Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachyel Puleo Magaña.
Rachyel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was a creative kid but I couldn’t draw. When I was 19, I found photography. That is when I realized that I could paint with light. I studied Fine Art Photography at the Academy of Art University in San Fransisco. While living in Oakland, I met my husband and we made a tiny human. Fast forward to five years later, I am back in San Diego where I grew up. Living, loving, working, hustling. Making art when I can. Creating portraits for families and documenting important life events for strangers and friends alike.
Great, 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’ve had ups and downs but I had a good childhood and a privileged life. Growing up, I was never hungry. I got everything that I needed. I still spent a lot of time after high school wandering. Not really knowing what I wanted to do with my life. At 18, I moved out on my own and I have been working ever since. I’ve always worked. As a barista, at a bookstore, as a waitress, and even now I work in customer service for a photo printing company. I didn’t get into photography for the money. I’ve always had to have other jobs as well as photography.
I also have to find a balance between being a mom, a woman, a good human being, a working person able to pay rent and bills, a good partner, and an artist. It’s a lot! Sometimes, I feel like I do not have time to create new art.
On a good day, I’m a kickass mom working on a piece for an upcoming art show. On a bad day, I am wondering how to do all this.
My advice is to do things your own way. Take time to decide what you want. Let it take longer than it is “supposed” to. It’s ok to start over a million times. Don’t be discouraged. Every single thing you have done has led you to where you are at this very moment. Own that.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a freelance photographer, photo editor, and full-time mom. I started Rachyel P. Magaña Photography back in 2013. Before that, I was creating surrealist portraits and Fine Art photography. This is my passion but does not pay the bills. 😉 When I had a kid, I decided since I was already taking photos of my child, I should probably also take photos of other people’s kids! That was never something that I thought I would be doing but my passion for photography has grown as I have! I am still always trying to find interesting ways to use light and create something different.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I, of course, can only speak as a white woman, there are many women of color that have far more serious hurdles to overcome than I. For me, not being taken seriously is the main one. Not being listened to. Not having your ideas heard. Or my favorite, not thinking anyone is listening and then having your ideas stolen. As a feminist and a mom, it is important that women, especially young women, are told every single day that their voice matters. And is important to me as a mom of a boy to teach my son the importance of respecting all people and the value of feminism. Our society cannot evolve without it.
Contact Info:
- Website: rpuleo.wixsite.com/
rachyelpmagana - Email: rachyellisapuleo@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachyel.p.magana.photo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachyelPMaganaPhotography/
Image Credit:
Personal Photo by Chris Wojdak Photography, All others by Rachyel P. Magana Photography
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
