Enrique Rodriguez is a true storyteller, drawn to other people’s narratives that seem to be overlooked in everyday life.

Rodriguez won the Fujifilm Students of Storytelling competition for his work exploring selfless heroes who have suffered from PTSD but created healthy habits to live a healthy life and now guide future heroes on how to cope with PTSD.

Fujifilm created the contest to identify the next generation of U.S. storytellers, and to provide them with Fujifilm X Series or GFX system gear to bring their vision to life.

Rangefinder: What interests you as a storyteller?

Enrique Rodriguez: What interest me as a storyteller is the ability to connect people through photography. The stories that I am drawn to are the ones that seem to be overlooked in everyday life. Stories that need a voice.

Rf: What stories do you want to share through your work?

ER: The stories that I want to share through my work are stories of truth and inspiration.

Rf: Describe the evolution of your style and approach: how has it changed over time? Why has it changed? What (and who) has influenced your work, and how?

ER: I believe the evolution of my style and approach starts at not worrying too much on the gear but being more concerned on capturing the emotion that I am looking for. When I first started out, I just wanted to shoot. I had a secondhand full-frame camera and some vintage adapted lenses and the images I took with them are some of my favorite photos. I had one speed light and one modifier, and while technically, they weren’t the best images and were sometimes out of focus, I still captured the emotion. Since then, I’ve acquired more gear but I always find myself going back to a simpler set up. Platon is my all-time favorite photographer. His photos are simple and powerful. They’re absolutely beautiful.

Rf: What are the key things you have learned or done that have helped you advance your career since you began shooting?

ER: The one thing that I have done consistently since I started is to devote at least one hour a day to photography. No matter what.

Rf: What is the most helpful piece of advice you’ve followed over time?

ER: Truman Capote’s quote is one that I always keep in mind: “Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.”

Rf: Tell us more about your submission to Fujifilm’s Students of Storytelling program, your Heroes of Heroes story?

ER: It’s a portrait series of four individuals and how they live a healthy lifestyle despite living with PTSD.

The Heroes of Heroes came to light to tell a story of one of my closest friends. He struggled with PTSD from multiple tours in Iraq and did not have a very strong support system when he was discharged. Like so many other Veterans, he struggled to take control of his life. He fought and never gave up and is now living a very healthy life. My goal is to help others who suffer from PTSD to know that there are ways to live a healthy lifestyle.

Rf: How do you stage your shoots?

ER: The first thing I set up is my backdrop. Sometimes I’ll use a basic paper backdrop, or I’ll use a hand-painted backdrop from Gravity Backdrops depending on the mood. I start with a key light, a 48-inch Octa fill light and 7-foot umbrella, and sometimes a rim light. I love apple boxes, stools and vintage crates, so I’ll use those, depending on how I want to position the subject.

Rf: What works have you produced with your new Fujifilm systems?

ER: This is my second Fujifilm system that I’ve owned. The first was an X-T3. I’ve shot some portrait sessions and several videos for local entrepreneurs.

Rf: Which brand, media outlet or agency is your ideal client?

ER: I would love to continue to work with Fujifilm. I’ve said I would be a Fujifilm X Photographer for the past two years or so. I also love what Nike stands for and would love a shot to shoot for them.

Visit the official Fujifilm Students of Storytelling site for more information about the complete program. Follow @nrqa.photo to stay up to date with Enrique Rodriguez.