I’m thankful for the slow, sometimes frustrating journey. It made me not only a better photographer but also a more patient and dedicated person.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Over the years, I’ve distinguished myself by capturing images that surprise and resonate, not only for their visual appeal but also for their original composition and storytelling depth. With a keen eye for detail and a unique artistic vision, I strive to freeze unrepeatable moments and transform them into timeless works of art.
I specialize in landscape and night photography — two of the most challenging and rewarding genres — but my work also extends to macro, wildlife, portrait, architecture, and commercial photography. What sets me apart is not just the versatility, but the intention and emotion behind every frame. I don’t just document what I see; I try to convey what I feel, inviting viewers to connect with the beauty and story behind each shot.
I’m proud of the fact that I’ve built this path through self-learning and passion. I started from scratch, watching YouTube videos after long workdays, going out late at night to practice under the stars. It was a slow and often difficult journey, but it shaped my style and gave me a deep understanding of the art.
My work has been recognized in platforms like National Geographic, and I’m humbled to see how something that started with the goal of helping my wife promote her art has now become my life’s calling. Photography, for me, is more than an image — it’s about capturing the soul of a moment.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Yes — first and foremost, be patient with yourself. When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the technical terms, gear talk, and perfect images you see online. I wish someone had told me back then that it’s okay not to understand everything at once — learning photography is a journey, not a race.
My advice is to focus on your curiosity. Don’t wait to have the best camera or perfect conditions — just start. Use what you have, shoot what moves you, and keep practicing. Take time to understand why a photo speaks to you. Study light, composition, and especially your own instincts.
Also, don’t be afraid of failure. Some of my biggest breakthroughs came after frustrating nights with no good shots. It’s all part of the process. Each image — good or bad — teaches you something.
Lastly, enjoy the ride. Photography is not just about capturing the world — it’s about discovering yourself through the lens. So shoot with passion, stay authentic, and trust that your voice will evolve with time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.manuelgonzalezromerophotography.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manuelgonzalezromerophoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mgrphotoarte
