Meet Sharma Shari Rodriguez: Owner & Photographer – Sharma Shari Photography

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

Hi Sharma Shari, let’s jump right in. What are you most passionate about? Why?
With the risk of sounding like a cliche, I am passionate about photography. The art of manipulating light while freezing time is what I live for. Whenever I feel down, photography brings me back up. No matter which medium I choose from my DSLR, instant film, medium format or even with just my phone, photography is when I feel the most myself. Photography helped me and empowered me during hard times and gave me the courage to change careers and venture into a new city and follow a dream (from Engineer to Photographer). That is what I want for my clients. I want with my photography to help people find the courage to be themselves even for a moment frozen in time. I am very fortunate to work doing what I love.

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.
I am an engineer turned photographer. I mostly shoot weddings but do portraits and personal branding photography as well. My ideal clients are those who want to express themselves fully through photography, that is why themed weddings, cosplayers, and branding are one of my favorite things to photograph. One thing I learned very soon into my business is to do what you love. In the first years of my business, I was so overwhelmed with all the tips and “how-tos” of the business that forgot what and who I wanted to photograph. Listen to the tips but only follow the ones that feel right or aligned with how you want your business to be. It is ok to try something and admit that it didn’t work and move on. I am a photographer for those who feel the business doesn’t represent them truly. For those who want to have a photographer understand their geek references or to showcase their true geeky selves!

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?
We will go to have some breakfast at Mojo Donuts. Move to the Wynwood area and explore the local art exhibition at the Wynwood Walls. While walking around, we will stop and grab a beer at VerzaSur or J. Wakefield Brewing. A stop at the 1-800-Lucky for a late lunch (sampling from the different food and beer kiosk) and having a Taiyaki for dessert. A stop at Arcade Odyssey could be a fun one as well. We will end the day buy having a cafe con Leche and some croquetas in Versailles Restaurant Cuban Cuisine. If we would’ve explored outside Miami, I would definitely take them to WoodOne Ramen in Hallandale Beach and we’ll have some drinks in Glitch bar in Ft Lauderdale.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am who I am because of the people I have encounter and all the experiences that I have had so far. Among those who have deeply influenced and helped me, other than my amazing parents, is my husband, Obed. He has been there for all and keeps pushing me forward all the time. To La Tribu and friends, my chosen family. Who would’ve thought that those crazy kids from college would end up being a family? To all the professors of the Photography Dept in SCAD-Atlanta which guide me into falling in love more with photography especially the analog medium. To all the female photographers who came before me, for opening the world to us. To my beautiful Island of Puerto Rico, which I miss every day.