Today we’d like to introduce you to Mica Rodriguez.
Hi Mica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I was 10, I received a Lilo & Stitch point and shoot film camera. I fell in love with capturing my cousins since they were so young and genuine in their expressions. I continued to take photos until my Mom slowly let me start using her 35 mm digital camera. I would take photos of everything and everyone. During my middle school years I’d lure my best friend into dressing up for me, which was a blast. As a junior in high school I took a darkroom film class, and then as a senior I took AP photo. After I graduated high school I purchased my first camera- a Nikon d40x. I took it everywhere with me and loved taking photos of landscapes, animals, you name it- I took it. I took a few courses in college but eventually dropped any art education to pursue a psychology degree. Throughout the years, I worked at Starbucks and was a nanny while pursuing childhood development and eventually working at a preschool. Photography was always part of my life even while working all these jobs. I eventually quit the preschool job and went back to working at Starbucks to figure out what I wanted to do. It was always a simple for me- I loved photography and wanted to work with kids. I reached out to a girl that was in my darkroom photography class who had a successful photo business (shout out to Savannah Conway!) and she became my mentor in all things photo. I would shadow her at weddings and eventually would venture off into my own. I went full time with photo in 2021 and have been able to travel and capture the most beautiful humans. I’ve captured wedding days, newborn sessions, senior graduations, family sessions & now venturing into the world of brands! It’s truly a dream.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely never smooth! I felt a lot of imposter syndrome when I ventured out on my own. I even feel it now sometimes!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I think I’m most known for my family portraits. I feel like I have a way of connecting with kids (thank you child development) and can get genuine smiles out of them. I’m really proud of how much I’ve grown artistically and how I’ve been able to grow my clientele. I built this from the ground up myself and it’s really incredible that people trust me to capture their families. I feel like I’m good at making people comfortable (again-thank you psych degree). I love connecting and getting to know everyone’s stories. I’m also pretty fun and silly in my prompts!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I definitely would say to learn about taxes! And take courses on lighting, composition, posing ect. Partner up with a photographer in your area to shadow and learn from. I wish I had more confidence in myself to pursue it sooner- but I feel every road lead me to now and I am so grateful for that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.micarodriguezphoto.com
- Instagram: Micarodriguezphoto
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