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J.D. Gonzales is a Director of Photography and occasional Director in New York City. J.D. earned his BA in Moving Image Arts from Santa Fe University of Art and Design, and has lived in New Mexico, Colorado, and New York City while working in film. He’s worked with HBO, A&E, PBS, Apple TV, and other major studios, as well as high-profile talent such as Peyton Manning, Megan Thee Stallion, Chloe Grace Moretz, and more.

In 2024, JD was chosen as an ASC Vision Mentee (‘24-’25) which recognizes cinematographers for their commitment to the craft and rewards them with a year long mentorship program from an ASC member.

In 2019, J.D. founded the video production company and boutique agency, livalittle, which focuses on high caliber creative, bold story, and human appreciation as seen in the poignant feature documentary Snapshots of Confinement (2024).

Snapshots of Confinement (2024) is J.D.'s first feature-length documentary as Director and Cinematographer. The film aired nationally on PBS in May 2024 and since has aired in 88% of the top 25 markets in the US. Snapshots of Confinement was intentionally released on May 3rd to celebrate and bring awareness to AAPI culture while showing support for descendants and survivors of the WWII incarceration camps. The film received great praise from AAPI communities, and is currently available to watch online at PBS.

J.D.’s production company, livalittle, provided production and post-production services for Snapshots of Confinement which utilized J.D.’s vast network and partnerships. J.D. worked with Emily Bailey at Company3 for color, and 'Rooney' band member, Ben Messelbeck, on the score. Editing and post-supervision were completed by his long-time friend and work partner, Ian Marks .

Before all of this, J.D. worked in the film industry while also teaching film production at Denver School of the Arts. He continues to use his skills as an educator and cinematographer with the creation of accessible Crafting the Image workshops. The workshops are free, multi-day intensive seminars to aid early-mid career cinematographers in developing advanced foundations that are practical and story-driven. The workshops have a focus on creative, technical, and managerial skill sets, and give free higher level arts education in efforts to advance DEI in the film industry.

The latest two-day Crafting the Image intensive had 50 participants and featured an additional intro to virtual production segment. Crafting the Image's latest two-day event was in August 2024 at Arri Studio in NYC. The event was created by livalittle, and held in partnership with Arri Rental and Gately Production Services, with sponsorship from Quasar Science, Industry Light and Grip, Cinematography Salon, and Street Team Studios. This event was one of a 9-part series on cinematography.