Who’s That Gal: Shirley Rodriguez, Birth and Maternity Photographer

Name: Shirley Anne Rodriguez
Age: 36
Occupation: Small Business Owner and Photographer
Currently living in: Littleton MA
Hometown: Puerto Rico
Currently reading: Girl, Stop Apologizing
Favorite wellness ritual: It’s not much wellness, but my morning coffee gives me life haha. I also enjoy face masks, they allow me to have some selfcare. 
I never leave home without: my phone and wallet lol. 

Let’s start with the basics. How did you first become interested in photography?

Oh wow, this could be a long story! I was always interested in photography. I used to walk with a disposable camera as a child and as a young adult, I was the one taking pics at all the parties, ha! After I had my children, my interest in photography grew bigger and my husband bought me my first “big girl camera,” YAS! In 2016 I was going through a lot of changes in my life (new baby, new job, new state) and I started to see photography as a nice way to bring extra money to our family and BOOM! Shirley Anne Photography was born!

How did you make the leap into starting your own business?

I honestly didn’t think too much about it, I was like, let’s make some additional money and dived right into it. Of course, as the time passed I learned that having a small business was not as easy peasy as I thought, but I’m glad I didn’t think too much before starting it because I probably wouldn’t have taken the leap. 

We’re pretty familiar with the concept of maternity shoots, but we haven’t seen birth photography quite so much. Why did you decide to include this as part of your speciality? 

After I had my oldest son in 2010, I started becoming more interested in everything related to birth and this was when I became exposed to birth photography. I found these types of images so unique and special. I didn’t have any images from my son’s birth, so it made my heart want them. 

My biggest drive to provide Birth Photography as my speciality is my own experience of not having these images, it just fuels my passion to provide it to other families. It is such a special and powerful time not only in a family’s life but in a birthing person's life. We are so POWERFUL! And let’s be honest, the birth of your baby happens only once! If we take images during graduations, engagements and weddings which are all milestones in our lives, why not document that moment you meet your baby for the first time? 

What is it like to be with new parents just moments after their baby is born?

It is an inexplicable feeling and a huge rush of emotions. When you’ve been with parents documenting their journey when they feel a baby inside of them but haven’t seen them, to capture those first eye-to-eye contacts and see how much love the parents share for their babies, it’s just amazing! I see myself as part of my clients birth team, not just “the photographer”, so there are a lot of feelings involved, including emotional tears. Being able to capture those first seconds, minutes and hours of life is just invaluable. 

What are the biggest challenges and biggest rewards of what you do?

For me, the biggest challenges when it comes to birth photography are having on-call care for my children. This has been one of the biggest obstacles I’ve found in the last almost 4 years I’ve been doing births. I’ve been at births 4 hours, but I’ve also been at births that have lasted over 30+ hours which makes it difficult when you have to juggle around children.

I think another challenge has been to showcase the value of birth photography and why it can be such an investment. Besides that, I wouldn’t change anything about being a maternity, birth and newborn photographer. I LOVE EVERYTHING I DO! Seeing families growing has been one of the biggest highlights of this career. Also, being able to support new parents in their journey into parenthood has been amazing. 

Any quick tips for aspiring photographers?

Don’t be afraid to ask other photographers for help, some might not want to share any information but others will be open to conversation with a happy heart. Every day is a learning process! Always charge your worth, never underestimate your art! Remember, we deserve a livable wage just like anyone else! <3

What does your typical day look like? 

Weekdays are a bit all over the place especially now that boys are at home 24/7 but usually I try to wake up before them to answer some emails. Then I get the kids breakfast and either continue to answer emails, edit, post on social media, or do some scheduled calls. Every day is different for sure. One of the best things about being an entrepreneur is that you have control over your schedule and when I need to take time off for my kids’ sake, I don’t hesitate to do it. 

How do you balance your career and your personal life?

Balance? What is that? Lol… No seriously, when I started I didn’t know how to do this, I worked a full-time job, did sessions on weekends and edited in the middle of the night. I was never fully present. About a year ago I decided that I would only do sessions on Saturdays and dedicate Sunday’s to my family. I also set up a time during the day where I work a regular time of 9 am-5 pm and avoid working after 5:00 pm. It is extremely difficult as a business owner, but doable. 

What’s next for you and Shirley Anne Photography?

Shirley Anne Photography is looking to grow in the next couple of months. I am selling Lightroom Presets as well as offering mentoring to other photographers that are starting out. When I was starting, one of the things I always craved for was for someone to show me the way! I’m here to do that for others since I was never able to find one. 

Love learning about inspiring women?

Cameron Bruns Ewing is the managing editor of Just Us Gals. She works in Sales at HubSpot while also pursuing a degree in environmental sustainability from University College Dublin.

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