Meet Rodrigo Izquierdo | Photographer, author, creator.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rodrigo Izquierdo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rodrigo, what do you attribute your success to?
The success of Reagle Photography is built on a foundation of unwavering authenticity and creativity. I believe that art—whether it’s capturing the raw beauty of nature, the unique spirit of the people I photograph, or the technical challenges of automotive and aviation imagery—must resonate with genuine emotion.

My brand thrives because I am never satisfied with the status quo. I am constantly pushing the envelope, whether that means mastering specialized tools like atmospheric smoke and bubble effects, staying at the forefront of digital trends, or earning my FAA Part 107 certification to offer new perspectives from the air, learning new costume creating techniques, etc. For me, photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about a continuous, lifelong commitment to learning new skills and finding innovative ways to share the beauty of the world through my lens.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets my work apart is a commitment to keeping an open mind—listening for the Muse and then actively bringing those visions to life. I don’t just capture scenes; I build them. I personally design and construct costumes to realize my concepts, working in close, collaborative partnership with my subjects to ensure the final image is a shared creation.

Professionally, I am most proud of my international awards and accolades. What makes these honors particularly meaningful is their diversity; they span across portraiture, landscape, nature, and fine art, which reflects my dedication to versatility and excellence across every genre I touch.

Getting to where I am today has been a journey of constant boundary-pushing. I have a ‘never say no’ philosophy toward difficult projects. When a concept seems daunting, I don’t see a wall—I see a puzzle. I overcome challenges by leveraging online resources and leaning on my community of fellow creatives, tapping into their expertise to ensure that every ambitious vision becomes a reality.

The greatest lesson I’ve learned is that, much like a child with an unbridled imagination, nothing is truly impossible. Often, a project is just ‘difficult enough’ to force me to acquire a new skill, which is how I continue to evolve. Ultimately, I want the world to know that my brand is built on a foundation of creating real, tangible art while fully embracing change. I see change not as a hurdle, but as the essential seed for progress and growth.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a best friend were coming to town, I’d want to show them the real Phoenix—a blend of urban history, creative energy, and natural beauty. I could honestly write my own tourism book on the city, but if I had to curate the perfect week, it would look like this:

We would kick off our first night at Hanny’s in downtown Phoenix. It is such a fascinating location—the atmosphere is perfect, and the food, drinks, and desserts never disappoint.

For the rest of the week, I’d lean into the creative and the classic:

Creative Immersion: We’d head to the Desert Botanical Garden to get some stunning nature photography shots, and spend time at Parkwood Studios for some creative portrait work and some serious studio and lighting talk with the incredible Nick Papagallo.

The Coffee Trail: Phoenix has a stellar coffee scene. We’d visit Press Coffee—honestly the best-tasting coffee I’ve found yet—Provision Coffee on Missouri Ave, which is easily one of the most beautiful coffee shops you’ll ever step into, and Brick Road Coffee, the ultimate spot to meet artists and open-minded people.

Local Flavors & Brews: We’d grab food at the Cornish Pasty Co and stop by Fate Brewing Company to enjoy some local brews.

Education & Exploration: I’d have them stay at the historic San Carlos Hotel—you get a great night’s sleep and a crash course in Phoenix history just by walking through the lobby. It’s a perfect base to hop on the light rail, take in a free Tuesday tour of the Orpheum Theatre, or visit both major zoos in the Metro area.

When you’re in Phoenix, it’s not just about the landmarks; it’s about the people and the hidden corners. It’s an exciting place to explore, and I love sharing those ‘insider’ spots that turn a standard trip into a memorable experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Success is rarely a solo endeavor, and I owe so much of mine to the incredible support system surrounding me.

First and foremost, I dedicate my work to my wife, Dez. She is my partner in crime, my best friend, and the person who supports me through even my wildest and most unconventional creative projects. Her belief in my vision makes everything I do possible.

I also have to recognize the brilliant circle of creative friends who push me to be better every day. Specifically, I want to credit Brandy, whose body painting work is nothing short of amazing; George, a flawless photographer; and Glen, a true visionary videographer. I also owe thanks to my old running buddy, Tony; the talented experimental photographer Joseph; and my friend and model, Bethany, with whom we’ve pushed the boundaries of artistry by creating over 100 different looks together. My good friend Mouse (Derek), who lent me the first DSLR camera I ever used and taught me night photography. There are truly too many others to mention, but I am profoundly grateful to be part of such an inspiring and collaborative community.

Website: https://www.reaglephotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reaglephotography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigo-izquierdo-04491b22/

Twitter: https://x.com/ReaglePhoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReaglePhotography

Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/pyMtzddpieBKpj_Kib3Q8g

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@reaglephotography

Other: https://linktr.ee/reaglephotography

Image Credits
Bethany Philbin