OH metals teacher Alejandro Rodriguez influences through photography 

Over the past 22 years, Alejandro Rodriguez has taught automotive and metals courses at OH, helping many students start their journey into the workforce. His work in photography, however, impacts just as many students. 

“He did capture a few pictures of me pinning someone, which is pretty cool,” said varsity wrestler Dillon Griffin. “[His] photography shows how I look during wrestling.”  

Every time that Rodriguez photographs events, he sells the entire photo gallery for $125 through his brand, Running Wild. Each photo in the gallery comes out to be under a dollar; this price is less than the $6 it costs for individual downloads. 

“I do not try to make a living out of it; I just try to provide great pictures at a good price. Then I can just keep it going, keep being able to produce,” said Rodriguez. “I just want to capture those cool moments for the kids, like in track when they take off out of the blocks. I wanted to freeze that moment when their training is paying off.” 

Known affectionately at OH as “ARod,” Rodriguez’s photography has come a long way since he first started practicing and learning with retired OH teacher Steve Growth, who taught wood shop classes from 1978 to 2011. 

“I would just be alongside [Growth] because I love watching football and could learn more about sports photography, and that’s kind of how I progressed. Without him, I probably would just be a hobbyist, shooting here and there,” said Rodriguez. 

As a cross-country and track runner in high school and college, Rodriguez relates to the student athletes he photographs. 

“The Sandwich football team had a phenomenal year, so I went along for the ride with them. I would shoot from the sidelines for some games, especially in the playoffs,” said Rodriguez. “I want them to be able to relive their great moments through those photos.” 

Rodriguez is starting to reach outside of his typical content, beginning to study and practice photography outside of sports. 

“I live out around [Yorkville’s] Silver Springs [Park], so in my spare time, when I’m not shooting sports, I go out shooting wildlife; I try to capture deer or whatever I can,” said Rodriguez. “I want to be able to capture different types of pictures in case I’m going to go shoot a certain event, like prom. Last year was my first time shooting prom pictures for student clients before the dance.”

Despite having begun his photography journey over two decades ago, Rodriguez is still working hard to expand and improve his photography skills. He advises others to do the same with their passions. 

“I always think that pushing yourself makes it more desirable to go to work or to do a hobby. You know, if you’re just satisfied with what you’re doing, you get stuck in a rut. Keep pushing, keep learning, and it’ll always be fun to do something, however long you do it,” said Rodriguez.