Conversations with Rex Atienza

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rex Atienza.

Hi Rex, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always been interested in photojournalism. My father read the newspaper religiously and from an early age I always marveled at the people behind the photographs behind the words. I was also an athlete in High School and loved sports so I was particularly interested in the Sports Section of the paper.

I ended up pursuing a science degree in college but have always wondered about a career in photojournalism.

In the late nineties, I had a chance to travel in europe extensively and I produced a personal portfolio from the images from that trip. I started reaching out to local galleries for feedback. I connected with The Perfect Exposure Gallery, which was then based in Korean town.

The owners were previous LA Times Photo Editor and Photographer who also owned a Photo Agency, Prensa Internacional Inc. I started hanging around their Gallery and office and soon joined their Group Gallery Exhibit that fall, alongside established local and international photojournalists. I was hooked! I started assisting several photographers in local assignments. The agency covered many types of events in LA including sports (Dodgers, Lakers, UCLA, USC) and Entertainment industry Awards (Oscars, SAG, Golden Globes).

I had a change to photograph an undercard boxing match at Dignity Health Sports Park (previously Stubhub center) where the losing boxer ended up in a coma which let to my first published photos.

I have stayed associated with the Prensa Internacional Inc for nearly 25 years, I have covered LA Sports extensively and have also continued with my long term travel photo projects which has taken be back to europe and also southeast asia, particularly Cambodia. I have been contributed to major newpapers via our photo agency, including The Wall Street Journal. I still continue with photo gallery showings, most recently joining Aesthetics Group photo Exhibit at the Perfect Exposure Gallery which ended in Jan 2026.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some of the struggles of a photojournalist is that it’s a very competitive field.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I still do my long term photo project using film. This is what I enjoy the most. The opportunities that present themselves was you are out wandering around foreign places.

While traveling in Cambodia taking pictures of buddhist monks, I was serendipitously invited as a journalist by the king during an event in Angkor Wat. Having to dine (alongside dignitaries) at the ancient Elephant stables at Angkor Wat and meeting the King of Cambodia has been one of the most precious things that has happened to me in my career.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I love NPR and still follow closely contacts and colleagues that work for local, national and international nespapers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://prensa-internacional.com/ingresar.php
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/rexfotos
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/rexfotos
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/rexatienza