Gil Munoz Portfolio: “Photography is My Mistress and Soulmate”

The latest in a series of portfolios spotlighting members of the Facebook group “I Love Black & White Photography.”

Artist’s statement:

From the first click I had a simple approach: Is it interesting? I seek to capture not only an image, but timeless moments; a feeling. B&W photography always felt a shade moody, so that was a natural coupling with my spirit, being a long time amateur writer of poetry.

Moments are always happening, and very often I find myself wishing I had my camera on me to capture all that moves me. That being said, I find myself being more of an opportunistic photographer than one who plans an outing meticulously. I will give myself a vague direction or theme, then it’s like I’m looking for meaningful lines in a rough draft of a poem, seeking to exploit the expression. I do find myself gravitating toward water and clouds, something that has been with me since childhood.

This collection of photos can be seen as poignant to my mind’s eye. I’d like to bring someone into a place that’s somewhere in between a photo and a painting. To a place both emotionally familiar and at the same time, a sense of distant wonder. If I can take you away from your daily moments of life, even for just a moment, into the space of timelessness awe…. those are moments I’ll cherish with you.

Bio: “I live and work on a small family owned vineyard in California and that’s where I found a seemingly natural passion for photography. One day I was asked to take some photos to promote the business, and that was that. I took a short B&W film photography course and a Yosemite workshop, the rest has been my own composition exploration. Growing up in the tech world of the S.F. Bay Area and then moving to the Sierra Foothills CA for my second career has been a godsend in exposing this passion. I’ll continue to follow that passion as long as I’m in this world and, who knows, maybe it could lead me down the path to my third career. For now, the family business success is a priority, and photography my mistress and soulmate.”