Starting Over, Frame by Frame: Rey Lima on Rebuilding a Life Through Photography

Powerful and Proud is a boudoir editorial photographed by Rey Lima with model Rachel D, published in the printed edition MALVIE Bold & Daring Boudoir 73.

From the printed edition: MALVIE Bold & Daring Boudoir 73

Powerful and Proud is one of the editorials in MALVIE Bold & Daring Boudoir 73, the new printed edition of MALVIE Magazine, alongside Storm, The Wonderful Viviana, Tide and Saturday Morning.

The printed edition will be available to order from our print partners MagCloud, Peecho and DPBee.

Rey Lima: the interview

For readers who are meeting you for the first time, how would you introduce yourself, and how would you describe the type of photography you currently do?

First of all, I would like to say hello and thank everyone who takes the time to read this interview and learn a little more about my story.

I consider myself someone whose life, experiences, circumstances, and even challenges have gradually shaped me into the photographer I am today. Photography has been part of my life since I was very young, and although there were different stages when I had to take other paths, it has always found a way back to me. Today, my dream is to pursue photography full-time, and I hope that moment is getting closer every day.

When it comes to my work, I consider myself a very versatile photographer. I enjoy exploring virtually every genre of photography, from corporate headshots, family photography, lifestyle, and urban photography to more artistic and conceptual projects such as boudoir, artistic nude, and body painting.

I don't like to limit myself to a single style because I believe every person, every story, and every concept deserves its own unique approach to being photographed.

However, if there is one thing I consider essential in my work, regardless of the genre or project, it is enjoying the creative process. I like to have fun, experiment, connect with people, and create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and can genuinely enjoy the experience.

Ultimately, photography is not just about capturing a great image; it is also about creating an experience worth remembering.

You came to the United States and had to start again from nothing. How did photography become part of that new beginning?

There is a saying in my country that goes, "Easy come, easy go." I believe the opposite is also true: what takes time, sacrifice, and determination to build often becomes much more meaningful.

When I arrived in the United States, I had only four things with me: a suitcase, a backpack, my camera, and $100 that I had borrowed. And, of course, I had a tremendous desire to succeed and build a new life.

Not long after arriving, I found myself in a situation where I had to sell my camera just to afford food. It was a difficult moment. In a way, it reminds me of Sylvester Stallone's story with his dog during the early days of his struggle, although my circumstances were obviously different. Sometimes, survival requires you to let go of things that mean a great deal to you.

Fortunately, that wasn't the end of my relationship with photography. Some time later, I was able to return to it. I didn't get the same camera back, but I gradually rebuilt my equipment, acquired lighting, and invested in everything I needed to approach photography in a much more professional way.

Looking back, I understand something that wasn't so clear to me at the time: no matter how deeply you want something, sometimes life takes you away from it, not because you are meant to lose it, but because the timing isn't right. Life has its own way of putting things back in your path when you are finally ready for them.

Photography came back into my life when I was in a different place, with more experience, a different perspective, and an even stronger appreciation for the opportunity to do what I love.

What did losing everything teach you about what really matters, both in life and in your work?

That's an interesting question, because it wasn't simply about losing everything. I almost lost my life as well. Due to the circumstances created by the dictatorship in Venezuela, I had to leave my country in a hurry, leaving behind not only material possessions, but also my parents, relatives, and friends. And honestly, losing those connections is far more difficult than losing anything material.

Emigration is not easy. At first, you have this overwhelming desire to go back. For the first couple of years, that feeling can be incredibly strong. Eventually, you begin to accept your new reality, and with time, you learn how to move forward. But accepting it doesn't mean it stops hurting.

Being away from your family, seeing your parents celebrate birthdays, Christmas, and other important moments only through a phone screen is something that never becomes easy. The most painful experience for me was losing my mother about a year ago. I couldn't be by her side in the hospital, and I couldn't even say goodbye to her in person at her funeral. That is one of the hardest sacrifices an immigrant can experience.

I have learned that leaving your country means leaving a part of yourself behind. No matter how much you build or achieve somewhere else, you never feel quite whole again. But this experience also taught me how powerful human determination can be. When you truly want something with all your heart, you find the strength to fight for it, overcome obstacles, adapt, and keep moving forward, even when circumstances seem impossible.

