Community Highlights: Meet Rudy Ortega of Rudy Ortega Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rudy Ortega.

Hi Rudy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been into the arts. When I was a kid, I would draw and copy comic book characters for hours at a time. Later in high school I got into painting. I was inspired by Salvador Dali and other surrealism artists. In college, I studied graphic design as I enjoyed creating logos and putting together layouts with bold typefaces. After a couple of internships and a brief job with a local newspaper, I decided that career wasn’t for me. I didn’t enjoy sitting for hours at a time staring at a computer. I went back to school to study photography and fell in love with capturing a single moment. I still love it to this day and have focused my attention towards people by capturing a story.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a long journey that’s been difficult but rewarding. I’ve learned that you have to be your own advocate and believe in yourself because most people don’t understand good photography and what it takes to create strong work. As a business, you have to sell yourself and learn different ways to reach potential clients. Creating work is just a small portion of the business.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Rudy Ortega Photography?
I specialize in wedding and event photography. I learned at the beginning that photographing weddings can be profitable and also fill my creative soul as I get to capture stories. I’m a bit different than most wedding photographers. I photograph most of the day photographing moments without any staging or interference. I work like a photojournalist by not changing anything to alter a photo.. I work with what I have by moving around, studying natural light, and observing people and anticipating emotional reactions. The only time that I’m hands on is during family portraits. I even capture portraits of the couple very loosely without much direction so they can be themselves. I work similarly when photographing other events that include corporate conventions, festivals, and smaller events.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
You have to put in a lot of work promoting your brand and style, especially when it goes against the norm. I’ve learned how to adapt to different people’s personalities and needs when it comes to satisfying them because at the end of the day you’re not shooting for yourself when earning a living. You have to please the client.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://photostoriesbyrudy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photostoriesbyrudy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rudyortegaphotography