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

Maria, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Photographing women in their most raw, organic, sensual elements has always been my mission. Making a safe space for whomever is on the other side of that lens and capturing their unequivocal beauty for a product that they can revisit and celebrate. The human form is something I have always enjoyed photographing because it leaves us with a sense of wonder—what lies behind the eyes or form of that subject, what true story makes up another.

Maria, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My path with photography began on film. Mostly street photography, strangers wherever you find them. My discovery of the DSLR camera came years later and the unavoidable question of “what main category do I want to exhibit” came right along with it. I had no doubts that was boudoir, for me. Making women feel their most beautiful and seen brings a sense of completion to me and my work. The industry is absolutely saturated with young photographers looking to do the same, so I constantly challenge myself to leave a lasting impression on my clients that goes beyond the photographic side of things. Making them feel comfortable, loved, heard. Currently in the midst of rebranding myself, I hope to attain more clients in experiences of which I can relate, especially that of motherhood.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

A book I absolutely couldn’t live without.. “The Artists Way” by Julia Cameron. A twelve week program for the every day artist to help deep dive into the artistic self. A place to learn about yourself, your work, you aspirations. I found myself here, the complexity of my inner artist, the will to continue with a career that often times seems overwhelming with potential and yet even more ability to fail. This book challenges all limiting beliefs and fears of becoming an entrepreneur in the creative markets and helps me to overcome my skepticism each time I read it,

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has without a doubt been staying true to my brand and to myself. Women are my focus and putting their inner and outer beauty into a story through picture based off of what they wish to create , that has always been my focus.

Contact Info:

• Website: Almadeluzphotography.com
• Instagram: Almadeluz.photography