Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Pau Rodriguez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Pau, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I’m a big believer that real knowledge is unlocked through curiosity, and the more you nurse that creative spark, the more you will learn. That is exactly how I became a photographer, by picking up a camera my parents had bought for me and taking pictures every day—of my dog, my friends, landscape, or even random objects. The key to helping me learn was to always have new ideas and stay curious about all the ways I could express myself through my lens.

Eventually I began honing into my skills as time progressed, learning more about photography through trial and error, Youtube tutorials—especially Photoshop tutorials—and the wisdom of fellow creative friends. If there is one thing I could’ve done to speed up my learning process it would have been be to reach out to mentors or enroll in workshops sooner. I went to my first workshop just a few months ago, six years after starting in photography! I wish I could have done that a bit sooner so I could’ve learned the technical side of photography though the eyes of someone professional.

Pau, 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?

Ever since I can remember, I’ve always been fascinated with art, colors, textures and everything that involves my visual field, You know when someone says that out of their five senses they have one sense that is their favorite or is pretty developed? For some that sense is hearing, touch, smell or taste…for me it was my sight. I got introduced to the world of photography in a very organic way, when I asked my parents for a camera as a Christmas present when I was around 13 years old. From there on I began my journey as a photographer, experimenting with my camera and surroundings, and learning in the process. Especially in these past four years, I have grown my expertise in editorial photography and portraits; I work as a part time photographer in Tijuana, where I help my clients fulfill their creative ideas, from brand photography, editorials, studio sessions, engagement photoshoots, and more.

Although I benefit financially from taking photos, I consider myself to be someone that primarily creates out of pleasure and fun. To me, photography is much more than a business or a way to make some income, but more than anything, an outlet to express my ideas and connect with other people who share the same passion. I love making new friends through photoshoots, creating new concepts and exploring new ways to edit, and I am always open and grateful for whoever that wants to work with me. I love every single photoshoot I take part in and greatly appreciate everyone who put their faith on me.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I believe creativity is a very complex idea that not everyone understands a 100%, not even me. I have noticed that, especially when it comes to clients that may not be to versed on creative work, many people believe that creativity is something that comes naturally or is based on innate talent. In reality, in order to become a well-rounded creative and deliver good quality work, you need to do the work! In my case, I don’t simply whip out my camera and take cool photos based on talent alone, but rather, it is everything that goes on behind the scenes to make that cool photo actually be “cool”: researching, creating moodboards, being aware of the latest trends, hiring the right team, listening to what my clients want, having knowledge on editing and post production, the list goes on. I think non-creatives sometimes forget that creativity is not a quality that someone is simply born with, but rather something you constantly have to work on and grow into.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

To me, there is no better feeling than turning my vision into a reality and witnessing all parts in the creative process: from the beginning stages of crafting an idea, to recruiting models, my team and creating the set up, to post production and editing. There is a lot of happiness and freedom that I experience in turning simple ideas into meaningful visuals that tell a story or make people feel something. Another thing that I deeply enjoy as a photographer is being able to connect with fellow creatives and learn from them. Throughout my journey, I have made so many friends along the way—makeup artists, models, stylists, photographers and creative directors—that share the same passion and love for art; and that is a great reward as an artist myself!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.prgph.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/prg.ph/

Image Credits
1st photo (two models with red veil) – Creative Direction: Francisco Salmerón – Makeup: Fausto Lee – Styling: Oslyn Whizar – Models: Vianney Landa, Michelle Barraza 3rd photo (model with matchstick) – Creative direction: Pau Rodriguez – Makeup/styling/modeling: Dariella Hauter 4th photo (model with red box) – Creative Direction: Francisco Salmerón – Makeup: Fausto Lee – Styling: Oslyn Whizar – Model: Vianney Landa 5th photo (black and white) – Creative Direction: Francisco Salmerón, Pau Rodriguez – Model: Michelle Barraza 7th photo (models in beach) – Creative direction: Pau Rodriguez – Styling/makeup: Lila Galante – Models: Elena & Ana Lo Valdés 8th photo (black and white) – Creative direction: Pau Rodriguez – Styling/makeup: Lila Galante – Model: Maria Jimena Gastélum