Today we’d like to introduce you to Gloria Rodriguez.
Hi Gloria, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My photography business began in 2010 and transitioned into Glopink Studios in 2013.
I always had a passion for photography that developed naturally or maybe through osmosis. I grew up watching my father capture all the small moments with both his film and video camera which ultimately created our story although at the time I didn’t fully understand that. When I became a mother, it all started to make sense. I was amazed by how I could capture my daughters’ expressions, and how their personalities came through in their images. I was able to freeze all the little things that made me feel joy…their innocence, their curiosity, their silliness. I slowly began to capture these treasures for others. As my girls began school, I decided that going back to my teaching career was not what I desired. I took photography courses instead. Little by little, I learned and grew enough to continue the creative path turning it into a business. It was scary, overwhelming, awesome and best decision for me.
When a person or family comes to me in hopes of finding a photographer, I bring the professional and artist to the table but also the friend and listener. I want to understand what the hopes and dreams are for the session because that is the only way to bring the emotions when looking at the photos in years to come. I want the memory to be felt rather than just a vague passing memory. I forget certain details of my life but never how someone or an experience made me feel. My goal as a portrait photographer is to capture moments that will make you smile and possibly cry
(a good cry) for years to come.
Life takes us on a journey in which the end of the road is not visible. I still don’t see my final destination but know that I have cherished every step I’ve taken along the way. I want to contribute more to this world and am not quite sure what that means for my photography.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth road, does that exist figuratively?
You need to be resilient to be an entrepreneur and a creative. There are so many obstacles along the way.
Thankfully, I have had the support of many friends and family by my side from the start. That’s where my commitment, determination and motivation gets fueled. There are many times I have wondered if a 9 to 5 job would be better…more stable, consistent, reliable. Then, I remember how flexible my life is due to my photography path. How it’s allowed for many blessings, moments and experiences that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
One huge struggle has been having a physical location. Glopink Studios found a home for it’s base early on. It’s required all the normal upkeep and maintenance with surprises over the years. So overhead is high. However, it’s a haven that feels like home to the families that come in tired with a newborn, excited to view galleries or just coming to meet for the first time to make sure we have similar visions.
During Covid, it was even more difficult to keep the doors open. Over six months without booking a session. Thankfully, we survived by renting out some space. It’s worked out and hoping to share the space with other creatives to be part of our collective.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Miami based photographer who specializes in portrait photography of newborns, children, teens, maternity, and families including pets. Whether shooting in studio or on location, I incorporate the beauty of the environment to produce a natural yet fresh work of art. Capturing a baby’s innocence, a child’s curiosity, a teen’s individuality, an expectant mother’s amazement, and a family’s love is priceless. I want my families to be taken back to those little moments in time when viewing their portraits.
My ultimate goal is to capture moments and expressions that will make you smile and possibly cry (a good cry) for years to come. I know that this can only be accomplished by gaining your trust, by collaborating and sharing a vision together. I honor the vulnerability you accept when allowing me into your life even if just for a few hours. I will never rush a family or a child. When you open up yourself to being photographed by me, that time is yours to settle into the moment, be real, be brave and become comfortable. I want to create relationships alongside my art.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am often on Libby listening to an audio book. My brain goes a mile a minute, usually overstimulated and overthinking so when it’s time for quite editing, I struggle staying on task for too long. Listening to an audiobook helps tremendously. Daydreaming and doom scrolling on Pinterest sparks creativity for sessions. I have so many overlapping boards that it sometimes makes it difficult to find what I saved. But what’s important is that it inspires.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://glopinkstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glopinkstudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glopinkstudios/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloria-rodriguez-glopink-studios-7a09761a/?trk=public_profile_browsemap
