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

Hi Selena, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
How hard us photographers work when we are highly passionate about what we do. I think a lot of people outside of our industry see a price and think we are only here for money, but that is simply not the case. We pay hundreds and thousands for education courses, business models, equipment, travel, marketing, editing and other software and subscriptions, client closets and so much more! Not to mention, most of us are parents, students and full time employees outside of photography. Photography is a luxury, not a necessity and you have to be willing to pay for quality photos.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a mother, full time employee and grad alum along with being a photographer! It is definitely not an easy task juggling everything, but it’s very rewarding. Women CAN do it ALL! Becoming a photographer really started out as a hobby that I had always loved, but once that camera was in my hand, that is when my creative side started to come out. Facebook loves to remind me of my early days when I thought I was amazing (yikes! ha) but it is also incredible to see how far I have come in five years.

It is not easy competing against hundreds of other photographers daily, and it can become defeating when you feel you are getting beat out, but you have to remember your worth and that not everyone will be a great fit for you and vice versa and that is totally okay! Overcoming imposter syndrome is the hardest, but you have to remember why your clients come to you and what makes your brand unique. This could be your personality, editing style or creative eye.

I love what I do and most of all, getting to follow my families year in and year out watching them grow. My brand is unique to the fact I have a very specific and warm editing style, I work with a ton of kids and my business is not about snapping photos. It really is about helping to make those in between moments stand still because life moves fast, and sometimes we need to remember the moments that we aren’t paying attention to.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I always take people to Urban Egg for breakfast. Absolute MUST here in Colorado. I love taking them down to Estes Park or Boulder and up to Lost Gulch (the views are AMAZING). If it is summer time, you will always catch us at a baseball game or street festival. Colorado has some of the best festivals and fairs around. If it is summer, you will almost be guaranteed to be at the pool or hanging out on a lake.

Winter – stay home haha. I don’t go out much in the winter.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Denver Photo Betties! This group is unbelievable and full of such amazing and talented artists. The amount of support you get from these women no matter what is something that you don’t see often is some groups. It really exudes community over competition and you never feel ashamed for asking a question or support.

Website: https://selenasuzannephotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selenasuzannephotography/

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

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.