Meet Alejandra Rodriguez Velez

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alejandra Rodriguez Velez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alejandra , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

ever since I was little I had face several moments in which I had to adapt quickly. situations like my dad leaving, my house getting on fire, my grandma passing, my mom having 3 children to raise and me being the oldest one, not having enough money, just to name a few, where also opportunities in which I had to be more understanding, learning how to let go and not be too attached to material things, being a good leader and take and responsibility without letting me get too overwhelmed, but most importantly, being able to direct that capacity to adapt and change towards always improving myself, and constantly reminding me that as long as I’m a good person (my own definition of that lol) then good change and improvement always comes along.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Alejandra Rodríguez, a photographer with over 7 years of experience, also known as Actual Nature. I’m based in New Jersey, but my work takes me between Medellín and New York City. My journey into photography began at an early age, driven by a deep desire to preserve time through my lens. I’ve always been captivated by the authenticity and emotion that fashion, music, and daily life bring, and these elements are at the core of my work.

My photography is contemporary, with a particular focus on fashion, where I strive to highlight and respect the beauty of every detail within the frame. I believe in communicating the unique emotion behind each photo through colors, textures, and lighting, capturing the essence of each moment.

In 2023, I held my first exhibition, and in 2024, I had another, both of which were part of my ongoing exploration of identity and emotion in my work. I plan to keep the tradition alive with the Simulacro Decembrino “Meros Colores” exhibition every year, continuously exploring these themes and traditions, always looking to highlight my country: Colombia.

I also launched my first fanzine, “Meros Colores” and I’m currently working on a second one, which will focus on my journey through New York City. I hope to launch this new fanzine by fall 2025.

Photography is my lifelong passion, and my dream is to continue creating art with my camera, while having opportunities for my photos to be preserved in a way that makes a positive difference, much like how my own life was transformed when I first began looking at old family photo albums as a little girl.

Beyond photography, I am always seeking new ways to engage with my art and share my perspective. I’m excited for what the future holds and for the journey ahead.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

hard to think of only 3 omg I think there’s so manyyyy things that overall have been impactful! but definitely looking back, I’d say three key qualities have been especially the most impactful in my journey: resilience, self-awareness, and curiosity.
1. Resilience: The journey to becoming a photographer has been full of challenges—whether technical, creative, or personal. Being able to bounce back from setbacks has been critical to my growth. I’ve learned that persistence is essential. For anyone starting out, don’t be discouraged by failures or mistakes—they’re opportunities to learn and refine your craft.
2. Self-Awareness: As an artist, knowing who you are and what you want to express is incredibly important. I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my own experiences and roots, which has helped me develop a unique visual language. Staying true to your roots and remembering where you’re from is vital to keeping your work authentic. My advice to anyone starting their creative journey is to spend time understanding what drives them. It’s not about following trends; it’s about discovering what resonates with you personally.
3. Curiosity: I’ve always been driven by a desire to learn and explore. Curiosity has allowed me to push my work into new directions, whether experimenting with different styles or seeking inspiration from unexpected places. For those just starting out, I recommend embracing that curiosity. Explore various genres, learn from different disciplines, and let your creativity evolve naturally.

To those early in their journey, my advice is simple: stay true to your vision, remember where you’re from, be patient with your growth, and never stop learning. The road is long, but each step adds depth and meaning to your work.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I am absolutely looking to collaborate! I’m eager to connect with others who are driven by creativity and a shared vision of growth. As a Latina in the States, it can sometimes feel intimidating to find the right spaces to share my art, and at times, the opportunities that people with stronger connections seem to have access to feel out of reach. But I believe that creativity thrives when we come together, support one another, and build something meaningful.

I’m excited to expand my reach, to share my work with more people, and to bring my art to new places and audiences. I’m especially passionate about collaborating with fashion designers, models, agencies, stylists, makeup artists, and anyone working in media—people who truly believe in the power of art to make an impact. If you’re someone who values collaboration and wants to create something special, I’d love to connect! Don’t hesitate to reach out through my social media or website—I’m always open to new and exciting opportunities to create together.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

all the credits for the photos are mine, except for the polaroid of myself, the photographer who took that photo of me is Kevin Sheffield

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