That same determination is what I bring to my photography. I know what it means to fight for a dream, to start over, and to keep believing in something even when the road is difficult. My goal is to one day make a living doing what I love and, more importantly, to be able to support my family through my photography.

Perhaps the greatest lesson I have learned is that material things can be lost and rebuilt, but the people we love, the time we share with them, and the dreams that give our lives purpose are what truly matter.

Was there a moment when you decided photography would become more than a passion and turn into the way you make a living? What happened?

Honestly, I don't think I ever made that decision. In many ways, I feel that photography chose me.

It all started when I was around seven years old. My mother wasn't particularly good at taking pictures, so my father and I usually ended up being the ones behind the camera. That's how my relationship with photography began. At first, it was simply about learning how to take a good picture, but I didn't realize back then how much that experience would influence the way I see photography today.

I grew up in the film photography era, when you didn't have a second chance. Let me give you an example: imagine a family vacation that everyone had saved money for an entire year to enjoy. You arrive at a beautiful location, the sunlight is perfect, everyone is happy, and something memorable happens. You take the picture, finish the roll of film, and then wait about a week for the photographs to be developed. Only then do you discover what you actually captured.

Yes, that's how old-school photography worked! There was no digital screen to check your exposure, no deleting and retaking the shot, and certainly no taking fifty pictures of the same moment. You had to think before pressing the shutter.

That experience shaped one of the most important principles in my photography: I try to compose the image before the camera even clicks. I want to get it right in the moment, rather than relying on editing to fix things afterward.

I may not have consciously chosen photography as my career from the beginning, but it has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. And today, my ambition is to turn that lifelong passion into my full-time profession, doing what I genuinely love while building something meaningful for my family.

Building a life in a new country means learning a new culture, and often a new language. How has that changed the way you see people through your lens?

I think my perspective has been shaped by much more than simply moving to a new country. Throughout my life, I have had the opportunity to live in different places, including Spain, Italy, Panama, and Colombia. Each experience exposed me to different cultures, traditions, ways of thinking, and ways of understanding people.

Languages have also played an important role in that journey. Spanish is my native language, I speak English and Italian, I understand some Portuguese, and I am currently learning to understand Romanian. I also have four university degrees, and I believe that all these experiences have enriched me both intellectually and personally.

Being exposed to different cultures and educational backgrounds teaches you that there is rarely just one way to see or understand something. It gives you multiple perspectives, makes you more open-minded, and helps you appreciate the uniqueness of each person.

I believe this has naturally influenced my photography. Rather than following a single formula or repeating the same approach, I enjoy seeing things from different angles, experimenting, and finding my own way of interpreting a person, a story, or an emotion. In an industry where many photographers may follow similar trends or techniques, having a diverse background allows me to develop a style and perspective that feel genuinely personal.

And I want to make one thing clear: I don't believe this makes me better than anyone else. There are countless photographers whose work I admire, and many who create images far more beautiful or technically impressive than mine. I don't consider myself better or worse than anyone. I simply believe that I am different, and that difference is something I embrace.

Ultimately, I think the greatest value of experiencing different cultures is learning to appreciate people beyond what makes them different from us. And as a photographer, that understanding helps me see more than just the person standing in front of my camera; it helps me look for the story behind them.

Plantation and South Florida have strong light and a real mix of cultures. How does the place where you live show up in your images?

First of all, I would add two more things to that description of South Florida: a lot of heat and a lot of rain! (Laughs.)

But yes, the light here is beautiful. However, I think one of the advantages of having a different perspective is learning to work with whatever you have available and finding creative ways to make the most of it. That applies not only to natural light, but also to artificial lighting, darkness, shadows, and contrast. I don't believe great photography depends on having perfect conditions. Sometimes, the secret is simply being in the right place at the right time and knowing how to see the possibilities around you.

The cultural diversity of South Florida has also influenced me, perhaps in a way that is less visible in the photographs themselves but very important in how I approach people. It has taught me to be more thoughtful and aware of how I communicate, because people can have completely different perspectives on the same image.

For example, someone might look at one of my swimsuit or boudoir photographs and see beauty, artistic expression, and perhaps even consider it visionary work. Another person might look at that exact same photograph and feel uncomfortable, find it offensive, or even believe that it shouldn't be considered photography at all.

Neither reaction surprises me anymore. I've learned that art is subjective and that people's reactions are often shaped by their cultural backgrounds, personal experiences, and beliefs.

