Gerard Sandoval Photography

06/03/2026

I’m in the market for a new camera system, and for the first time in a long time, I’m seriously open to exploring outside of Canon.

I’ve been a Canon user for most of my life as a photographer(going on 12 years now), both film and digital. It’s the system I know, trust, and have used to build a lot of my work across portraits, editorial sessions, weddings, commercial projects, and personal creative work.

And the way I work is evolving.

I’m leaning deeper into cinematic portraiture, hybrid photo/video storytelling, 35mm film-inspired weddings, and directing projects that require gear to keep up with real movement, emotion, and pressure.

So I’m curious.

Canon still feels like home, but I’d love to test what Fujifilm X Series US America, Sony, Leica Camera , Nikon, Hasselblad, Phase One and other systems can bring to the table.

I’m especially interested in cameras that can support:

- Natural light and studio portrait work
- Fast-moving wedding environments
- Cinematic color and skin tones
- Strong autofocus
- Hybrid photo/video workflows

A system that feels intuitive on real shoots, not just on paper

So I’m putting this out there:
I’m currently exploring what camera system makes the most sense for the next evolution of my photography and directing work.

The goal is to connect with camera brands, reps, rental houses, or creative partnerships who are open to putting gear in the hands of working photographers to test in real-world shoots.

Not just specs. Not just studio charts.

Real portraits. Real weddings. Real movement. Real clients. Real creative pressure.

And I will be documenting the process, sharing honest thoughts, and create work with whatever system feels aligned with where I’m headed next.

Canon USA raised me, but I’m open to being surprised.

So which camera company are you most loyal to and switching is not even an option for you?

05/13/2025

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over… and expecting casting directors to suddenly see you differently.

Still showing up with the same cookie-cutter headshots — hoping this time they’ll “just get you”?

Yeah, not going to happen.

📸 You’re an actor. A storyteller. Not a passport photo.
So why are your headshots saying “safe” when your talent screams “cinematic”?

I shoot differently.
No stiff poses. No rushed sessions. No one-size-fits-all backdrop.

🎬 What you get with me:
– Unlimited time to explore your essence
– Unlimited looks to showcase your full range
– Headshots with atmosphere, depth, and story — like a scene pulled from your future breakout role.

Oh — and if you didn’t know:
Black & white is back. Not just for vibe… for impact.
The industry’s noticing. And so will they.

⚠️ Limited sessions open this month. Let’s create something timeless — not typical.

👇
Tap the link in bio to book your cinematic headshot session now.

03/26/2025

✨ It’s here — my new WEDDING WEBSITE is live! 🎉
And it’s more than just a fresh look… it’s a space that finally feels like the stories I love to tell.

If you’re planning your wedding and dreaming of photos that feel real—the kind you’ll look back on and say, “That was so us”—this was made for you.

I specialize in capturing weddings mostly on 35mm film (with a little Polaroid and digital magic sprinkled in), focusing on the real moments:
The tearful glances.
The wild dance floor moves.
The hugs that say more than words.

Your wedding isn’t just a day—it’s a feeling.
And I’m here to preserve it, exactly as it was.

🎞️ Come explore the new site: https://www.filmandforever.com/
📩 Curious about dates or want to connect? Let’s talk—I’d love to hear what you’re planning.

Your wedding deserves to be felt, not just seen. I capture honest, emotional moments on real film — 35mm, medium format, and Polaroid — so your photos feel just like your memories.

03/07/2025

FRIDAY I'M IN LOVE

I don't care if Monday's blue
Tuesday's gray and Wednesday too
Thursday I don't care about you
It's Friday, I'm in love❤️

01/17/2025

A single frame, a thousand untold stories.

This shot of Alex, captured on film at the iconic corner of Hollywood and Highland, is one of my favorites—not because of the way she’s standing, or the cigarette resting on her lips, but because of how alive the moment feels.

When I work with subjects, I never tell them to ‘pose.’

Instead, I give them a story to embody, a character to inhabit, or an emotion to channel. It’s about getting out of their heads and into a flow that feels natural and uncontrived.

For this photo, I gave Alex a simple directive—a story that unlocked her swagger, her intensity, and the quiet rebellion that seems to leap off the frame.

