Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Rodriguez.
Hi Natasha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I had a red disposable camera that I would always carry around with me when I was younger. I would take pictures of absolutely everything and eagerly wait until I could take my camera to the convenient local store to get them developed. To this day, I still have some of those photos kept for memories.
My childhood passion stayed with me in high school, and I decided to take photography as one of my elective classes. It was my favorite elective class in high school, and I ended up taking photography two the following year. While taking photography one and two, I learned basic camera skills that have stayed with me since.
After I graduated high school, I was gifted my first Canon DSLR camera, which is when my passion for photography really started to grow. Throughout college, my major was Journalism, so my camera followed me along on many of my experiences. I learned the importance of “telling a story” during this time. I no longer used my camera to snap away many photos, but instead, I learned how to create the perfect one-time shot.
Fast forward a few years after my college graduation, my passion for photography became a small business. I had a family member proposing to his now-wife and asked me if I could do the favor and capture pictures of their special moment. I instantly said yes. The couple shared their beautiful photographs, and I started getting more inquiries about photoshoots.
Before I knew it, I was getting asked to capture more memorable moments. I figured things out along the way and learned with every new photoshoot I was doing. During the pandemic lockdown, I officially took that free time to build out NR Photographs. I built out my website, created an Instagram and Facebook account, made business cards, worked out pricing, all of it.
While I still have a lot to learn, I am thankful for how far I have come and excited for where NR Photographs will go. My younger self carrying around my little red camera would be proud!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As Theodore Roosevelt said, “Nothing worth having comes easy.” NR Photographs hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been a road where I have learned a lot.
As a new photographer, there are many struggles we all face. We have to understand basic photography; we have to know how our camera works, what equipment we should invest in, how much we should charge for photoshoots, how to edit a photo, what software to use, and many more. I have faced all the struggles that many other beginner photographers also face. Luckily, we are in a time where technology can help us. I have spent hours looking up tutorials, listening to podcasts, reading the latest “how-to” blog to help overcome some of these issues.
Aside from the everyday struggles of a new photographer, confidence is one of my biggest ones. I love taking pictures and always have fun while doing so. Since photoshoots are still something new to me, I often worry that clients aren’t satisfied with their photos and do not have an enjoyable experience while on their photoshoot.
I am the one behind a camera, but I still get nervous. That stems back to confidence; if I lack confidence while on a photoshoot, clients will feel less comfortable while taking pictures, and you’ll be able to see that in the photos.
At first, I would prepare a whole plan before a photoshoot; I even had the exact poses they would do. It took one photoshoot where nothing went as planned, and I knew I had to take it easy on the pre-planning. I have learned many things along my journey, but one thing that it is so important to know: every photo shoot is unique, and there is no “one for all method.”
Now, before every photo shoot, I no longer anxiously worry about what I need to do. Instead, I run through some positive affirmations in the mirror; I wear my favorite T-shirt, bring some music, and be ready to capture naturally beautiful moments.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a new Orlando local photographer. I genuinely love taking photos and do not specialize in any niche, but I feel that makes my work unique.
I have done photoshoots, including engagements, maternity, fitness, graduation, family, events, personal branding, and even pet photoshoots. My motto is “capturing your moments” because I truly feel every moment is worth taking a picture of to look back on.
People have this idea that photoshoots mean a lot of direction. “Tilt your head to the left.” “Look down” “Move your hand.” After photoshoots, many clients say the same thing: “that was more fun than I expected,” and I love to hear that. I would say I specialize in fun! Rather than giving exact direction, I’ll say scenarios instead and be ready to capture that moment. ” Tag your it! Now chase your sister around” “Take her hand and twirl her around” “Give mommy a big bear hug” those are the things you’ll hear on a photoshoot with me, and it’s always so rewarding.
I am thankful for everyone who has asked me to be the photographer for their special moments. I take a little bit of something from each photoshoot and bring it to the next one.
One photoshoot I did was for a 50th wedding anniversary. The couple did not have many photos captured for them during their wedding. I had just one request: recreate the images they took from their wedding. After sending the client their pictures, I instantly received a text message thanking me how they fell in love with each other all over again. They teared up because I exceed their expectations. I would say the feeling they felt and how happy it made me is the moment I am most proud of so far.
I am excited about the future of NR Photographs and capturing more memorable moments.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was a sweet girl who always wanted to make those around me happy-even it meant the expense of my happiness. I would go above and beyond to make sure I was nice to everyone I came across.
I enjoyed being creative. I had all the coolest arts-and-crafts sets and always made things for people. I loved playing dress-up and acting in different roles, whether as a chef in my fake kitchen, a cashier with my Barbie register, a teacher. I would make my younger brothers participate in all my activities!
I was an adventurous child but was constantly getting hurt because of how clumsy I was. I have plenty of scars and bruises from when I was younger that make great stories now as an adult.
All things that have shaped the woman I am now.
Pricing:
- Mini Session: $50 for 30 minutes 6 edited photos
- Standard Session: $100 for 60 minutes 16 edited photos
- Extended Session: $200 for 120 minutes 30 edited photos
Contact Info:
- Email: nr.photographsinfo.com
- Website: https://nrphotographs.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nrphotographs_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatashaRodriguezPhotos
Image Credits
NR Photographs
