Member of the Month September 2021 Raúl Gutiérrez
What is your current position and who is your employer?
Camera operator, editor, remote and satellite truck operator, Helicopter camera operator for Univision Communication.
When did you become a PPAGLA member?
I have been a PPAGLA member for 15 years
How long have you been a photojournalist and how did you get started?
I started in Television in 1984 in the city where I was born, Morelia, Michoacan Mexico.
I was an assistant cameraman for a year and in which I learned a lot from a cameraman back then. My job was to carry a VCR 3/4 cassette deck which was very heavy. One day a cameraman got sick and would be out for a week and that was when the news director said to me are you ready because you start as a cameraman and from that day on I started my profession.
I came to the United States in July 1989, started working at channel 52 Telemundo from September 1989 to April 1995 and from April 1995 to this date, I am working at channel 34 Univision Los Angeles.
When I was very young I loved photography. My father had a Pentax 1000 camera and I would sneak it out to go with a friend to take pictures. One day he realized that I was taking his camera and instead of scolding me he gave it to me. This is where my passion for this profession started.
Please share some career highlights:
I started as a cameramen assistant then ascended to photojournalist. Various Emmys, Golden mics and PPAGLA awards. Covering international and national events such us, 1985 Mexico quake, 1994 Chiapas zapatistas uprising, various soccer world cups and various papal visits USA,Central America and Mexico.
What advice do you have for students and those hoping to become photojournalists?
Dedication, professionalism, love what you do and perseverance.
What is something you know now that you wish someone had told you when you were starting out?
Have a lot patience, endurance and there always will be a solution to resolve any issue.
What is your favorite part of being a PPAGLA member?
My favorite part: sharing the achievements and recognition with all the members.
