Weekly Inspiration Interview - Sonrisa Photography

March 20, 2015

I have "known" Rita for quite awhile and her work has always spoke out to me. Over the years, her talent has just continued to grow and really, her images are among my favorite to pop up in my facebook feed. I hope you are inspired as you go through this interview. Thank you!

How long have you been shooting and what inspired you to begin with?

I started shooting as a hobby around 2000 with a Canon Digital Rebel (film), but started shooting professionally in October 2004. I had to travel quite a bit with my previous job and wanted to capture all the beauty of the various places I visited with my family back home. However, after the birth of my first nephew during the summer of 2000, I realized how completely in love I was with shooting portraits of him and other people. I realized then I was hooked for life!

What is your current favorite image and why?

I rarely shoot birth photography, but not because I don't enjoy it - I just don't get asked very often. I photographed one back in November and took a picture the first moment the baby's father held his new son in his arms. He was so overcome by emotion and started to cry - it even made me cry! I didn't realize until later that the baby had his hand on the father's chin. I think it'll always be one of favorites. :)

Describe your work in three or four words.

Emotional, warm and playful

What is in your camera bag and favorite lens to shoot with?

Mark II 5D, 24-70mm and my old reliable 85mm

How/Where do you find your inspiration and creativity?

I find my inspiration in people and their interaction with one another. I'd rather capture two people completely in love with one another than photograph a top model that would put my work on magazine covers. I love to capture LOVE and it's when I'm doing that, that I feel most inspired. As for creativity, it's definitely beautiful light - whether it's the sun peeking through some trees or a single street light shining down on my subjects. Playing with light makes me most creative.

What are your current goals?

My current goals are to expand my photography into doing more commercial photography. I've shot some swimming pools for a local custom pool builder and I was truly shocked at how much I enjoyed it! Their is such fine detail that goes into a talented pool designer's final product and it was really cool to be able to photograph his work.

One word of wisdom that you would like to offer or encouragement to fellow photographers?

Stay true to who you are as a photographer. Don't try and imitate what others are doing solely based on trends. Find what you love doing and stick to that, even if it's just one or two things. Picasso, Van Gogh, O'Keeffe were all great painters, each with their own unique styles. If one had tried imitating another's work, we might not know who they are today.