TANIA GONZALES: I believe that hard work rewards you but I do not believe in hardwork to be like someone you are not!
Redactor: Belma Skopljakovic
1. Tell us something about yourself!
1. Tell us something about yourself!
I am first generation American in my family. My father was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and my mother in Santa Tecla, El Salvador. Spanish was my first language therefore I am fluent in Spanish and English. I like soccer and Cristiano Ronaldo (:D). My favorite food is Korean food. A random fact about me is that I am hard of hearing due to a high fever I had when I was months old.
2. When did you first think of becoming a photographer?
It was an accident I became a photographer. My cousin was in need of a wedding photographer so I helped her find one, but she did not like the work they did. I had shared with a friend of mine the situation and told me to ask my cousin if she wanted her to take photos even though she has never shot a wedding before.
My cousin agreed and I tagged along with my friend to help out throughout the process. We really enjoyed the whole experience and decided to pursue Wedding Photography. When family members and Facebook friends saw my work they would contact me and ask to capture photos for them. Boom! That’s how it all started
3. Who are some of you favorite photographers past or present?
Back then I was not really into observing specific photographers’ work or certain photos styles, but now that I know the field I really pay attention to details. That’s a hard question to ask. I really value a lot of photographers now in days. I really like the darker, moody photography style. Some of my to go to photographers would be Nirav Patel, Dyan and Joanna Kitchener, Tristan Paiige, Michael Patrick, Sara Byrne, and I will stop here.
Back then I was not really into observing specific photographers’ work or certain photos styles, but now that I know the field I really pay attention to details. That’s a hard question to ask. I really value a lot of photographers now in days. I really like the darker, moody photography style. Some of my to go to photographers would be Nirav Patel, Dyan and Joanna Kitchener, Tristan Paiige, Michael Patrick, Sara Byrne, and I will stop here.
4. What cameras did you start with and what are you currently using?
I started with a Nikon l820, a camera i got from my mom as a birthday gift. Then I got a canon a-1 for free because my cousin thought it did not work so I asked if I could have it and all I needed to do to fix it was buy batteries. As I did weddings I got the opportunity to get a Nikon d610.
I started with a Nikon l820, a camera i got from my mom as a birthday gift. Then I got a canon a-1 for free because my cousin thought it did not work so I asked if I could have it and all I needed to do to fix it was buy batteries. As I did weddings I got the opportunity to get a Nikon d610.
5. How is living in California?
I enjoy living in California. I like the diversity I get to experience and different cultures I get to encounter, OH!! And the foods! The different ethnic groups established in my small town are Mexicans, Indians, Caucasians, African Americans, Arabs, and Chinese. The town is 3 hours from San Francisco and Los Angeles, 2 hours from the mountains and the ocean. It’s literally in the middle of everything. In order to go to the mall (which I rarely go to), cinema, hangout with friends, or go to school I need to drive for 30 minutes or more into the city.
I enjoy living in California. I like the diversity I get to experience and different cultures I get to encounter, OH!! And the foods! The different ethnic groups established in my small town are Mexicans, Indians, Caucasians, African Americans, Arabs, and Chinese. The town is 3 hours from San Francisco and Los Angeles, 2 hours from the mountains and the ocean. It’s literally in the middle of everything. In order to go to the mall (which I rarely go to), cinema, hangout with friends, or go to school I need to drive for 30 minutes or more into the city.
There is a lot of agriculture going on around my small town. There are a large amount of vineyards, tomatoes, onions, almond trees, walnut trees, pistachio trees, orange trees, and so on. Because of the agricultural surroundings my family have a few friends who work hard in these fields and give us some of the products. If you want to get a little feel of what I am talking about I encourage you to watch a movie based on a real story, “Mcfarland” it’s another small town located 2 hours away from me.
Politically...., I know you have heard the news about the current leader on the US. Many are devastated and others are happy. All I could say is please pray for our nation.
6. You have been in Bosnia and Herzegovina last summer. Your impressions of being here!
I have been in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the total of three times. I am not sure if I continue to go because I always drink lots of water from the Beg Mosque fountain or because I love it. I am just kidding I love Bosnia and Herzegovina, the culture, the people, the big hearts I get to encounter and the spirituality there is in fearing God and community to pursue God. I love the green mountains, the language, the kafa, sladoled, ćevapi, and EVERYTHING.
I have only been there during Ramadan at Sarajevo. It always fascinates me to see a large community wait for the canon and then start eating. My second time in Sarajevo I stayed in Bjelave. I went to eat lunch and it was hard to find a seat. As I went to my search for a seat I noticed everyone out with their foods and not eating it. “Why are they sitting out, if they are not going to eat, I need a seat,” I told myself and then I heard the canon and everyone started eating. It fascinates me because I have only experience fasting by myself or a group of 2 to 20 people never almost the majority of the population of a city.
I have only been there during Ramadan at Sarajevo. It always fascinates me to see a large community wait for the canon and then start eating. My second time in Sarajevo I stayed in Bjelave. I went to eat lunch and it was hard to find a seat. As I went to my search for a seat I noticed everyone out with their foods and not eating it. “Why are they sitting out, if they are not going to eat, I need a seat,” I told myself and then I heard the canon and everyone started eating. It fascinates me because I have only experience fasting by myself or a group of 2 to 20 people never almost the majority of the population of a city.
7. What do you think about young people today! Do you have any message for them?
I think that in today’s world it’s easier to experience other cultures, pursue different dreams, obtain different philosophies than our parents and grandparents because of the media and education. In my country, in Bosnia and Herzegovina and many parts of the world young people today pursue top fashion lines, big houses, nice cars, fame and a title to fit the description that many celebrities display in media. I believe that hard work rewards you but I do not believe in hardwork to be like someone you are not. Do not pursue a goal that will destroy your persona, and a relationship with God. It’s easy to forget about God when everything is looking good, in our health, and in our bank accounts. We mostly run to God in moments of need. Let’s run to God in our awesome moments in life too. The riches of this world are temporary, your title in this earth is temporary, but your after life is everlasting. God wants to talk to you, hear from you, help you not only with your physical needs but your mental, spiritual needs as well. Matthew 6:33 says, “ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” I truly believe that without God I am nothing because eventually all materials, titles and things men, this earth can give can turn into a nothing but God is never nothing He is love, power, and salvation.
I think that in today’s world it’s easier to experience other cultures, pursue different dreams, obtain different philosophies than our parents and grandparents because of the media and education. In my country, in Bosnia and Herzegovina and many parts of the world young people today pursue top fashion lines, big houses, nice cars, fame and a title to fit the description that many celebrities display in media. I believe that hard work rewards you but I do not believe in hardwork to be like someone you are not. Do not pursue a goal that will destroy your persona, and a relationship with God. It’s easy to forget about God when everything is looking good, in our health, and in our bank accounts. We mostly run to God in moments of need. Let’s run to God in our awesome moments in life too. The riches of this world are temporary, your title in this earth is temporary, but your after life is everlasting. God wants to talk to you, hear from you, help you not only with your physical needs but your mental, spiritual needs as well. Matthew 6:33 says, “ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” I truly believe that without God I am nothing because eventually all materials, titles and things men, this earth can give can turn into a nothing but God is never nothing He is love, power, and salvation.
8. Some of photos made by Tania:
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