Rod Gonzalez B.Sc. (Hons) is a photographer based in Plymouth, U.K.
Main areas of commercial work are: art events, portraits, glass, jewellery, food, galleries and products.
I also work closely with several successful artists, developing photographic style, websites and graphics. (view my blog here)
This website shows my commercial work, along with some of my personal photography, spanning 30 years, including portraits, travel photography, landscape photography and monochrome. I am based in Plymouth, UK.
Projects and Exhibitions
2019 - Photographing portraits for 17 members of the The 3D3 Centre for Doctoral Training at the University of Plymouth during a workshop.
2019 - Photographing 3rd year craft students' work at Plymouth College of Art. Photographed the work of 27 students in 1 day, including, glass, jewellery, ceramics and 3D design.
2018 - Official photographer for the Plymouth Art Weekender 2018 - creating a photographic record of the 3 day art event featuring over 100 exhibitions and events.
2018 - Photographing 3rd year student work at Plymouth College of Art. Photographed the work of 27 students in 1 day, including, glass, jewellery, ceramics and 3D design.
2017 - Covering the Plymouth Art Weekender 2017 - photographic record of exhibition and events
2017 - Archiving of objects produced by Nuala Clooney and Kaye Winwood for "Expanded Intimacy" at Smultronstalle in Birmingham.
2016 - Commissioned to create a photographic record of the Plymouth Art Weekender; an event comprising over 70 individual art shows during one weekend in the city of Plymouth.
2016 - Invited to present a photography course to Jewellery students at the Birmingham School of Jewellery
2014 - 2015 Ocean Studios development at Royal william Yard in Plymouth - Producing a video and photographic archive of the development.
2014 - 2015 JUNK: Rubbish to Gold, photography and video archive of project with Birmingham School of Jewellery.
2013 - 2014 Bread and Roses Portraits project.
2012 - 2013 Video recording Potter/Ceramicist Marianne De Trey, Video presented at show "Design for Living" at Highcross House Dartington.
2012 - Engaging the Senses, Video archive of metalwork project involving blind students.
2010 - 2011 North Prospect Young Persons Photography Project - Involving young people in recording the past and development in Swilly, Plymouth.
2009 - RED - architectural instalation project by Jakub Liska - photographic record and archive
2008 - OPTIMO magazine - 4 issues of art/culture in Plymouth published; 1000 copies of each printed and distributed
January 2018 "10 Years of Optimo Images" photo exhibition celebrating 10 years of Optimo Images' commercial work. At HQ the Millfields
January 2014 Urbananda Yoga centre London - group exhibition - various.
January 2013: Trerise Gallery, Plymouth. Group Exhibition, 2014 - Under Water Abstracts
July 2012 : "Signposts" - group show, Cube 3 Gallery, Plymouth University - jewellery photography with Nicola Hurst Jewellery
July 2009, SofaRiot, Bristol. Window Display
Nov 2008, U1: Studios Plymouth, group show.
Aug - Nov 2007: La Ruka, Brisol, solo exhibition - Print Chile
July 2007, Masa Gallery, Royal William Yard, Plymouth - Group Show - Underwater Abstracts
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photography clients include:
Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Ocean Studios, Flameworks, Tandem Studios, Futons247, Ravinala, Rachel Darbourne Jewellery, Nicola Hurst Jewellery, Jenny Ayrton Glass, Louise Parker, Horizons, Kilnworks
and
Karst Gallery, El Cafe, zipbar.co.uk, Paul Ager Metalwork, Mike Hanny Paintings, Roy Youdale Baskets, Gemma Parks Jewellery, Lesley Forrest Designs, The Millfields Trust, Plymouth College of Art, Christine Roberts
Clients: feedback and testimonials
Here is a selection of the feedback I have received from my clients over the years.
" Thanks Rod, I'm really pleased with the finished pieces, great job. " - Helen Kilnworks
"I like the dark background ones best, and the others are a vast improvement you captured the colours and texture beautifully " - MA student at Plymouth University - Christine Roberts.
“I just downloaded the images and I wanted to thank you again for helping me. They look amazing and it has really boosted the overall look of my portfolio! ” – Ana, 3rd-year Illustration student at Plymouth University,
” I need to thank you – great images are an absolute must in applying for these competitions/exhibitions.” – Nuala Clooney, on her nomination for the Ruskin Prize!!
“They are fabulous, thank you so much, I might get you to redo some others they look so good on these colours and the angles are superb” Lesley Forrest
“I love the photos; they’ve come out really well. I think they all look great.” – Rachel Darbourne
“They’re better than I could ever have imagined” – Nicola Hurst
“…thank you for a brilliant and professional service. The images are fab…” Karin Jordan, Arts Matrix
“That was quick work! They look absolutely fantastic, you have done a great job.” – Roy Youdale
“I am absolutely amazed, the images are excellent, thank you.” – Glenn Carter
“Yes I’m very happy with the final design too. You were just brilliant to work with.” – Pete, The Hothouse Band
“…the images are really very good, i love the collective pictures you have done ” – Emma Palmer
“some good photos there, these shoots are difficult for both of us but hopefully it gets easier the more we know what works” – Jonathan Wright, Tandem Studio
“Thanks Rod, excellent service, cheers”. – Harry Hare furniture
“Very happy with the photos, your service, and the price. Will hopefully be using you again” – Peter Lanyon
“I absolutely LOVE them! I feel an amazing portfolio coming on!” – Leigh Mason Jewellery
“Well what can I say, the pictures are truly amazing, I’m very impressed.” – Emily Reed
"These are great - just what I wanted!" - Toni Fairhead