“Anyone can pick up a camera and take a photo, but not everyone can capture the story behind it.” - Carlos Montoya Gonzales My passion for photography began in my childhood because of my father, Carlos Montoya Gonzales. He was a well respected and profound professional photographer here in Monterey Bay, California. He taught me everything he knew, ranging from topics of sports, weddings, product, music, etc. He showed me how to see life through the lens. Growing up around his work, going on photoshoots with him, I began to realize how photography is more than just taking pictures, it's about preserving emotion, connection, and truth through the lens. My father built a life and a name through his photography business, capturing moments that told stories and connected people, stories that will last forever. His work is forever etched in history with his photos being featured on Rolling Stones Magazine, and also being used as an album cover for ​​Shooter Jennings & The Werewolves of Los Angeles Do Zevon. My fathers work, his strong love, and his ability to showcase the world in a different perspective inspired me to get into photography. Sadly, in 2022 he was diagnosed with ALS, a terminal illness that ultimately leaves the patient paralyzed and unable to speak or breathe on their own. I became his caretaker, and we began to travel around California as a father and son duo working to capture the stories behind each photo we take. Building the bridge between the photo and the viewer. As his illness worsened the time came to where he was no longer able to continue his love of photography. Whilst being his caretaker, I vowed to him and myself to continue the legacy of him and his business, ProPix Media, and to bring it to new heights and showcase to the world what it truly means to be a photographer. Upon my fathers passing in January 2025 I made a vow to myself to push even harder in Photography. During my time as his caretaker I learned strength, discipline, and purpose. I decided to get my degree in Photography, to further my education and deepen my love for it. Photography became both a form of healing and motivation, it reminded me of my fathers passion and the dreams he had for he and I as a family business. I used my creative work as an outlet to channel my emotions into something meaningful and beautiful, and I used the pain of loss as motivation to keep moving forward. Photography is far more than just taking photos. It’s about storytelling and connecting with the viewer. I want my photos to inspire and showcase a different perspective just like my fathers photos do for me. Ultimately, my goal is to continue the photography business he started, elevate it to new heights, and make a name for myself in this industry, one that reflects both where I came from and where I am going. Photography is more than an art to me, its life!

One of the biggest challenges that impacted my academic performance was losing focus and balance while caring for my father during his illness. As his health declined, I took on more responsibilities at home and in his photography business. Balancing schoolwork with being both a caretaker and helping maintain his legacy was emotionally and physically demanding. There were moments when exhaustion and grief made it difficult to stay fully engaged in my studies. However, through that experience, I learned strength, discipline, and purpose. Photography became both a form of healing and motivation, it reminded me of my father’s passion and the dreams he had for me. After his passing, I made a promise to continue his legacy and to use education as a way to honor him. I refocused my priorities, developed better time management skills, and used my creative work as an outlet to channel my emotions into something meaningful and beautiful. That period taught me resilience. It reminded me that every obstacle can become an opportunity for growth. Today, I carry those lessons forward, not just as a student, but as someone determined to build something lasting in my father’s memory and my future. My goals to pursue a higher education were always in sight, but in 2022 my life changed and so did my goals. It all started with my passion for photography. It first started in my childhood because of my father. It wasn't until 2022 came around when my passion for nursing began whilst I was a caretaker for my father. My father was a very well known professional photographer in Monterey Bay where I live. Growing up I would go on photoshoots with him to take photos for high schools, colleges, weddings, sports, etc. My father taught me everything he knew, he showed me how to see life through the lens. How to capture the story within the photos I take. He always told me, “Anyone can pick up a camera and take a photo, but not everyone can capture the story behind it. That's where you distance yourself from being good to being great.” Sadly in 2022, he was diagnosed with ALS, a terminal illness that ultimately leaves the patient paralyzed and unable to speak or breathe on their own. Once he was diagnosed I became his caretaker. I always grew up thinking my dad was unbreakable, fearless, and invincible, but the second I heard the words come out of his mouth, “I have ALS” it was the first time I saw that every person's walls break down. While I was his care taker I realized just how big of a difference I made for him. After his passing, I used the pain of loss as motivation to keep moving forward. I learned to manage my time better, seek support when needed, and stay committed to pursuing nursing and photography. His strength and courage continue to inspire me every day, reminding me why I’m determined to become the kind of nurse who makes a lasting difference in people’s lives and the kind of photography to make photos speak louder than words. A higher education is more than just a diploma, it is a lasting legacy I vow to honor forever. I thought to myself that if I can make a difference in my fathers life, for as long and as well as I did, then I know I can do it for others too.