When writing any self-reflective blog post, I always debate how far back to start. Do I write about how my interest in photography began 15 years ago with a semi-functioning Minolta film camera? Do I talk about how in 2004 I attended business school and went into corporate marketing there after because it just seemed like the right thing to do? And then how attending yoga teacher training in 2011 made me question my personal decisions? {read: made me question everything.}
Photograph by the lovely Nicole Baas Photography.
I started photographing yoga teachers and was fascinated by the incredible shapes the human body could make and even more by the passion and truth that yoga - not just the poses, but the entire practice and way of living - brought to so many of my new friends' lives. One very special yogi asked me to photograph her wedding and it opened my eyes to being a part of such an amazing time in two people's lives. ... It's such a long, interwoven and connected story that brought me here, to today.
One year ago today was my first Monday running Tracy Rodriguez Photography full time. Leaving my stable corporate job felt like such a leap of faith at the time, such a courageous and bold decision. But the truth is that the last year has felt very natural. My "work" is interwoven throughout my life so I'm not "working", I'm living. My clients are a part of my life. Many have become close friends. I practice yoga at many of the studios that I photograph and have become a part of their communities. I wrote down my core beliefs for my business last year and I realized they are actually just my beliefs for my way of living. Everything is interwoven.
And everyone has played a part. My biggest reflection over this past year is how grateful I feel. Grateful to my amazing clients - my wedding couples, my yogis and studio communities, my beautiful families - grateful to my family, my extended, to my husband, to my entire network, really. From my heart, from my soul, thank you. I could not do what I do without a huge community that believes in me doing this. I thank you for your support, encouragement and friendship. Here's to many more years!!
Exciting things are on the horizon but not quite ready to share so stay tuned here, on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram and my Instagram for yogis to be the first to find out what's coming next for Tracy Rodriguez Photography!
Photograph by the lovely Emily Leahy
I believe…
… in being a good person, treating people with respect, and doing the right thing above all else.
… every person has something unique that no one else has, something incredibly special. I value that. That's what I look to photograph.
… showing someone their amazing self can instill self-confidence. And, your self-confident self can change the world.