We had the good fortune of connecting with Tony Gonzales and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tony, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Pursuing a creative career felt like a natural extension of who I am. I’ve always explored artistic outlets — sketching, painting, and portrait work. That background gave me a strong sense of composition, balance, and storytelling, which naturally translated into photography. Creativity runs in my family as well; both of my parents have artistic leanings, and my older brother expressed his talent through graffiti. For me, photography became the medium that brought all those influences together, allowing me to blend artistry with real human connection.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe photographs should be more than just images on a phone—they should be meaningful, lasting pieces that tell a story and adorn the walls of a home. I love collaborating with clients to create authentic images that truly reflect who they are. Even after 17 years, I still get butterflies before each session, which keeps my work fresh and exciting.

Preparation is key for me. Sometimes I’ll even rough sketch ideas for upcoming sessions, ensuring I have a clear plan and “must-have” shots. This approach allows the session to flow smoothly and keeps clients relaxed, rather than scrambling to come up with poses on the spot.

Getting into photography itself came naturally, but building a client base early on was a challenge. I’m not a marketing expert, so I’ve relied heavily on word-of-mouth referrals and nurturing genuine relationships. Over the years, I’ve learned that preparation, authenticity, and trust are what truly set my work apart. My goal is to create images that capture real moments, emotion, and artistry—memories that my clients will treasure for a lifetime.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d craft a week full of unique Fort Worth experiences. We’d start with a morning of board games at Game Theory, followed by a stroll and drinks at Panther Island, enjoying the live music and riverside vibes. A Rangers game is always a must for a classic Fort Worth experience.

When it comes to food, I’d take them to Los Vaqueros for an unforgettable brunch and Mercado Juarez, a longtime local favorite, for a taste of authentic flavors. Beyond that, I’d explore the city’s creative side, check out local art galleries, and simply soak up the energy of Fort Worth—its mix of culture, music, and food makes it an unforgettable place to visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family has been the foundation of my creative journey. My wife, Megan, supports me wholeheartedly in pursuing photography — and she isn’t afraid to give honest feedback when something in my edits feels off, which I truly value. My parents not only trust and refer my services but also show up to trade shows just to sit with me, which means the world. My older brother was my earliest artistic role model, and even today he continues to cheer me on and share my work. Finally, I owe so much to the clients who trust me to capture their memories. I know choosing a photographer is a leap of faith, and I’m honored every time someone allows me to be part of their story.

Website: https://tonygonzalesphotography.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tony_gonzales_photog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmgphotogdfw

Other: https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers/tony-gonzales-photography

Image Credits
Image of me taking photos credit to Megan Gonzales.

All other images are mine.

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Bride: Leah Wooten

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Bride: Athena Brooks

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Model: Chanti

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.