Rafael Medina's journey into photography wasn't a childhood dream or an obvious career path. Growing up in Providence's Mount Pleasant neighborhood, the New York-born artist didn't discover his passion for capturing life through a lens until his twenties, when a combination of self-doubt and opportunity finally intersected in the right way.
"I always liked photography; I was always just too insecure to try it," Medina explained. His breakthrough moment came during a visit to his sister on the West Coast, where her husband's professional camera equipment sparked something that had been dormant for years. That initial exposure to serious photography gear would eventually transform Medina into RafeaksPVD, his Instagram persona that has garnered a growing following and established him as a notable voice in Providence's street photography scene.
Today, Medina is doing more than just building his own artistic portfolio. He's actively working to create a community of photographers in Providence, recently hosting his first meet-up for budding photographers in the city. The event represented a hands-on approach to learning that Medina believes is more effective than traditional classroom-style instruction.
"A lot of street photographers do them in other cities, where people just get together and go out and shoot," Medina said, describing the inspiration behind his meet-up. "Initially we thought about hosting a talk; but something like this, it's just better to go out and do it."
The community-building effort extends beyond casual meet-ups. Medina is currently in the process of publishing a new book that will showcase the work of various local street photographers, reflecting his commitment to highlighting talent throughout the Providence area rather than focusing solely on his own artistic development.
"I'm in the process of trying to do more things to bring people together," Medina explained. "And there's a lot of talent out there that I want to showcase."
For Medina, who moved to Providence as a child, the city itself has become his primary canvas. The Mount Pleasant neighborhood where he grew up, along with Providence's diverse urban landscape, provides the backdrop for much of his work. However, his approach to photography underwent a significant transformation when he realized he needed to push beyond his comfort zone.
The turning point came around the end of 2018, when Medina recognized that his photography had fallen into a predictable pattern. "I realized I was taking pretty much the same photos," he recalled. Rather than accepting this plateau, he made a conscious decision to dramatically increase his commitment to the craft.
"Then I thought, hey, I'm working 40-hour weeks, I've got time, and people have accomplished a lot more, with less," Medina said, explaining the mindset that led to a complete restructuring of his daily routine.
Medina's solution was to embrace an intensive schedule that would challenge both his technical skills and his dedication to the art form. He began waking up at 6 a.m., spending several hours on the streets capturing images before heading to his regular job, then dedicating his evenings to editing and refining his work.
"I'd wake up at 6, hit the streets for a few hours, go to work, and then edit my photos," Medina described. "And I wasn't actually posting much; I was just trying to get better."
This disciplined approach paid off significantly. What Medina describes as his "breakout year" followed this period of intensive practice and study. He began receiving paid assignments to photograph concerts and events, marking his transition from hobbyist to professional photographer. The year also saw him publish two books featuring his own work, establishing his credentials as a serious artist in the field.
The recognition of his work has extended beyond commercial success. One of Medina's photographs was recently selected to be featured by the Rhode Island State Council for the Arts, providing official recognition of his artistic achievements and cementing his status as a significant contributor to the state's cultural landscape.
Looking forward, Medina plans to continue hosting meet-ups in collaboration with other photographers, maintaining his commitment to community building within Providence's photography scene. His approach to these gatherings is notably inclusive, encouraging participation regardless of equipment quality or experience level.
"I encourage people to come with whatever they've got," Medina said, emphasizing accessibility over expensive gear. "One of the first photos I ever sold was taken on my iPhone."
This democratic approach to photography reflects Medina's broader philosophy about the art form and its accessibility to anyone willing to observe and capture the world around them. His experience selling an iPhone photograph serves as a powerful reminder that technical equipment, while useful, is not the primary barrier to creating meaningful art.
Medina's motivation for showcasing other photographers' work stems from his ongoing discovery of talent within the local community. "I just feel like there are so many street photographers that I've been meeting out there," he explained. "I just want to take this to the next level and continue to better myself more."
When it comes to documenting life in Providence, particularly at a time when urban challenges and political issues frequently dominate news coverage, Medina offers a thoughtful perspective on the role of street photography in presenting a more complete picture of city life.
"Look, I [can't speak to] anyone else's experience, so if you've had a bad one, I can understand that," Medina acknowledged, recognizing that people's experiences with urban life can vary significantly. "I just think there's a beauty to documenting life as it is, in just an organic way, and lately, I've been doing even more street portraits, and just talking with people."
This approach has led Medina to increasingly focus on street portraits, a genre that requires not just photographic skill but also interpersonal abilities. The shift toward portraiture reflects his growing confidence as both an artist and a communicator, as well as his interest in creating more personal connections with the subjects of his photography.
"I do think street photography is important in the sense of just showcasing the day-to-day," Medina concluded, articulating his belief in the documentary value of his work. This perspective positions street photography not just as an artistic pursuit but as a form of social documentation that captures the authentic rhythms and realities of urban life.
Medina's evolution from an insecure photography enthusiast to a community leader and published artist demonstrates the power of consistent practice, community engagement, and a willingness to push beyond comfortable boundaries. His work can be followed on Instagram and through his website, where his growing portfolio continues to document Providence's street life while inspiring others to pick up cameras and explore their own creative potential.
Through his meet-ups, upcoming book project, and ongoing photographic work, Medina is creating a lasting impact on Providence's artistic community that extends far beyond his individual achievements as a photographer.
