Meet Natalie Rodriguez | FLORIDA PHOTOGRAPHER

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

Hi Natalie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My name is Natalie Rodriguez and I am a 27 year old Miami native, latina! I am the sole owner and photographer of Natalierodriguezphotog and also a first responder! My thought process behind starting a business in photography was very simple! I have a passion of capturing love, happiness, laughter, candid moments and creating memories that people can look back on and remember exactly where they were and what they felt when those images were captured. I was always the one with my phone out taking pictures of my friends, family, and even strangers. So when I took my sister’s maternity photos when she was pregnant with my niece and posted them on my personal Instagram account a few years ago I began to get inquires from friends, family and strangers to take their maternity photos as well. When my niece was born, I took pictures of her too, this was my first newborn session. This was all on my personal Instagram page. So I decided to open up a separate Instagram where it displayed my work. From there it bloomed! I now have an active business where I get inquires daily and weekly on events, newborn photography, maternity, weddings, engagement, professional headshots, boudoir, anything you can think of!

Believe it or not, my first year photographing I did not charge anyone. It was solely a hobby for me to have something to do outside of my career. I never stopped, or gave up, and continued to partner with other creatives to learn and better my craft. I also have spent a lot of time on YouTube University learning about every single detail that a photographer will need when it comes to capturing photos. And now here I am! I’ve built my own website, am featured on Zola, Wedding Wire, and The Knot!

I’m proud of myself for how far I have come in such a saturated and competitive industry.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
What sets me apart in this industry is my work is original, affordable , and bright and airy. I recently became a huge fan of black and white, I feel like it brings a lot of emotions out in photos. So my style is bright and airy, and natural.

Like I mentioned before what brought me to where I am today is my willingness to learn, create, and not care what others think. I’m here to make my clients happy, and also myself. Because I absolutely love what I do! And I’m pretty darn good at it!

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy but it’s been worth it! Along the way I learned that not everyone is in your corner, or has your best interest in mind. The way I’ve overcome it is by simply ignoring them. The lessons I’ve learned along the way is mistakes I’ve made on not asking enough questions before going to my clients home to photograph them or their newborn or sitter. Trust and believe that I have learned from my mistakes and now have a questionnaire that I ask my clients prior to the shoot to assure everything will be a smooth ride! Asking pertinent questions is important to assure that the shoot will go as smooth as possible!

I want the world to know that great photography does not need to break the bank. I strive on making sure that my photographs are of great quality, high resolution, every transaction is professional fun, stress free and most importantly affordable!
And for photographers and or creators out there looking to get into the business: JUST DO IT. Seek help, use YouTube , find a mentor in the style of photography that you like and get to it. I promise it’ll be worth it!!!!!!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in MIAMI! The place where billions vacation annually! Some of my favorite spots to eat would be CHI. They are located at 701 S Miami Ave #339a. Their food is Asian fusion and honestly a great time. I would take my best friend there for dinner and drinks. The environment is awesome, the music is great and so is the food and drinks.

If my friend wanted to go to the beach and or pool I would take her to Fontainebleau Miami Beach for a night stay and a day of fun! The pool is amazing, the pool side food and drinks service is great and it’s also an environment where you can meet new people and also enjoy the beach!

I also love bars and nightclubs such as Baby Jane in Brickell, Bar Bevy in Midtown, and Miyami in Wynwood. Those are the places I have had the best time at!

All my girls love to stay active and eat healthy ! So I would definitely end the week with a bike ride around key Biscayne. And take her for a class as Casa Vinyasa yoga in South Miami.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yes yes yes!!! First and foremost my sister! She is my number one supporter and has pushed me beyond my comfort zone! She is also a business owner herself! Her name is Mylanie Rodriguez and her Instagram is @flawlessfinish.inc_

Secondly, my boyfriend Dexter! He has helped me set up every single photo shoot from beginning  to end! He also is the mastermind behind my website which I Absolutely love!

The first photographer ever that was willing to help me was a friend of mine from work! His Instagram is extremely popular and one of my favorites ! @Cashmere_images he specializes in creative portraits. He deserves all the credit in the world , as he has always just been a call or text away. He taught me a lot about editing, photographing, and has been an inspiration for creativity since I decided to pick up the camera ! And I am sure for many other creatives out there !

Website: Natalierodriguezphotog.com

Instagram: Natalierodriguezphotog

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/natalie-rodriguez-a91a881b5

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCzHnukjoemU1bTyZTmmOSLw

Other: Wedding wire: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/natalierodriguezphotog/a1166ac8936edfcf.html The knot: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/natalierodriguezphotog-miami-fl-2048781 Zola: https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers/natalierodriguezphotog