Meet Selena Rodriguez | Lifestyle and Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Selena, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always loved photography whether it was landscape, animals, or people. Back in 2018 I found out I was pregnant with my now 3-year-old son. I have always enjoyed having my picture taken, and I decided to get my maternity photos done. The session was very stiff and very posed and even awkward at times. One of the poses was very “prom like” and it just didn’t feel natural to me. When I received my gallery, I was disappointed with the photos and how they turned out. Being such a special time in someone’s life, I wanted to have these memories forever to look back on. They just really did not represent me or my journey. That was really when the lightbulb went off to start my own photography business. My mission was not only to create affordable packages for my clients, but capture their true and natural selves, which is how I landed on lifestyle photography. Lifestyle photography allows me to connect with clients on a more personal level and capture their raw emotions. It is by far the most rewarding thing to be able to capture my families and their love.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a full-time Business Operations Coordinator for a California based company, so starting a business on the side was something new and more work than I imagined. Photography really started out as a hobby, and I practiced on families for about a year before I ever started to charge for my services. Trying to juggle a full-time job, baby and business was hard, but almost three years later I have found a great work and life balance. Last year (2021) was my busiest year yet and the burnout was real in then end! Thankfully, I keep an open line of communication with my clients as do they with me and I have found that they are easy to work with. I am not a salesman. I am a mom and businessperson, so I really relate to many of my clients.

I am constantly learning so much about my business and brand. What I want to do with it and where I want to take it. I truly believe if you are not learning you are not growing, and it is important to find a good balance of everything when you are juggling so much.

I want to tell the hard-working mom that you CAN succeed and you are not alone. I honestly never pictured having my own business, how taxing it could be but more than that, how empowering and rewarding it is. I am an employee, mother, MBA student and business owner. If you put in the work, you truly can do anything!

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.
Oh man. I must admit, I don’t leave my bubble much haha. One place I think is really awesome is Estes Park. You have the Rocky Mountain National Park right there which is absolutely stunning, as well as a main strip with food, drinks and cool little shops. Everyone who comes to visit me, I always take them there and they have always had a great time!

Another great place is Breckenridge. It is a fun ski town with tons of shops and restaurants. Perfect for a girls weekend or a family trip. In the summer they have a lot of outdoor breweries and music. Super fun and something for everyone!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I moved to Colorado, I knew nobody. It was really hard to gain traction in a market where you had zero connections. I have found so many supportive women photographers in my area on Facebook that really emphasize “community over competition.” They are willing to answer any questions, give constructive feedback and guidance. Although Colorado is swimming in photographers, you feel a lot of support from others in the industry. As a photographer, if you are not constantly learning you cannot grow and the women I have met really have helped me and my business become where it is.

Also, I really cannot forget to thank my AMAZING and loyal clients. They have referred so many amazing people to me and that is truly another success behind Sessions By Selena.

Website: sessionsbyselena.com

Instagram: instragram.com/sessionsbyselena

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenar/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sessionsbyselena

Other: https://sessionl.ink/srodriguez650

Image Credits
photo of me credit to Nichole Marie Photography