Conversations with Rodrigo Izquierdo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rodrigo Izquierdo.

Hi Rodrigo, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From as long as I can remember, I’ve always carried a camera and taken photos. In 2015, I used a DSLR for the first time – a Nikon D3300 borrowed from our tour guide in Antelope Canyon, Derek Kanaswood. He taught me my first camera tricks, including night photography and light painting. I haven’t looked back since and bought a red Nikon D5300 as soon as we returned home.
After ten years of dedicated work and continuous learning, I’ve developed proficiency in numerous photography styles. This journey has led to international recognition, including photography awards and contest wins across various categories such as Fine Art, Portraits, Landscapes, Editorial, Concert, Wildlife, and Night photography. My work has been exhibited in art galleries across six continents, featured in several magazines and books, and I’ve also published my own work.
This year, I relocated from Phoenix, AZ, to San Diego with the goal of turning my passion into a business. I want to dedicate myself to creating art, capturing life events and moments, and sharing the beautiful world around us with those who, for a variety of reasons, cannot leave their homes but still love to see nature and beauty.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While my journey hasn’t been entirely smooth, I’ve been fortunate to have a stable job, allowing me to hone my photography skills applicable to various situations. Financially, I’ve been able to pursue my passion without constant worry. The primary challenge has been transforming my artistic passion into a sustainable, profitable venture. To date, my corporate income has funded all equipment upgrades and purchases.

I anticipate the real challenges when I transition from my stable income to fully dedicating myself to my art. This transition, though daunting, excites me. I am confident that the knowledge and experience gained will enable me to mentor and guide future artists.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Throughout my photography journey, I’ve captured nature, sports, concerts, public and private events, weddings, pets, people, and pretty much anything else in between. And what has been the most rewarding, and given me the most to be proud of, are my studio projects with people, where I’ve been able to tell stories through photographs, and have been able to invent characters, making costumes from scratch.
My first project was very basic and the quality of the work left a lot to be desired. My most elaborate project became a photo comic book, the only one of its kind, that currently sells on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. But the project that gives me the most pride is the one titled “Corporate Entrapment”, that has received several awards so far, from the Muse Photography Awards, Global Photography Awards and Dodho Magazine, to mention some.
This project was a response to a bad experience my wife had in a recent past corporate job and was able to execute and get better results than expected.
If I had to share what I think sets me apart from others, is the full dedication I give to my work, how I include feedback and ideas from others, even on my most personal projects, so then all involved are invested on the outcome, and the ability to create these ideas with practical effects instead of an excessive use of Photoshop and AI.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
The most significant shift in my photography journey wasn’t about improving my images or acquiring better equipment. It was when I finally embraced calling myself an artist, adopted that persona, and realized I use my camera as a paintbrush and the world as my canvas.

Pricing:

• $250 base consultation cost. Can be used towards a photo session if booked.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.reaglephotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reaglephotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReaglePhotography

Image Credits
Models on the photos:
Bethany Philbin in yellow, gold and silver monochromatic photos
Kassidy McLean in Corporate Entrapment image
Costume and designs all created by Rodrigo Izquierdo
Makeup on Chrome photo by Cibola Henderson