Because of that, I think being a photographer sometimes requires you to be a little bit of a psychologist. You have to learn how to read people, understand who you are talking to, and recognize that not everyone sees the world through the same lens.

Ultimately, living in such a diverse place has taught me that photography is not just about understanding light, composition, or technique. It's also about understanding people.

Being published is a big step for any photographer. What did it mean to you to see your work in print after the road you traveled to get there?

I wouldn't want to give the typical answer about how proud I am to see my work published, although, of course, I am. For me, it means something much deeper. I see it as a testimony to a journey, a story captured on paper—a story of loss, perseverance, resilience, and the determination to keep fighting for what I believe in.

Sometimes, I think about *The Odyssey* and the journey of Odysseus, who faced countless obstacles in his attempt to return home. I'm certainly not comparing myself to him (laughs), but I think it's an interesting analogy. My own journey has involved facing moments when I came very close to losing my life, losing almost everything I had, experiencing loneliness, starting over, and finding the strength to rise again.

Along the way, I've had the opportunity to discover different parts of the world, experience new cultures, and enrich my mind in ways I could never have imagined.

So, seeing my work published is certainly a source of pride, but I see it more as a reminder. A reminder of who I am, of everything I lost, of how far I've come, and of the person I've become along the way.

But perhaps most importantly, it reminds me of how much road is still ahead of me. I don't see this publication as a finish line or the ultimate achievement. I see it as another milestone in a journey that is far from over.

And if there is one thing my life has taught me, it's that the most meaningful journeys are not necessarily the easiest ones, but the ones that give you a reason to keep moving forward.

Tell us about the work featured here. How did the idea start, and what do you want people to feel when they look at it?

The work featured here is a boudoir session with Rachel, a writer whose work I genuinely admire. However, I wouldn't describe this project simply as a source of inspiration or motivation. To me, it is more of a personal testimony: the story of someone who had the courage to step outside her comfort zone, embrace a new experience, and, most importantly, have fun doing it.

What makes this session special to me is not just the final photographs, but what they represent. Rachel is a strong, determined woman, and I wanted the title of the session to reflect that spirit. She allowed herself to experience something different, enjoyed the process, and felt proud of the woman she saw in those photographs. That, to me, is one of the most rewarding things about boudoir photography.

Sometimes, a boudoir session can do much more than create beautiful images. It can be revitalizing for the soul, build confidence, strengthen self-esteem, and remind someone of their own beauty and strength. It can be an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and discover a side of you that perhaps you hadn't explored before.

I believe stepping outside your comfort zone is a healthy way to discover new worlds. Sometimes, it feels like diving into unfamiliar waters. They might be deep, and you might struggle at first. What's the outcome? You learn how to swim. Other times, you discover calm waters with a beautiful view. What's the outcome? Peace, relaxation, and a sense of fulfillment.

That's what I hope people take away from this work. Beyond the aesthetics, I want them to see confidence, courage, and the beauty of allowing yourself to experience something new.

My advice is simple: don't be afraid to try new things. And if something doesn't turn out the way you expected, don't call it a failure. Call it a lesson learned. You might discover that an experience you were initially afraid of becomes one of the most rewarding memories of your life.

Living from photography is not easy. What has been the hardest part of turning your art into your income, and what keeps you going on the difficult days?

Honestly, I'm still going through the difficult days! (Laughs.)

I think the hardest part has been finding the courage to step outside my comfort zone and eventually leave a stable, secure job that allows me to provide for my family. It's one thing to follow your passion when you have nothing to lose, but it's very different when your decisions also affect the people you love.

And that brings me to the most important part of my answer: my family.

My wife, Paola, has been an incredible source of support. She has never doubted my talent, has always encouraged me to keep pursuing my dreams, and has stood by me throughout this journey. My son, Leonardo, is one of my greatest reasons for continuing to dream. I hope that, someday, he will look at my journey as an example of determination and learn that it's worth fighting for what you believe in. More than anything, I hope I can inspire him to become an even better person than I am.

And then there's Sofia, my stepdaughter, whom I chose to love and who, in many ways, taught me what it means to be a father. Both children have given my life a deeper purpose, and I am grateful to have them.

