Today we’d like to introduce you to Reina Enrique.
Hi Reina, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I started doing photography in high school, and slowly over the years, it has taken off to where I am today. I have always loved having a camera in hand and capturing moments in time to look back on. I am still the one that documents everything in photos or video whenever I am with friends and family. In the last couple of years coming back from the Pandemic, I really dedicated time and effort to learning, networking, and growing. This push has helped me grow, work with some dream clients, and ultimately get published. San Diego is buzzing with creatives and models in the industry, so it really makes it easy to make those connections. Last year, I started my own meet-up group (SDCreativemeets on Instagram) after attending several because they didn’t have the creative direction I was looking for or the collaborative feel. I knew I was really amazing at organizing events, coordinating them, and gathering people together. This industry can feel really competitive, and a lot of things are often gate kept or you’re expected to know how to do something already. I wanted to change that, and I feel we have. I offer free meet-ups to collaborate with models, photographers, and creatives alike. I have seen so many photographers and models grow substantially after coming to my meets. It’s been so fun bringing the community into a safe space together and bringing my ideas to life. My dream in photography is to work in fashion or branding with a creative director focus.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say it hasn’t always been a smooth road, and I’ve experienced challenges along the way. Competitiveness amongst fellow creatives has been a real struggle. I am so welcoming to all experience levels, so to not have the same courtesy can be discouraging. I never went to school for photography, so having to learn everything by trial and error has been a struggle. I do believe any kind of struggle can create and facilitate skills you didn’t even know you had. It solidifies your talents and loyalty to your dream. You can really make it through anything and everything.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a photographer that specializes in portrait and creative photography. I am known for my meet-up group mainly and my fashion photos filled with bold color and moving subjects. I am most proud of the connections I’ve made and the growth I’ve achieved. What sets me apart from others is my kindness and creativity. I don’t shy away from models that don’t fit the mold that you’d typically see in magazines. You can create those special moments for everyone, and I feel that is my ultimate power.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Not everyone sees success in the same way, and you have to know you won’t please everyone. Success to me is happiness and enjoyment in what I’m doing and what I’m creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: instagram.com/reinaalissaphotography
- Instagram: instagram.com/sdcreativemeets
Image Credits
Emily Carter
Steffi Carter
Alicia Rich
Linh Tran
Jessica Zimm
Michelle Pettet
Carmina Ridley
Aquamarina
DeVon
Leilani Kirkham
Luke Mazzoh
Michelle Quillen
Liana Reynolds
Alex Chang
sdpromo
wegrowbrands
MinuteMaid
Emily Holmes
Amber
Concord Bautista
