We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Luis Soto-Rodriguez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Luis, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To be successful can mean a few things for me depending on what kind of success we are working for. Success for me right now would be financial freedom. Because either we like it or not, money is very necessary, and we need it to literally survive in this country. I used to have a “for the love of the arts” kind of mentality and thought that it didn’t matter if I had financial freedom as long as I do what I love. Well, I don’t think like that anymore. Success is something we all want, and to achieve success we have to work smart, not hard. It takes time, work, patience, skill and good mental and physical health. Being patience with yourself and having the right motivation. For me, my biggest motivation is delivering a product or result that you didn’t even think it was possible. A reaction of happiness and relief. Delivering a result that my clients expect and beyond. Trust and love would be the top things and of course is all to feel like I deserved that pay day. So, success for me means to be proud of and confident in your craft. Thats the true meaning of being successful.

Luis, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Luis. I’m an artist and professional photographer based in Tampa Bay FL (St. Petersburg). I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. I came to the United States in late 2017 looking to start over a new life. I’ve been living in the West side of Florida for 5 years now. I Started college in 2010 with film and dark room however, I quickly moved into the digital DSLR cameras. Since I was a kid, I’ve been drawn to art and music, which are a big and significant part of my life. I have always been into cameras and always questioned the science behind it. In late 2009 I realized that I wanted to be a professional photographer. I recently took my life to the next level and became committed to be an entrepreneur and start my own photography business. Invested in myself and learned to love my work more so that other can love it too. I am not affiliated to any political parties or religions but, I am certain that a Creator of all things exists and my faith in Him is a big part of my life. We are all here for a good reason and it’s no coincidence you are reading about me.

As of experience, I’ve done an extensive amount of work in the field. From Weddings, Quinceaneras, lifestyle, urban, artistic, events, landscapes and wildlife. At the moment I am focusing on Personal brand and storytelling. Even though I absolutely love to photograph music events, gatherings and people, my true passion is landscaping photography, all things mother earth and wildlife.

About my brand, right now I really feel a connection with other entrepreneurs and business owners. My goals are to help business grow and tell the story of my clients brand. Make their customer feel like they are in that moment I took the photos and tell their story through my lens. I see photography as the most realistic expression of art. Make someone see a photo and make a video of it in their minds, see the story and share those emotions.

My true purpose with photography is to connect people, make relationships that lasts while not leaving profit purposes aside. Telling the story of your brand while also make you look and feel beautiful in the images is the best package deal. I want to solve my client’s problems by understanding what their vision is, what is their skills are and what makes them different from the rest and capture that moment. I know running a business is hard and I really don’t like my clients to put their energy on any doubts. I think what sets me apart from the competition is love. Love is the ultimate marketing tool. And during these times, we all need as much love as we can take.

Holding on for that perfect moment to press the shutter is what I enjoy the most.

Have you ever had to pivot?

This has actually happened two times so far. After I went to art school and got my degree in visual arts. I was in music school. Music had always been a huge part of my life. Growing up in a family of musicians was the most significant influence. In my mother’s side of the family there was musicians but not on my dad’s, so I really never got so much support from the main provider of my family and that’s how I ended in art school. When my dad could not afford to send me to the music school I wanted to go in Mexico, (after I was told I was going) I went and did it by myself but locally in Puerto Rico. Did 2 years of music school but it was really not clicking, and I was very discouraged by the whole situation and then I decided to quit and make my own band and try to make it big. That didn’t work out neither. My girlfriend at the time really motivated me to go back to school, I think I was 23 at the time. So, then I thought then what am I going to school for if it’s not music? My sister made me realize that I had a thing for cameras, and it was true! I didn’t even realize that ever since I was a blooming teenager, I liked taking pictures of things I had in my room like toys or cars. I was also always in charge of the camera of video camera in family trips and events. I always wanted to take the photos and that my friends is why I barely am in the family photos at the time. So, there it snaped on me and I decided to go to art school.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Really the most rewarding part of it is that my artwork will be forever a memory in my client’s homes or memories of their business investment. A chapter of growth and change. Being able to see their reactions when they see the photos and to make lasting business relations and sometimes long-lasting friendships. Even though the money is every base of a business, for me realistically is very rewarding to make great relationships and referrals. The experience, the practice, the going to new places and seeing a new face. It’s very fulfilling for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: lsotoimages.com
• Instagram: luisxposures, weherewenow, sotoswild_nature
• Facebook: LSotoiMages or Luis Soto

Image Credits
Teaki Tavern Cakes by Chriz Natural Health Hut Senserd by Mel