We recently had the chance to connect with Natalie Rodriguez and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Natalie , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
While photography is my passion and career, the truest joy in my life comes from my family. My husband Dexter, our sweet daughter Sienna, and our newest little blessing, baby Declan, remind me every day why capturing memories is so important.
Life with them is filled with little moments—messy giggles, sleepy snuggles, and the kind of love that makes time stand still. These moments ground me, inspire me, and fuel the heart behind every photo I take.
Family is my why. And just as I treasure preserving our story, I feel so honored to help you preserve yours.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Natalie Rodriguez, the heart behind Natalie Rodriguez Photography. I specialize in capturing life’s most meaningful milestones—whether that’s the glow of maternity, the delicate details of a newborn, or the joy of a family simply being themselves.
What makes my brand unique is that it’s not just about taking pictures—it’s about creating full experiences. Recently, I’ve expanded into content creation, adding video and drone footage to my sessions. This means I can now tell your story not only through timeless photos, but also through cinematic films that capture emotion in motion. Whether it’s an intimate engagement, a wedding, a store’s grand opening, or marketing visuals for your business, I love bringing these moments to life in ways that feel authentic and unforgettable.
At the core of my work is my family—my husband Dexter, our daughter Sienna, and our newborn son Declan—who constantly remind me why preserving memories matters. They are my “why,” and the heart behind everything I do.
Right now, I’m working on growing Natalie Rodriguez Photography into a true one-stop shop for storytelling—through photography, video, and content creation—helping both families and businesses freeze moments that will last a lifetime
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationships that have most shaped how I see myself are with my closest friends, Jany and Stephanie, who have always believed in me and pushed me to be the best version of myself. Their constant encouragement has given me the confidence to chase my dreams and grow into who I am today.
Equally, becoming a mother has transformed me in ways I never imagined. My children have brought out both an unstoppable grind—the drive to work harder and build something meaningful for them—and also a sense of childlike wonder that keeps me grounded in the beauty of everyday moments. Together, these relationships remind me that I’m capable, resilient, and meant to live life with both purpose and joy
And finally, my clients have played a profound role in shaping how I view myself and my art. Time and time again, they’ve shown me that my work is not only beautiful, but also worthy and deeply valued. Their trust in me and their excitement for the memories we create together inspire me to keep growing and pouring my heart into what I do.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes! There was definitely a time I almost gave up. I struggled with imposter syndrome and the constant trap of comparison. I remember scrolling and seeing other creatives “booked and busy” while I was facing one of my slowest seasons in business. It was discouraging, and for a moment, I questioned if I was really cut out for this.
But then everything shifted. I hosted my second round of seasonal sessions and ended up capturing 22 families during Christmas and 18 during Mother’s Day. Those experiences reminded me of the trust families place in me to preserve their memories. It not only reignited my passion, but also gave me a strong sense of confidence and validation to keep pushing forward.
What I thought was a breaking point actually became a turning point—and taught me that growth takes patience, consistency, and believing in yourself even when things feel slow.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes! I’ve always been a very straightforward type of person. What you see is truly what you get. I don’t put on a façade for the sake of appearances, and I believe in being authentic in both my personal life and my business.
Of course, like anyone, there are sides of me that only my closest family and friends see—the vulnerable moments, the struggles, the quiet wins—but the essence of who I am never changes. I’m honest, passionate, and driven, whether I’m behind the camera, being “mom” at home, or connecting with clients.
At the end of the day, I’d rather be remembered for being real than for being perfect.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe I am doing what I was born to do. My path hasn’t been a straight line, but every step has shaped who I am today. I’ve proudly served in law enforcement for nearly 10 years, a career that taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of serving others with integrity.
At the same time, my heart led me to build my photography business, where I get to pour my creativity into capturing life’s most meaningful moments. Photography allows me to tell stories, preserve memories, and connect with people in a way that feels deeply fulfilling.
Both careers may seem very different, but together they’ve given me balance—strength and structure on one side, and passion and artistry on the other. And in both, I know I am walking in purpose!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Natalierodriguezphotography.com
- Instagram: Natalierodriguezphotography
