Meet Nathalia Rodriguez | Photographer & Creative Director

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

Hi Nathalia, why did you pursue a creative career?
I feel most creative when I take portraits of people. The endless amount of ways to document personalities, culture, and history through an image drives me towards portrait photography. I learned about the beauty of character by taking photos of my Dad working construction, with dried up concrete on his hat. He probably thinks he looks his absolute worst but to me that’s culture and authenticity. My Mother saw my passion and said “Go for it.” Growing up in a latino household, it was not realistic to pursue a creative career. However, I was blessed with one of the greatest support systems and both my parents are the reason I keep going.

Photography gives me the freedom to creatively direct. Too many photographers get caught up in trends and the industry standard’s style. However, some of the most amazing photographers found from decades ago never experienced mainstream media. That’s why a lot of us look up to their work. When I creatively direct, my objective is to capture the essence of the model. As if the location was curated exactly for them, and exactly for that shot. This is what drives me to continue to pursue photography.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started taking photography seriously when I was 17. It began by asking my friends to model for me after school, which led me to creating Morella Avenue Photography.

I named my business after the street I shot my first 10 portrait sessions at while in I was high school. I would say the two main themes that help me get to where I am today is consistency and putting yourself out there.

Consistency led me to become a better photographer. The more I shoot, the more I learn. It also led to building my clientele and furthering the foundation of my social media presence.

Putting myself out there taught me the importance of network and growth. As an introvert myself, starting at 17 paved the path for me today. It’s a lot easier for me to direct a shoot, present my business, and deliver confidently.

I think for anyone who is desiring to start their own photography business, they should consider the importance of consistency, patience and presentation.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The people I sincerely thank the most are my high school friends, who with no modeling experience allowed me to capture them. Little did they know they were a big part of beginning my photography career.

Additionally, one of the models I recently shot with continuously supports my passion and constantly desires to help me move forward in my career.

She is a creative herself with such beautiful honest energy and allows me to capture it in my photography. @alfonsoleatherco @brisofitted on instagram

Website: https://morella.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morellavenue/?hl=en