Meet Andrea Lopez-McNenney | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Lopez-McNenney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, how do you think about risk?
Life is short—yet many of us spend time wondering what we should do with our lives, rather than actually going out there and trying. As hockey legend Wayne Gretzky once said, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” It’s important to actually strike out and follow your heart—even if the odds do not seem to be in your favor. That’s the beauty of life. We never know what can happen unless we take a chance. Taking risks to requires you to face any fears of uncertainty. Regardless of the outcome. Risk-taking has allowed me to grow because I know what things work and don’t work for me.

There was a period of time when I was scared of growing my business. I thought people were going to judge me and make fun of my work. Later on, I realized that all of those intrusive thoughts are part of the process, however, I couldn’t let them control me and slow me down. I took the risk of continuing my business by constantly learning, absorbing, and practicing. There have been countless embarrassing times, moments where I really had no idea how to work with the lighting I had but at least I took the risk and tried to do my best. Of course, I’m not perfect, but I know risk-taking has unlocked many doors for me and has allowed me to improve my work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a photographer based in South Florida, ranging from Miami all the way down to the Florida keys. I’m still in the process of figuring out which type of photography I enjoy doing the most because there are so many different kinds! Recently, I’ve been enjoying fashion photography because I love combining the two arts together. My favorite part of what I do I interacting with people and getting to know them and their history.

I’m an 18-year-old photographer (yes, a baby in the industry), and I started photography in early 2018. In a timespan of only 4 years I have learned so much. It wasnt easy but I truly believe that success comes when you learn to take constructive criticism, take risks, ask questions, and PRACTICE!

A problem that many creatives face (including myself) is the fact that many of us believe that our work doesn’t need to be improved upon. This is far from the truth. Technology is constantly changing, trends are coming and going, and not everyone is perfect! Art is completely subjective There is no perfect artist, and every artist improves and morphs with time.

At the very beginning of my career I was very shy so asking questions was definitely a huge challenge for me. I didn’t want professionals to think I was dumb. But one day my mom told me that those professionals were once in my shoes and they asked as many “dumb questions” as they could and became who they are today.

My dream is to establish my own production company along with having my own studio in Miami. I want to teach young adults like me to not be afraid of diving into this industry. If my brand can impact an aspiring young artist one day, I’ll know that I am doing what I was meant to do in this world. It’s been a dream of mine to teach others and give wisdom and knowledge to people so that they can be successful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many things to do in the Florida Keys. The first adventure I would take my friends on is snorkeling in the marine sanctuary. The Coral Reef here in the Keys is absolutely beautiful, filled with gorgeous coral, colorful fish, and other marine life. After the tiring snorkeling trip, I would go to the cutest Cafe in the keys-Cafe Moka! They have the absolute most delicious Smoked Salmon Sandwiches with a side salad topped with balsamic glaze (yum!) After the lunch break shopping is a must! There are so many cute boutiques in Islamorada. “Sway” is a gorgeous little hole-in-the-wall boutique that has the cutest beach attire. To watch the incredible sunset and finally settle down for the rest of the night, I would go to a bayside restaurant like Bigchill or Sundowners and enjoy mother natures beauty.

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 would like to dedicate this shoutout to my parents, Alicia and Abraham, along with my boyfriend, Sadier. Everyone needs someone in their life that’ll tell you to your face what’s right and what’s wrong. My parents do a really good job at that. They always have my back and they never fail to help guide me in the right direction in life. My boyfriend Sadier is my support system. He encourages me to do what I love every single day and always asks if I am doing what makes me happy. I don’t know where’d I be in life without them but I know for a fact that I would be absolutely miserable. These three people have always supported my dreams. They are always and forever my #1 supporters.

Website: https://artistrybyandrea.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: Artistry.by.Andreav

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artistry.by.andreavl