Today we’d like to introduce you to Felipe Renteria
Hi Felipe, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My photography journey started in my early years of middle school when I still lived in Guadalajara, Mexico (I was about 14 years old). My best friend Alma introduced me to photography because she was very passionate about it at that time. I guess the tables turned and her passion became mine. When I was first introduced into the photography world, I would take pictures of everything through a phone that I had when I was younger. I did not receive my first camera until years after I was already fully in love with photography. My first camera was a semi-professional Nikon Coolpix L110. I was able to shoot lots good pictures through that first camera. I would do mini photoshoots with my friends since they knew I was really into photography and had a lot to learn. When I turned 17, I moved to California to further my education through the American Education system. Through my senior of High School, I decided to make a separate Instagram page for my photography post. I made it and my friends all supported by sharing my name and telling other people about it. A friend of mine helped me name my page in correlation to my personal account; we came up with @felipe_the_photographer for my photography account. I started to post some old pics from in Mexico and some new ones from my time being in California, I was receiving great feedback and was happy to be able to share my passion with those around me. Fast forward to my first year in college, I am 19 years old and decide that it is time to invest in myself and by myself a professional camera in order to grow as a photographer. This purchase happened at the beginning of the pandemic so it was a perfect time to learn more about photography and invest more time into my account and hobby. 2020 was a year of growth, not for myself as a person, but as a photographer as well. I was able to connect with some models, with my audience, and had incredible photoshoots. Today I am a 20 year old college student who loves to photograph and capture authenticity, uniqueness, and creativeness through a camera lens.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has just begun to smooth out. I think the biggest struggle was the knowledge I had about photography, I never really invested in learning any fundaments about photography because the old first camera I used to primarily use (besides my phone), did not require any knowledge that I have acquired now that I have my professional camera. I started to learn through YouTube Videos and mostly through my photography-best friend Andrea who taught lots of basics of the camera and how to use my camera to its full potential. I also would say the road has just begun to smooth out since I have finally reached a level of consistency with my photography page, hence being able to reach new people and opportunities to grow.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The main purpose of my photography platform through Instagram is to be able to share my passion through there, but I also use it a creative platform where I share artistic creations I do as another hobby of mine. I customize shoes, phone-cases, hydro flasks amongst other things; through these artistic means I am able to expresses my creativity and my unique style that sets me apart from other creators out there. I think my overall creative mindset is something that makes me proud of myself, since I love to add my different style to all means of art through which I express myself. The people who follow that platform primarily know me as a photographer since that is the soul purpose of the account and it is the main thing I specialize in.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
One word of advice for those who seek mentors or to just network in general is to not be afraid to send others creators or role model’s a message. You would be surprised by the amount of people that will actually respond and help you in any way they can. Be approachable and open to criticism since these mentors might be able to help you expand you knowledge in certain areas that you seek help in. Something that has worked for myself is messaging companies that I would like to become a part of and pitching my idea. The worst that happens in they do not respond or the idea you have does not fit their style. Nevertheless, do not these “failures” discourage your journey and learn from every experience you have while networking; think about areas to improve in and areas to expand in. There are lots of people of out there that share the same passions as you, so do not be afraid and simply reach, because they greatest loss is not that of failing, it is that one you never knew the outcome would be since you never tried in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Email: feliperenteria2199@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felipe_the_photographer/
Image Credits:
Felipe Renteria (Photographer)
