We had the good fortune of connecting with Santiago Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Santiago, what matters most to you?
I always like to value my time when I’m doing a photography gig because I feel that it is important to always give your best effort when doing something. I live by a quote that goes “do it with effort, or not at all”. As a photographer, I want to make sure I satisfy my clients, and first impressions can go a really long way in this industry. So by putting forth my max effort, I can at least know I did a good job.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My job over at Miami FC kind of started as a joke. I was with my friend Alex and we decided to DM the media manager at the time and ask for a credential to photograph a game. During the time, COVID was still a thing so I went months with no response. Then one day I got the email, the “yes” to go and shoot a game. That was probably the best day of my life, little did I know it would be life changing. For the remaining 6 games of the season I kept going for free and kept shooting at the games. Next season came around and I kept shooting at games and doing so much free work, all because of the passion and love I had for Miami FC, my childhood team. I kept pushing and showed persistence every Saturday night at the games. I loved the team, the players greeted me with smiles. Summer came around, I had just finished junior year of highschool. The media manager asked If i wanted an internship, to get closer with the team and be mentored by everyone there. I was thrilled to get started. People were kind of confused when I took on the role, because it was not paid and required alot of work from me. I didn’t care, I loved what I was doing. That summer was pivotal as It solidified my position with the media team and even allowed me to travel to an away game with the team! After the season ended, almost everyone from the media department left, leaving my future up in the air. I was then emailed by the new director, and was mailed a contract to become the official videographer for the team. Not only did this make me official, It meant I would be paid for doing what I love! To this day, Im so grateful for everyone I met along the way, at times I wanted to give up but I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. I saw a beautiful future for me. Fast forward, the season started and now I travel to almost every away game and get to work on projects that I dreamed of when I first started. Over my time at Miami FC, I have learned that a smile goes a long way. Just showing up and being positive will get people’s attention, and they will listen to you. I would also say that If you really love something, the money doesn’t matter. I enjoy every second i’m with the team;, they’re my family.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Other than a Miami FC game, I would take them to the beach. Living in Miami, the beach is like my second home. I’m not 21 yet so I can’t legally go clubbing, so I would take my friend walking by the streets of south beach and make our way towards design district. Going with the flow is the best plan for a day out in Miami. There’s some nice coffee shops in every corner, and you never know what you’ll find in one. On the more country side, I’d take them to the everglades and watch the sunset, go fishing, and listen to some tunes. Set the vibes and just enjoy the evening. I love a good bonfire. I also like plane watching, so I’d go to my secret spot at MIA to watch some planes land and takeoff. 5pm is usually the best time to go for the bigger planes. And lastly, the mall. I never have any money to go shopping but I always like going to check out new deals, new clothes, and new stores. Hopefully one day I’ll save up to actually go shopping.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I definitely need to shoutout the media team over at Miami FC. Juan, Matt, Eric, Justin, Jano, If you guys are reading this, I want you to know that I wouldn’t be where I am without you guys. the love and patience you guys had with me was life changing. I remember when I first joined the squad I felt out of place because of how talented you guys were, but nevertheless I felt at home when I hung out with you. The Media Boyzz. I also can’t go without shouting out my mom, dad, and brother, they literally sacrificed so much for me to be where I’m at. I’ll be sure to never give up on my dreams, because they did so much for me to chase them.

Instagram: santixshots

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-rodriguez-317656269

Image Credits
Justin Garcia, Photographer

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