I didn’t micromanage her stance or tell her how to hold the cigarette. She found that on her own, guided by the story she was playing out in her mind.

For anyone starting out in portrait or fashion photography, here’s a tip: Give your subject a story instead of a pose.

A small suggestion can unlock something raw and real—like you’ve captured not just a person, but a moment.

If you're curious about techniques like this or need help refining your own approach, I now offer one-on-one consultations—either on Zoom or in person—to help you grow your craft and career.

Let’s chat!

Question:
What do you think the story was that I asked Alex to channel in this shot?

01/07/2025

🎬 Why Your Headshots Need to Actually Look Like You

Back when I was directing commercials and running casting calls, I learned pretty quickly how vital it is for actors to have headshots that truly represent them.

Let me be honest: nothing turned me off more than someone walking into an audition looking nothing like their headshot.

The result? They’d end up in the "no" pile before they even said a word. Sounds harsh, I know—but production people are under tight deadlines and with specific needs in mind.

If your headshot is misleading, it signals a lack of professionalism and respect for the process.

The good news? This is completely avoidable.

A great headshot should do two things:
1️⃣ Showcase your personality and casting range.
2️⃣ Accurately represent how you look on your best, most authentic day.

No extreme retouching. No outdated photos. Just you, in the best possible light (literally and figuratively). Because at the end of the day, casting directors want to see someone who looks like their headshot come to life in the room.

That’s why, for pilot season, I’m offering dynamic, professional headshot sessions at a discounted rate. What you will get is a photographer with a real knack for capturing exactly who you are in a way that’ll stand out in casting rooms.

Your headshot is your calling card—make sure it’s working for you, not against you.

📸 Ready to book? February spots are available. Click the link in my bio to secure your session today.

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10/09/2024

Wild At Heart

09/12/2024

Make your images jump off the screen! Dive into the world of creating motion in photography with our exclusive tips. 🖼️ Ready to enhance your photography skills? Let's get started! Click on the link below.

https://wix.to/xClUsMO

08/29/2024

Tips on Overcoming the “Doubts” or How I Manage the "Am I Good Enough?" Voice.

As a fashion and portrait photographer, I’ve had plenty of days when self-doubt creeps in, making me question if I'm truly cut out for this. Lately, those doubts have been louder than ever. If you’ve ever felt the same, know that you’re not alone.

Here are 6 tips on how I’ve been able to manage and somewhat silence that inner critic and keep moving forward, even when I’m exhausted and frustrated.

1. Embrace the Doubt
First, I acknowledge that doubt is part of the creative process. It’s a sign that I care deeply about my work and want to produce something of value. Instead of running from it, I face it head-on and use it as a motivator to improve and grow.

2. Revisit My "Why"
Whenever I feel lost or question my direction, I go back to why I started in the first place. For me, photography is more than just a job; it’s a passion, a way to tell stories, and capture moments that resonate. My wife and family also keep me grounded. Remembering my “why” reignites my passion and keeps me focused.

3. Celebrate Small Wins
Progress isn’t always about huge milestones. I’ve learned to celebrate the small victories—whether it’s a successful shoot, positive client feedback, or mastering a new technique. These little wins add up and remind me that I’m making progress, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

4. Connect with Others
I reach out to friends, photographers, and other creatives to share experiences and insights. Surrounding myself with a supportive community helps me see that I’m not alone in my struggles. Sometimes, just talking things out can provide the clarity I need.

5. Keep Learning
On days when I feel stuck, I dive into learning something new—whether it’s a photography technique or reading a book to help me with the business and marketing aspects of my company. Continuous learning keeps my mind engaged and opens up new possibilities.

6. Take Breaks When Needed
Finally, I’ve learned that it’s okay to take a break. Stepping away from the camera, even for a day, helps me return with a fresh perspective and renewed energy. This summer, I’ve been doing just that, and it’s made a significant difference in my outlook.

Self-doubt may never fully disappear, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. By embracing the journey, reconnecting with your purpose, and celebrating every bit of progress, you can quiet that inner critic and continue to grow as a photographer. After all, every step forward, no matter how small, is a step toward success.

What strategies do you use to manage self-doubt? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

Check out my blog post https://wix.to/DQifbVP

08/29/2024

Check out my blog post https://wix.to/WBwNhdD