Today we’d like to introduce you to Annalisa (Zambrano) Rodriguez.
My story begins in Alice, Texas on one warm Christmas Day. I remember being so excited when my mom gifted me my first digital video camera. It was an orange VCamNow. It was a must that I carried it everywhere because I wanted to be prepared to capture any special moment. Since the age of seven, photography has always been a favorite hobby of mine. It’s always been a must that I have some type of camera in hand. All of my family & school friends can attest to this. In the beginning, it was me just taking photos of everything like my dog or literally the most random things. Clouds were one of my favorites to capture because they allow your imagination to run freely.
Throughout high school, I was a historian for several organizations. I was very involved in Yearbook my senior year and had a blast taking photos at events. After graduating from high school in 2012, I ventured off to Austin where I attended school at the Art Institute of Austin for a Baking & Pastry degree. From there, I helped open a restaurant and in 2014, I joined the Four Seasons family where I met my husband. Volunteering to take photos at work events reminded me of my passion for photography.
Fast forward to a hot summer day of June 2018. I was driving back from Houston with a friend and felt inspired to stop and take photos. I asked her to be my model and seeing her face light up when she saw a few of the photos I had taken encouraged me to commence my #EMBRACEYOURBEAUTY project. My goal for this project was to promote self-love and confidence. Everyone has insecurities but we all deserve to feel beautiful. Later that day, I created a post on Facebook to see if anyone would partake in my project. I soon had several inquiries from ladies who loved the idea. Even though this was only intended to be a short-term project, I love being able to continue adding to my album no matter your age, gender, ethnicity, etc. I write a short piece on every model’s favorite photo with some fun facts or something I learn about them during the shoot. I’m currently still looking for models to add to my project. I love that I’ve been able to use my passion for photography to remind people how beautiful they truly are.
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?
I feel like I have been my biggest struggle many times. I tend to overanalyze a lot and don’t give myself enough credit. Like many others, doubts and fears have held me back. However, I’m definitely working on that and I am trying new things as they come my way.
Aside from that, trying to figure out exactly what my next step in life is has been another struggle. But of course, I feel that COVID-19 has really made many question their paths. Part of me would love to pursue photography and social media marketing full time but another part is wanting to give pastry another shot. It definitely is frightening but I’m ready to see what is meant for me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Aside from Portrait Photography, my work revolves around so many other categories which include:
-Pet
-Nature
-Product
-Concert
-Family
-Food
-& so much more…
Really anything that has potential, I’ll snap it. I would really love to continue broadening my horizons.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Honestly, just being myself and showing what I can accomplish with my camera and creativity is highly important. Being able to interact and connect with clients on another level is also a very valuable quality in photography and many fields.
Pricing:
- Photo Sessions start as low as $200 & up
- Product Photography $100 & up
Contact Info:
- Email: annalisazambrano24@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/az__photographs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnalisaZambranoPhotography
Image Credits
Annalisa Zambrano Photography, Hey Mandersss Photography, MUA: Arched Beauty ATX
