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

Hi Rudy, why did you pursue a creative career?
The opportunity to capture moments at concerts, fashion shows, and award shows, etc., means a lot to me. There’s a mix of emotions and experiences in these events—blending in with the excitement of the crowd, making new connections, and being able to explore my creativity through the changing environments and trying new angles. It’s so rewarding to see my work shared afterward and to be able to visually share what took place from my point of view. Doing something I love in exciting environments feels amazing and it truly brings me happiness.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I like to keep my photos natural. True to life. When it comes to editing, less is more, so I try not to make the skin too smooth, for example. I’ve received compliments on my work, and I’m thankful for that. Getting to where I am hasn’t been easy for a number of reasons. For one, it’s an expensive career. Everything photography-related comes with a premium price tag; I wish more people understood that. I’m still learning and overcoming obstacles. I used to struggle with anxiety, especially at events, feeling like I did not belong or that my work was not good enough. Over time, I’ve been able to manage that better. Something that I’ve learned is that the connections you make are what are most important in this field. Being that I’m based in Los Angeles, there are many talented people making just about any career that more competitive. So, while trying to stand out from the crowd hasn’t always been easy, it’s been a fun journey so far.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many great places to check out in LA. And actually, I have family visiting soon so I need to start making a list of places we should visit. Hollywood Sign and The Observatory are a must. Santa Monica Pier, Malibu, LACMA, Universal Studios, Walk of Fame, all the popular spots are a must. While not in LA, we are definitely going out to Disneyland. And of course there are always events and concerts happening in LA so I’m sure we’ll check some of those out as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to thank fellow photographers I have met along the way who have gave me a helping hand.

Website: www.rudysalgado.com

Instagram: @rudysalgadophoto

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