By Laura Gonzalez first picked up a camera a year ago after she explored the Port of Long Beach and decided she was ready to learn about photography.
One of Gonzalez’s photographs was recently featured at the 2nd annual Port of Long Beach Photogallery at The Liberty Art Gallery and Event Space.
Gonzalez is a photographer from Belmont Shore, and this is the second time a photograph of hers has been featured in this exhibit.
She is a Cal State Long Beach alumna who graduated in 1994 with a B.A. in political science.
The Port of Long Beach collaborated with the Arts Council for Long Beach to organize this particular gallery exhibition, which will be on display through Oct. 26.
“This has been a wonderful and unique experience for photographers of all levels,” Gonzalez said. “The tour is unlike any other provided by the Port of Long Beach—in that the boat cruised up-close to the Hanjin mega-terminal, the Maersk container vessel of 4,000 twenty foot equivalent units and under the Gerald Desmond Bridge.”
Her photograph titled, “A Picture Perfect Shoreline Sunset,” captures the simple aspect of the shoreline, with spectators gazing at the shoreline at the Port and buildings in the far background.
The exhibit showcased the selected photographs of local amateurs photographers and pro photographers who attended workshops to capture images of the Port of Long Beach from the ocean cruise.
The three workshops took place in August and were free to attend. The gallery is the culmination of the participants works in the workshops.
Gonzalez said that the port tour workshops are one kind experience.
She said she wanted to take better photos of her travels around the world, but also improve her floral design hobby. She creates floral arrangements as a side business, for holidays, events and parties.
Gonzalez said she has used her new photography skills to create a portfolio of these flowers for her costumers to browse.
She said she appreciates the beauty in nature, and her subjects often include the beach, waves, sunrises and sunsets. She said she likes how two photos are alike and enjoys capturing frozen moments in time.
The images on display show the port through the eye of different photographers. She said that she likes that no two people can look at the same thing and shoot a different picture.
Other photos at the gallery show the Port of Long Beach in a different and artistic light and include pictures of ships, equipment, large cranes, the terminal and bridges; there were also pictures of wildlife, including birds and sea lions who call the port their home.
Gonzalez said the Port of Long Beach is a beautiful and powerful symbol of the city, and said she admires the skyline of the city as a backdrop for her photograph.
“It’s a terrific medium, and there is always something to learn,” Gonzalez said.
