Meet Wendy Rodriguez, MSL | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Wendy Rodriguez, MSL and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wendy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had been doing photography as a hobby as early as elementary school. In high school, I would take portraits that I would take and paint them into abstract art. It was my creative outlet and brought me a lot of joy. However, I took it very seriously when I was planning my sister’s quinceañera in 2019 and decided to do her very own photo session. During her party, many people stopped me and asked who the photographer was for her main entrance portrait. Once I told them it was me, they asked why I hadn’t turned this into a business. During that time I had just started law school and was taking a business law course that taught me the process of creating a business and the liabilities I should take into account. This course propelled my business venture as I took the initiative to start learning how I could turn my hobby/creative outlet into a profitable business in Georgia.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My biggest accomplishment has been creating a business that is committed to serving the client’s needs while executing their respective creative visions. I have purposefully refused to undervalue my work because that is a disservice to my loyal clients. Many, including myself at times, are looking for the most affordable option to get work done. However, the most affordable do not always include quality as a priority. I take the time out to have many conversations with my potential clients to note their expectations and vision to generate a customized plan for each photo experience. I truly believe communication is key in any relationship and especially when you are investing in capturing a special life moment or branding experience for business owners. Remember QUALITY over QUANTITY. It is about finding a creator that will take the time to make your vision a reality. This is especially true during headshot and branding sessions; these are sessions that require close attention to detail to best represent your business’ brand. I’m truly in the business of brainstorming creative ideas that make each one of my clients feel extra special about their investments so they can cherish them for years to come.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is actually a perfect question as I have a best friend planning an itinerary to visit Covington, GA (a.k.a Mystic Falls/Serenity) from Illinois.

1. We would stop by City Pharmacy to have brunch with a side of mimosas.
2. Tour around Covington with one of my friends in town, Roo on the Move.
3. We would stop by and get some coffee and baked goods at Bread and Butter.
4. A Mystic Falls photo session would need to happen at all her favorite places in town.
5. Dinner at Mystic Grill and then shopping at The Alley which is right under Mystic Grill.
6. We would stop at Scoops for dessert. Fun Fact: I worked there as a teenager.
7. If we hadn’t already, I would take her to Emory’s Oxford College. I am a Class of 2017 graduate of Emory college and love to visit/volunteer at Oxford as one of their honorary alums.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Truly, I would like to thank my family (mom, dad, and Jenny) for supporting my art. They have been the inspiration of my photography from day one. My family has always encouraged me to pursue all my passions even when they might seem far-fetched. Additionally, I would like to give thanks to all the clients that took a chance on me at the inception of my business. I couldn’t have generated my portfolio without the confidence in my creative abilities. My clients are truly the best and I am always excited to make them feel like a celebrity! Shoutout to those that also are also engaging in my social media @wrodriguezphotography (Facebook and Instagram).

Website: https://wrodriguezphotography.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wrodriguezphotography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/w-rodriguez-photography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRodriguezPhotography

Image Credits
@WRodriguezPhotography