Meet Andrea Rodriguez | Film Photographer

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

Hi Andrea, what makes you happy? Why?
I’ll start on the why with this question. I graduated high school in 2021 as a junior and I was 16 at the time as well, I did feel excited and proud of myself but I was just not happy so like other high school graduates I did not know what I wanted to do with my life. Growing up I always told myself I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up and don’t get me wrong, I still want that career but I came to terms that it was unattainable for my circumstance. I felt very unmotivated so I avoided any conversation about my future. August came around and my family persisted that I go to college and have an education in something so I wouldn’t end up deciding never to go. Of course I felt angered by this but I agreed and decided enroll into a program that started that following week at a technical college and as you can guess, I was unhappy and unmotivated so I fell behind and I genuinely was unhappy with my life. I always had a passion for capturing memories and doing things independently. I later found a film camera in my room one day while cleaning it out and I remember I just smiled when I saw it, I felt so intrigued by it so I ran to my car where I remembered I had a few roles of film that I had previously purchased for my friend. So, at the end of last year I started shooting film photography and every time I pick up my camera, everything slows down, details highlight, I feel calm, I can see what’s making that memory so beautiful. Film photography makes me happy, I love it because it is my outlet, what you see through the lens is something so different and beautiful. Finding something that makes you happy is so important because the things that make you unhappy become easy and enjoyable to do, you know that no matter what happens you have something to rely on and it can be as simple as taking a picture.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Film photography is what started it all for people to capture things. It’s such an old hobby that you can find any film photographer anywhere. Although we are all similar in many ways, each artist has something that makes them special and for me I believe that is that I personally capture intimate moments of people and places, I look for what makes the moment a memory. I search for who someone is so I can capture their natural nature. I want others to see what people see in themselves, which makes us feel more human and fall in love with life. I look for other perspectives in landscapes so everyone can understand the beauty of this earth even if they aren’t there.

I am most excited to see my business grow, it’s still very small and I am just beginning but I truly can’t wait to see what is to come for me. I hope I can continue to expand and meet so many amazing people. Also as I continue to grow I get to continue to learn and expand my knowledge. Even though I am still pretty early in my journey, I have failed a lot and have had challenges which make you doubt your skills and if it’s even all worth it. I’ll be honest, it is not easy, you even believe the easiest way out is to quit but don’t do it. Trust me, if you do you’ll live with regrets. I had to tell myself that I am learning and what would happen if my next attempt was what would be successful? What if I made a difference in someone else’s life? What if I discover something new? So many what ifs so let yourself be curious because that is the best way to success.

I think I want the world to know that no matter how old your interest is or how “silly” it might sound, you should always go for it because it could change your life around for the better. I want people to know how fun and beautiful it is to shoot on film, there is endless possibilities to a million opportunities. Don’t give up, even though it feels like there is nothing more to your current situation, keep going because you could find your happiness on a random day while cleaning out your room.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would obviously show them the best food places from every culture. You can discover so much with just food, talk to your server! They are the experts on their culture and you find yourself to enjoy your food a lot more when you know the history of a place/food. There is a museum called Museo de las Americas and they have exhibits based on countries in South America, it’s very interesting and they have so much details on the country they’re showing. Other than that, I would just show them around, as a photographer you look for anything that could make an amazing shot and the best way is to explore around.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I truly can give all my thanks to my sister for always motivating me and pushing me to share what I love-as a personal business owner herself, she’s worked through so much and has never gave up and that truly is something hard to see. I also want to say thanks to one of our friends who made me snap out of fear of judgment and genuinely want to share my passion, thank you Jessi Ferrin, you truly are an amazing artist and you inspire others.

Instagram: xdr0321

Other: I’m currently working on a new website:)