Meet Summer Roden | Cinematic/Documentary Photographer & Videographer

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

Hi Summer, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I started my business, I never envisioned myself as a traditional ‘business owner.’ I never wanted to own a business. I am neurodivergent and have never been a type-A person, so “business owner” was never a title I felt equipped to carry. My initial desire was simple: I wanted to create meaningful art for people who resonated with it and find a way to support myself and my daughter through that creative work. Over the last 15 years, that passion evolved into something much bigger.

The name ‘Eleutheria,’ which means ‘freedom’ in Greek, represents what I hope to give others through my photography. I want people to experience freedom from the pressures and expectations placed on them by society, by their families, and sometimes even by themselves. It’s not about conforming or fitting into a mold—it’s about embracing who they truly are and celebrating their uniqueness.

My work is about helping people see the light within themselves, and reflecting that back in a way that reveals their true beauty. It’s never about making someone look like someone else. It’s about revealing the extraordinary person they already are, in a way that feels authentic to them.

As the business grew, I started dreaming bigger. One of my long-term goals is for Eleutheria Photography to fund a home for women who have escaped sex trafficking, where they can heal, regain their strength, and learn to live freely again. In a way, I hope that through my art, I can help others walk into their own freedom—just as I’m learning to walk into mine.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is deeply personal, and it evolves with each person I photograph. What I strive to do is create something that transcends the typical ‘portrait’ or ‘wedding’ photo. I’m not just capturing a moment—I’m trying to reflect the soul of the person in front of me, to see and show them in a way that they may not have seen themselves before. It’s about embracing vulnerability, authenticity, and the power that comes with being truly seen.

What sets me apart from others in my field is that I don’t aim to make people look like anyone else or fit into a standard of beauty that doesn’t belong to them. I want to reveal their light, the real and raw parts of them that society often tries to gloss over or diminish. I believe in the magic of authenticity, and my goal is to create portraits that not only capture someone’s likeness but also their spirit. I believe what also sets me apart, is my desire to truly KNOW my clients. By diving deep into their past, present, and plans for the future, I am able to create art that reflects not only who they are, but who they have been and all the magical things they have yet to become.

I’m incredibly proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the trust they’ve placed in me. It’s a deep honor to witness and capture moments of such personal significance, like a wedding or a milestone in someone’s life. But what excites me most is the larger vision I have for Eleutheria Photography—using my work as a platform to help women who have escaped sex trafficking find healing and freedom. Knowing that this dream is becoming more tangible is what drives me forward every day.

The path to where I am today has definitely not been easy, but it’s been deeply rewarding. In the beginning, I wasn’t thinking about business ownership—I was focused on the art itself. But as I started to build relationships with clients and grow my craft, I realized I had to learn the practical side of running a business. That meant learning about marketing, finances, and balancing creativity with the demands of being a small business owner, as well as a homeschooling mom to a 4year old. There were a lot of challenges—self-doubt, the struggle of being a single mother in a city where I have little to no family/support, and learning to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship—but each one taught me something valuable.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience. There will always be moments where things don’t go as planned, or where the road ahead feels unclear. But I’ve learned to trust the process and believe in my mission. I’ve also learned that it’s okay to ask for help and lean on my community when things feel overwhelming.

What I want the world to know about me and Eleutheria Photography is that this isn’t just a business. It’s a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Through my art, I hope to inspire others to embrace their true selves, to see their worth and beauty beyond external expectations. And, ultimately, I want to create a space where people can experience freedom—not just in front of my camera, but in their lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1:

Morning:
Griffith Observatory – Starting with a nice hike & iconic views! We’d probably grab coffee and a pastry from Tierra Mia on the way.

Lunch:
Grand Central Market – I’m thinking grab a bite from Tacos Tumbras a Tomas for authentic Mexican or try the Ramen at Marugame Monzo for something more Japanese-inspired.

Afternoon:
The Broad Museum – A must-see for contemporary art lovers looking for something visually striking and thought-provoking.

Hauser & Wirth Gallery – For some more art adventures!

Dinner:
Bestia or Osteria Mozza!

Night:
The Reserve – For a cool underground feel while dancing to some of our fave music.

Day 2:

Morning:
LACMA – Spend the morning exploring everything from contemporary art to ancient relics.

Lunch:
République – Their brunch menu is incredible!

