Meet Fernando Rodriguez
Meet Fernando Rodriguez, a Mexican image maker whose New York-based work offers a vivid portrayal of human emotions and behaviors. His distinctive style merges intense colors, bold perspectives, and creative lighting, each photograph embodying the complex nuances of the mind and spirit.
His artistic journey reached new heights after his return to Mexico City in 2016. Immersed in the city’s dynamic cultural scene and its influential fashion industry, he found inspiration to transcend the limits of traditional photography, creating images that resonate deeply with viewers.
His portfolio is recognized in esteemed publications like Harper's Bazaar, ELLE, and L'Officiel, and his collaborations with high-end brands such as Dior and Louis Vuitton highlight his impact in the world of visual arts. His work has been acknowledged at the ADC Annual Awards in the Fashion Photography Category, reflecting his influential role in shaping contemporary photography. His work goes beyond mere professional success, delving into themes of identity, love, and resilience, creating thought-provoking projects that connect with audiences on multiple levels.
Which artists or movements have significantly influenced your approach, and how do these inspirations manifest in your photographic style?
F.R: More than influencing my photography style, the hippie movement in the 60s influenced me personally. I truly believe it was the last full cultural movement encompassing music, painting, poetry, cinema, etc. Some of my favorite musicians developed their most beautiful art during this time, as did poets and image makers in general. In one way or another, that movement influenced my style and continues to do so.
Can you describe the genesis of your ideas and the process you undertake to transition from initial concept to visual execution, especially highlighting how cultural influences from New York and Mexico City are integrated into your narratives?
F.R: For me, the process of how inspiration transforms into a concept and then into an image is very particular and different every time. Usually, when an idea or inspiration comes to mind, I keep it there for a few days or weeks and start making some connections, considering how that idea impacts my life and questioning why I find it interesting. Then, that idea starts becoming a concept when I find connections between that idea or inspiration source and my narrative. When the concept is there, it's only a matter of shaping it, creating a mood board, and finding the right people to develop that concept. I have to be selective in contacting the right people, those whose styles will likely add something greater to the concept. I really enjoy being surprised when an artist takes the concept I've developed, identifies somehow with it, and proposes something that I might not have seen before; it's truly fantastic. I love the collaborative aspect of this profession.
New York, just as Mexico City, holds a very special place in my mind. I find a lot of similarities, but these two places are also very different. Amidst all the chaos, I find some of the best minds I've ever encountered. I love meeting new people and hearing different stories; it inspires me a lot.
How do you strategically use color, light, and innovative photographic techniques to convey complex emotions and themes, ensuring your conceptual vision is fully realized in the final piece?
F.R: I see color, light, camera, etc., just as tools. I think you can tell the same story with different tools, and each time it would be different; that is the beauty of storytelling, everybody would make it their own way. A lot of trial and error through the years have helped me to sharpen the decision-making in what colors or what kind of light is going to be more suitable to tell what I want to say.
In creating a connection with your audience, how do you embed complex emotions and human behaviors into your work, aiming for a deeper emotional engagement?
F.R: I don’t think much about the audience when it comes to creating a deeper emotional engagement. I create for myself, expressing what's inside my head. I prefer not to dictate how viewers should feel or what experiences they should derive from my work. I appreciate when people interpret my work through their personal experiences, finding meaning in different layers. I truly believe that being honest about what you're feeling and what you want to say will resonate with someone out there.
Reflecting on your journey from San Francisco to your current work, how has your style evolved, and what have been the pivotal moments or technologies that influenced this evolution?
F.R: My style is constantly changing; the simple fact of getting to know myself every day is key to this. With every project I undertake, I learn something new and try to apply it to the next one. I think technology, as I mentioned, is a tool that makes certain processes easier, but for me, it serves as an everyday reminder that technology is not making me a better or worse artist.
Is there a project or piece that has been particularly transformative in your career? How did it impact your artistic direction and emotional depth in storytelling?
F.R: I think in my career, there are a few special projects that hold a special place in my heart. For example, I did one project that, for me, marked the closure of my journey in Mexico City and encapsulated how I felt when I left and started my life in New York. This is one of a few that I can recall.
Looking ahead, what unexplored themes or techniques are you eager to delve into, and how do you envision your work evolving in the coming years?
F.R: I want to start exploring more directing fashion films and eventually short films. I’ve been thinking for a while, and now is a good time in my life to start.
2024 "As we look towards 2024, what are your main aspirations for personal growth and artistic development?"
This year I am going to be a father, so I want to be the best version of myself for my family.
Love "How does the exploration of love influence your selection of subjects or themes within your photography?"
For me, love and all its layers are part of my work. I strongly believe that there is no more powerful force in the universe than love.
Identity "Can you discuss the role of identity in your creative process and how it informs the narratives you choose to explore?"
I feel that we don't have to understand identity to empathize. In my journey, I have had the luck to work with a lot of different identities, and I have come to the realization that we are all the same; whatever happens to you affects me in a direct or indirect way. We are more connected and more similar than we think.
Resilience "Reflecting on your artistic journey, how has the theme of resilience manifested in both your personal and professional life?"
We are living in very strange and, I would say, difficult times. Creative people have a certain sensibility that can affect both personal and professional life in both positive and negative ways. During these years, resilience has definitely been a part of my life, as I've experienced a lot of changes and new experiences. It has definitely kept me growing and helped me to know myself better.
Transformation "What does transformation mean to you in the context of your evolving artistic practice and personal development?"
Transformation is necessary in every aspect of life; nothing is permanent, whether it's the good or the bad. So, I try to keep that in mind as a driving force in life. The more experiences we have, the greater the opportunity for personal evolution. I believe that maintaining an open mind allows us to embrace new experiences and be more receptive to transformation. Sometimes, it's beneficial to pause and reflect on the past, observing how much we've changed. Occasionally, it's necessary to realign ourselves.
Looking to the future, Fernando is excited to push creative boundaries and embrace new storytelling formats, especially in directing fashion and short films. His evolving artistic journey promises fresh, innovative explorations, continuing to engage audiences with each frame. Fernando's photography invites viewers to immerse themselves in a narrative space that is both personal and expansive, connecting on a level that transcends mere observation and inviting a transformative experience.
