Capturing More than Moments: The Work of Miguel Gamino

Long before he was shooting his dream cars and cinematic portraits throughout Southern California, Miguel Gamino was just a 10-year-old who picked up his mother’s point-and-shoot camera and snapped a photo of a dragonfly at his uncle’s ranch. Gamino still holds onto that photo 24 years later and as a reminder of the day that sparked his curiosity. What started as a simple interest would later grow into a lifelong passion for photography.

Currently based in Long Beach, Miguel Gamino, 34, is a photographer who specializes in portrait and automotive work. With roots in Jalisco, Mexico, Gamino brings a unique perspective to his work. Taking his camera everywhere, he primarily focuses on candid photos to capture the real emotions of those around him.

Born in Jalisco, Mexico, at just one year old, Gamino moved to California, where he was raised in Anaheim and later in Ontario. Gamino remembers the active environment that he grew up in fondly. 

“Both of the neighborhoods I grew up in had lots of kids, so I grew up playing all sorts of sports, as well as having lots of friendships at a young age,” Gamino shared.

While his first encounter with a camera was as a child, during his teenage years, his interest developed while skateboarding with friends. At 17, Gamino recalls becoming friends with a photographer who was just a few years older, who would allow him to use his camera.

“He started letting me use his professional camera whenever we'd go out and skate and he would tell me that I had a good eye for photography,” Gamino said. “Being able to capture my friends’ skateboarding was the moment that made me want to pursue photography.”

Rafael Gamino, Miguel’s younger brother, remembers watching Miguel take photos of his friends at the skatepark.

“He would take pictures of all of our friends, he did some skateboarding photography, and from very early on, his photos were great,” Rafael shared. “He had a good eye and captured great moments. We’re still finding old photos and film rolls from those days.”

Getting recognized for his natural talent for photography encouraged Miguel to keep picking up the camera.

Today, Miguel describes his work as “cinematic lifestyle”, where he can focus on storytelling and movement to capture raw moments. His preferences are portraits and automotive photography, which are also personal interests.

“My main focus is portrait and automotive, it's what I enjoy shooting the most”, Miguel expressed. “ For example, when it comes to automotive photography, I love shooting my dream cars and just being around that environment.”

Miguel's dedication to photography led him to build an in-home studio, allowing him to shoot a variety of projects and bring his creative ideas to life. Although this space allows him to stage photoshoots, he simply prefers to capture candid moments.

“I prefer candid because I like to capture real emotion,” Miguel expressed. “That is why I like taking my camera everywhere and just taking pictures of what I see around me.”

His work reflects authenticity. Many in his social circle agree that his photography captures genuine expressions.

“Anywhere we go and if Miguel is there, we can count on him capturing the fun moments without even asking him,” said Bryan Heredia, a close friend of Miguel. “Whether he’s taking photos with just his phone, film camera, or his Polaroid, everyone knows there will be great photos from that day or night.”

Living in Long Beach has played a major role in shaping his growth as a photographer by expanding his creativity and working with people from different backgrounds. The environment that he lives in has encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone.

“I’ve been working with new people and experimenting with new styles and ideas,” Miguel explained. “I like working with all types of people and cultures. I like to show diversity throughout my work and highlight people’s stories.”

For many photographers, photography is their full-time profession. For Miguel, while he does photography professionally, he also maintains a full-time job. This allows him to have more freedom in his creativity and not be pressured to take on projects that don't align with his interests.

“The fact that I don't have to worry about paying bills through photography gives me the opportunity to go and photograph the things that I actually like photographing and not things that I have to photograph,” Miguel expressed. “ I think this is also one of the reasons why I've been a photographer for so long, because it doesn't feel like a job. It's something that I get excited to go and do.”

For Miguel Gamino, photography is more than just the final photo, it’s about the connections. His great technique, skill and dedication have led to many proud accomplishments, like one of his photographs being featured in an advertisement along Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach. 

Now, he is preparing to launch his online print store to have some of his photographs available for sale. His journey continues, and his work consistently reflects the same passion that started with a single photo of a dragonfly 24 years ago.