Afternoon:
Melrose – For a thrifting adventure. Start at Out of the Closet, then hit up Wasteland and Crossroads Trading Co. for curated vintage finds.

The Museum of Contemporary Art – Another essential stop for some modern and experimental art.

Dinner:
Guelaguetza – because we NEED some mole.

Night:
A24 Movie Screening – If we can time it right, we’ll tickets for an A24 movie screening, or head to The Landmark or The Cinefamily at the Silent Movie Theatre for indie flicks.

Sound in Hollywood – For more dancing and nightlife.

Day 3:

Morning:
Venice Beach – Spend the morning strolling around Venice Beach. Check out the art murals scattered throughout the neighborhood for an artsy/laid back vibe.

Lunch:
The Butcher’s Daughter – Self explanatory- we need some fresh juices and a healthy lunch.

Afternoon:
Abbot Kinney Blvd – thrifting paradise! We’ll hit The Reformation, Stella McCartney, and all the indie boutiques. Stop by Walt Disney’s original studio, just to feel the connection to the city’s creative history.
Then the Venice Institute of Contemporary Art.

Dinner:
Gjelina – Venice’s food scene is incredible, and Gjelina is a go-to. The wood-fired pizzas are a must, and I don’t even love pizza.

Night:
The Echo – Lowkey vibe with top tier talent.

Day 4:
Morning:
The Getty Center – Start the day with some peace and tranquility.

Lunch:
The Bazaar by José Andrés – For a funky and upscale experience, with creative design and gourmet food. The truffle fries and Wagyu beef are a dream.

Afternoon:
Los Angeles Public Library – To check out some exhibits and its architectural beauty!

Flea Market at Rose Bowl – To search for vintage clothing, old-school vinyl, and quirky treasures.

Dinner:
A.O.C. – A beautifully modern space with an incredible selection of small plates.

Night:
The Roxy – Catch a live performance from a local artist. I love the intimacy of the venue and how it gives you a feel of LA’s historic live music scene.

Day 5:

Morning:
The Last Bookstore – To explore a maze of books, art installations, and unique finds. It’s one of the best spots for a little creative inspiration.

Lunch:
In-n-out – Because we have to at some point, and I need my #2 mustard fried with raw onions & chopped chili’s.

Afternoon:
The Museum of Jurassic Technology – One of LA’s most unique and quirky museums, with fascinating and bizarre exhibits.
Writers’ Room – the Writers’ Room is a great place to check out if you’re into screenwriting or simply Hollywood history.

Dinner:
Providence – A Michelin-star seafood restaurant perfect for a splurge night.

Night:
Leimert Park – To check out The World Stage for live music & drinks.

Day 6:

Morning:
Culver City Arts District – To check out some street art, the Art Walk, galleries, and fun shops.

Lunch:
Dune Coffee Roasters – The perfect low-key spot for a great coffee and breakfast pastry. It’s artsy, minimalist, and delicious.

Afternoon:
Downtown LA – To walk around the Arts District to see the colorful, ever-changing murals that reflect the heart of LA’s street art scene and walls turned into canvases, with political, social, and cultural messages.

Dinner:
Lasa – For something different and delicious, Lasa’s elevated Filipino cuisine is a creative blend of flavors that perfectly reflects LA’s diverse culinary scene.

Night:
The Smell – For a dive into LA’s underground scene, more music and dancing.

Day 7:

Morning:
Santa Monica Beach – End the trip with a relaxing morning on the coast, biking along the shore, or a walk on the pier.

Lunch:
The Butcher’s Daughter – I love the fresh vibe & plant-based dishes.

Afternoon:
The Annenberg Community Beach House – A relaxed afternoon hanging out by the water, sipping on coffee or cocktails, and reflecting on the trip.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout should be dedicated to every single one of my past and future clients, and especially the ones that have truly SEEN me and allowed me to SEE them. To all of the relationships and friendships formed simply because I chose to share my art, and they resonated with it and wanted to participate in it.

Also, to my biggest inspiration and reason for everything I do – My beautiful, intelligent, wild daughter, Nylah.

Website: https://eleutheriaphotography.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/eleutheriaphotography

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/eleutheria-photography-los-angeles#reviews

Image Credits
Models: Dosh Franks, Khan Nguyen, Sunshine Ra, Madeline Adams, Austyn Vovos.