Meet Andrew Mesa

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andrew Mesa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Andrew, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

Confidence and self-esteem have been a journey for me, especially because growing up without a father figure made me question my worth. That absence created a gap in how I saw myself, and it was hard to feel secure. But over time, I realized my identity is not determined by what I lacked but by what God says about me in His Word.

In 1 Peter 2:9, we’re reminded: *“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”* This verse changed everything for me. Knowing that I am chosen and that I belong to God gave me a foundation to build my confidence on. I am His special possession, and that truth carries more weight than any feeling of inadequacy.

Also, 1 Peter 2:4-5 talks about how we are living stones, being built into a spiritual house. It reminded me that even though I’ve faced obstacles, God is using all of it to shape me for His purposes. Understanding that my value comes from being part of God’s plan has been key to developing my confidence and finding true self-esteem.

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

Andrew Mesa Photography specializes in commercial photography, focusing on editorial portraits, fashion, and fitness. Based in Portland, Andrew captures real moments and the true essence of the people he works with. He loves the creative process, from coming up with the shoot concept to seeing it come to life. His use of color is intentional and expressive, giving each image a distinct feel. Whether it’s editorial work or capturing someone’s unique style, Andrew’s photography is all about authenticity and bringing out what makes each person and moment stand out.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three key things that really impacted my journey in photography were finding my personal style, letting go of perfectionism, and staying persistent.

1. Finding My Personal Style
Early on, I spent a lot of time trying to emulate other photographers, which is fine as a learning phase, but I had to eventually define what made my work unique. My advice: don’t rush this process. Experiment with different approaches and subjects, but always ask yourself, “What excites me? What do I want to say with my work?” It’s not about being trendy, but about developing a style that feels authentic to you. The more you shoot, the more your style will evolve.

2. Letting Go of Perfectionism
Perfectionism can kill creativity. I used to obsess over every tiny detail, trying to make every shot “perfect,” which sometimes slowed my progress. Eventually, I realized that imperfection often makes an image more interesting, more real. My advice: focus on growth, not perfection. Embrace mistakes—they’re part of the process. Sometimes what you think is an imperfection ends up being what gives the photo character.

3. Being Persistent
Persistence is everything. Photography, like any art, takes time to master. You’re not going to get it right every time, and there will be days when you feel stuck. Keep shooting. The only way to improve is to stay consistent and keep pushing through the challenging phases.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I am always looking for creatives to collaborate with. Whether it’s models, brands, hair and makeup artists or stylists, I love to connect with new creatives and come together to create something fresh and unique. If someone is looking to collaborate with me, they can always reach me on my instagram account or on my website.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://andrewmesa.com
• Instagram: @andrewmichaelmesa