Through the Lens of Opportunity: Alonzo Gardener’s On the Path to Success
- AlexAnn
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
The Camera as a Tool for Opportunity
Photography is more than just capturing moments for Alonzo Gardener; it’s a gateway to opportunity, growth, and empowerment. His love for photography began at an early age as a childhood curiosity evolved into a powerful vehicle for career growth. While pursuing a marketing degree in college, he recognized the vast opportunities that photography offered— by collaborating with student clubs and events, he refined his skills and built relationships. As an entrepreneur and philanthropist, Alonzo is building a career that transcends traditional photography, opening doors for himself and others. His journey is marked by resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change—principles that guide him through challenges and successes alike.
Navigating Change: From New York to Orlando
One of the significant transitions in Alonzo’s career was moving from New York City to Orlando, Florida. Unlike the fast-paced energy of NYC, Orlando had a slower rhythm that required him to rebuild his connections and navigate a different professional landscape. Familiar with prom and graduation photoshoots, he was able to partner with institutions to regain the attraction of his services. Through perseverance and networking, he secured media opportunities at major events such as Carnival in Miami, Orlando, and Toronto. Along the way, he observed that videography often presented more lucrative opportunities than photography, prompting him to expand his skill set. By collaborating with DJs, performing artists, and event organizers, he landed recurring gigs and long-term partnerships. His commitment to professionalism and integrity in business helped him establish strong reputation. As he puts it, “The camera got me into all these rooms. What else can the camera teach me?” His work led him to high-profile projects such as behind-the-scenes coverage at NYFW for She Magazine and working with Angela Yee at The Breakfast Club.
Beyond Photography: A Multi-Faceted Entrepreneur
Recognizing that he was more than just a photographer, Alonzo began to explore different aspects of media and business. His journey into vlogging and educational content allowed him to share insights on becoming an independent contractor, freelancer, and entrepreneur. His latest venture, Lonzo Talks, is a podcast where he engages in thought-provoking discussions with professionals from various industries, including a recent episode featuring DreamSeller balancing a career as a Promoter and being in the medical field as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist. The conversation flowed from positively leveraging clout to basic understandings for upcoming MCs.
Committed to sharing his knowledge, Alonzo has developed resources to help aspiring photographers and entrepreneurs. His Lonzo Flickbooks offer insights on scaling a photography business, monetizing skills, essential tools for beginners, and maintaining principles in business. Additionally, he has expanded his entrepreneurial reach into the car-sharing industry, creating educational content on launching and managing a Turo fleet. His upcoming class will guide participants on how to maximize their earnings and leverage networking opportunities through Turo.
Transforming Obstacles into Strength
Alonzo’s path has not been without challenges. Moving to new cities, adjusting to different professional landscapes, and navigating the uncertainties of freelancing all required him to develop faith and trust his intuition. Through adversity, he discovered resilience and learned to convert personal obstacles into strengths. His message is clear: live beyond societal norms and take the risks necessary to follow your dreams.
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