Today we’d like to introduce you to Carynn Gonzales.
Hi Carynn, 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?
Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved taking photos of anything and everything. The first camera I ever used was a Kodak disposable—I’d beg my parents to take me to get the film developed, then carefully add the prints to my scrapbook. Later, I upgraded to a digital camera (funny how those are trending again!). That was around the time social media started gaining traction. I’d upload my photos to MySpace, Tumblr, or PhotoBucket and share them with friends and family.
In 2010, as I was graduating high school, my grandpa gifted me my first DSLR—a Canon Rebel T3. I brought it with me to college, where I photographed friends and even set up DIY backdrops to take creative portraits of myself. At first, it was just for fun, but then a friend offered to pay me to take her graduation photos—and that changed everything. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a business. That’s when Cargo Photography was born.
Thirteen years later, I’m still doing what I love. I’ve had the honor of working with incredible clients and connecting with talented photographers along the way. Today, I take photos for the Female Executives of Texas events and serve as the Director of Photography at GodChasers Community Church.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like many people pursuing something they love, I’ve faced challenges that tested my patience and resilience. Over the past couple of years, I seriously considered walking away from my business. I had lost the spark that once fueled me and found myself slipping into depression.
I started to feel like I wasn’t showing up for my clients the way they deserved, and the thought of wasting their time weighed heavily on me. My friends reminded me of who I am—they encouraged me to keep going and reminded me of the creativity and beauty they saw in me, even when I couldn’t see it in myself. I know I’ve been blessed with a gift, but for a while, it was hard to believe in. Crawling out of that season hasn’t been easy, but I’m still here—and I’m stronger for it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a photographer and content creator with a passion for capturing authentic moments and visual storytelling. I specialize in lifestyle, fashion, beauty and family photography. As an influencer, I’ve built a community around creativity, confidence, and personal expression. I share my work and behind-the-scenes content primarily on Instagram and TikTok. As a photographer, I focus on headshots, branding shoots, family portraits, graduations, and couple photography—helping people feel confident and seen in front of the camera.
One of the things I’m most proud of is being able to photograph milestones that really matter to people—like capturing someone’s first professional headshot or a couple’s engagement. Those moments aren’t just pictures—they’re memories people will hold onto for years.
What sets me apart is the way I balance creativity with authenticity. My audience trusts me because I stay true to myself—whether I’m behind the camera or in front of it. I bring that same integrity to every shoot, every post, and every collaboration.
How do you define success?
I define success as living a life that feels meaningful and true to who I am. It’s not just about achieving big goals, but about growing through challenges, inspiring others and creating something that has a positive impact. To me, success is being able to do what I love while maintaining peace in my life. It’s about freedom, joy and creating space for both ambition and rest.
Contact Info:
- Website: carynn.gonzales@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cargophotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cargophotography
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carynn-gonzales-40507a263
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@carynn_gee