So, perhaps I should read my previous answer more often! (Laughs.) But seriously, I believe everything in life has its own process and its own timing. I have faith that the right moment to dedicate more of my time to photography, make it my full-time profession, and support my family through something I truly love is getting closer.

I'm not there just yet, and I'm aware of that. But I also know where I want to go, why I'm working toward it, and who I'm doing it for.

On the difficult days, that's what keeps me going.

Who or what helped you most while you were rebuilding? It could be a person, a community, or one single opportunity.

Without a doubt, the person who helped me the most throughout this entire journey has been my wife, Paola.

When I met her, I was going through a very difficult period as an immigrant. I was being taken advantage of at work, earning just $3 an hour when the minimum wage was $7. I was driving an old truck, had no designer clothes or expensive shoes, and was simply doing everything I could to survive and build a future from scratch.

We met through a dating app. During our conversations, I told her about my past, my experiences, and, most importantly, my dreams and ambitions. Somehow, we connected almost immediately. We were a perfect match, and just three months after meeting, we got married. That was in 2017.

What made her so special was that she didn't look at what I had at the time; she looked at who I was and what I was capable of becoming. She saw my potential and believed in me, and she continues to do so today.

Photography is not my only professional background. I am also a network engineer, a massage therapist, and a nurse, and I have experience working in construction. I have always been a multifaceted person, someone who enjoys learning, adapting, and developing new skills. She recognized that potential even when my circumstances didn't reflect it.

I honestly believe that one of the greatest gifts a person can receive is having someone believe in them when they are still trying to believe in themselves.

She didn't follow the usual pattern of judging someone by what they own, how much money they make, or what they can offer materially. She had the wisdom to look beyond all of that and see my heart, my character, and my dreams. That's what makes her truly unique.

So, I want to dedicate this publication to her, along with every achievement I've reached and every success that is still ahead of me. If I have been able to rebuild my life and continue pursuing my dreams, a huge part of that is because she believed in me.

Thank you, my Pao. ❤️

What would you say to someone who has also lost everything and wants to build a new life through creative work?

First, I would tell them that it won't be easy. It won't happen overnight, and there will be times when you fail. In fact, you will probably fail over and over again. But that's part of the beauty of the journey.

I believe that true success in life belongs to those who are willing to fight for it. The people who keep going, even when everything seems to be working against them. If everything were easy, everyone would have it, and perhaps no one would truly appreciate its value.

If you genuinely want something, fight for it. Be persistent, be stubborn when it comes to your dreams, learn from your mistakes, and never allow a setback to convince you that your journey is over. There will be days when you question yourself, days when you feel exhausted, and moments when giving up seems like the easiest option. But you have to remember why you started.

And when you finally reach your goal, I have one more question for you:

**Are you going to stay on top of the mountain you just conquered, or are you going to climb an even higher one?**

Because I believe life is not just about reaching a destination. It's about continuing to challenge yourself, discovering what you're capable of, and never losing the desire to grow.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for your photography, and what stories do you still want to tell?

My hope is that my photographs will make people feel something. I want my work to make you love it, perhaps even hate it, question things, challenge your perspective, and occasionally take you outside your comfort zone. But above all, I want people to appreciate the art and the story behind each image.

As for the stories I still want to tell, honestly, I don't know. I'm open to whatever life has waiting for me.

I have this feeling that my passion for photography is simply a channel through which something greater can be expressed. Perhaps somewhere, someone will read this interview and find a message they need to hear at that particular moment in their life. I don't know who that person is, or what they might be going through, but I believe the message will reach them: Keep going. Keep fighting. Things will be okay.

In the same way, I believe there is something I have yet to discover, something that needs to be brought into the world through my photography, something that might touch someone deeply or even change the way they see their own life.

I don't believe I am the ultimate destination of that message. I see myself as the medium, the person through whom something I don't fully understand yet can find its way into the world. Perhaps that's what keeps me creating: knowing that the next photograph, the next concept, or the next story might carry a meaning I haven't even discovered yet.

And finally, I want to thank you for allowing me to share my story, for becoming part of this chain of events, for giving my work visibility, and most importantly, for offering me this wonderful opportunity.

Sometimes, we never really know how far a single story, photograph, or message can travel, or whose life it might reach along the way.

Powerful and Proud credits

Photographer: Rey Lima @reylimastudio

Model: Rachel D @phantomfeaturesbooks