We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rochelle Perez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rochelle below.
Rochelle , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I started off my photography journey in my hometown of Silver City, New Mexico running my very own photography studio full time. I had established my cliental in my time there, but towards the summer of 2021 I was ready for a change in my life, and I decided to move me and my two kids to Chandler Arizona. I knew making this move was risky, but I also knew it came with more opportunities for us all! I went from having a whole community behind me to nobody even knowing my name. It was truly humbling, and I knew I was going to have to work even harder to get myself back out there. I started attending photography workshops, and stylized shoots trying to plug myself into the right community. I began networking with some amazing local creatives! At this point I was still only booking friends and family out here though. Then life has this way of completely knocking us off our feet, and I got a phone call I dreaded my entire life. I received the news that my grandpa (Bompa) passed away. This man raised me, and had played such a huge role in my life being that he’d been there since day one. This left me broken, and I decided I was giving up on my photography. His passing also helped lead me to grow closer in my faith in Jesus. One Sunday at church we were all challenged to give up our social media cold turkey for one whole month, and see how it improves our mental health. I thought what the heck, I’ll accept this challenge. Within that month my life completely transformed. I started taking a bible study class over Gods Dream, Your Purpose and it became clear to me God gave me a gift and I’m meant to use it. The gift of creativity was placed in my heart at such a young age, and I am able to utilize it through my photography. Once I came to this realization it all went uphill. At this time I was also waitressing at K-38 Beach Mex Cantina, a local Baja Mexican themed restaurant. The owners who became very good friends of mine, were needing photos of their food and drinks done and wanted to know if I was interested.That’s when I picked my camera back up, and I knew then that God didn’t place that dream in my heart for no reason. After the photoshoot, and seeing reels I’d put together for the restaurant they then asked me to take over their social media platforms. Not much later Chandler City Lifestyle Magazine became interested in my work, and I began shooting for them. My first photo assignment with them made the front cover! Then the moment I had been waiting for finally happened, and I booked my first client who was a complete stranger. The feeling was amazing, knowing all that went into it! This led to more bookings, and so much growth on my photography journey! I got on board with the creative team at my church and shoot for them as well. I was able to stop waitressing, and got in with Eat, Drink, Creative Agency. We do social media marketing, which involves photoshoots and modeling for restaurants. I still do my personal photography as well. I feel like I have finally found where I belong, and I’m grateful I didn’t give up!
Rochelle , 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 name is Rochelle Perez. I am a mother to two amazing children who mean the absolute world to me! We are New Mexico raised, but now Arizona living. My photography journey started by taking photography as an elective in college by complete chance. I ended up falling in love with everything about photography, and decided to pursue it completely. The road has been challenging, but rewarding.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
On my journey there have been so many different instances that have made me second guess if I had what it took to pull through from the situation or not. One that comes to mind was when I moved states! I had it made where I was at back home. My studio was prospering, and I had a loyal cliental. I just had this overwhelming feeling that I was being called to Arizona, so I followed that. I started from complete scratch and it was very discouraging going from feeling like you’re completely set, having a steady income, to pretty much starting from scratch. I could have easily just gave up like I came so close to doing. It all changed when I built my foundation on Christ. He is my strength, and I’m most certain I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if it weren’t for him!
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Yes, my mission is to use my platform to inspire others to follow their dreams. I truly believe we all have a gift that serves a purpose. Life is too short not to figure out what that gift is and utilize it to your fullest potential. God gifted me with a creative eye, and ever since discovering photography it has seriously changed my life for the better. I want to be able to help people find what their gift is. My other mission is to use all that I have endured and overcame in life to help others who are in similar seasons push through it!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: rochelleperezphotography
- Facebook: Rochelle Perez Photography
Image Credits
Irina Adams