Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Rosete.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have been documenting memories through film and photography for as long as I can remember. My dad always had point-and-shoot cameras and tape recorders and he would hand them to me at family events or just while we were out and about. It’s almost as if a camera is naturally an extension of my body. I have a whole book of CDs with pictures and videos just from my upbringing. They remind me how important my family is to me.
My dad got a DSLR when I was in High School, which became my first camera. I started working and ended up with a collection of cameras from Digital to Film. I started going on Photo Walks through Austin, the city where I grew up. I got my best friend, Roman, into shooting with me by literally giving him one of the first camera bodies I bought. I didn’t mind at all, especially if it meant getting someone into the world of photography. In college, I went into studying film because I saw a convergence between photography and film. Going on these photo walks helped me study motion and movement of people and the environment around them.
I got my first film set experience during my undergraduate studies in college. The first film I was a part of was shot on 8mm film. Now I am working with larger and more expensive cinema cameras. It’s crazy how I got here in such a short time, and it has made me super motivated and excited as I grow as a camera professional. In college, I learned about Cinematography and got influenced by the works of Cinematographers like Roger Deakins, Ari Wegner, and Hoyte van Hoytema. I learned about lighting and how this role is really flexible in the departments I work with. I got my first role as a DP/Cinematographer on an upcoming documentary feature film. We just found out the film is debuting in the UK so I am excited about its release.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. I constantly battle the imposter syndrome that comes with advertising yourself. I used to be the greenest or least experienced person on set. Now I have some people looking up to me for help on set and sometimes, it’s a lot of pressure. Also, it was hard at first to convince myself that I am worth a certain rate or have enough experience for a certain role. But I continue to go into roles that make me uncomfortable and ready to learn. I also more recently started focusing on my mental health, which has helped me get super organized. In fact, it was not only conversations with my partner that helped me realize this but conversations with some of the industry professionals that I work with. Burnout is a huge thing within film and TV. It is important to focus on yourself before anything else.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Freelance Filmmaker and Photographer. I specialize in Documentary and Narrative Film and Portrait Photography. I am known currently for my work on the documentary feature film, The Art of Grieving, which is one of the projects I am most proud of. Being a full-time Cinematographer or Camera Operator is a goal I have. But for now, I am working as a Freelance Camera Department Member mostly as an Assistant Cameraperson (AC). What sets me apart from other Filmmakers and Photographers is that I don’t really separate film from photography. A lot of people tell me that I have to choose one or the other, but so far I have been making it work. Especially as a freelancer, I allow myself that flexibility right now while I am still young and fresh to these industries. Something that I am currently working on is working with locals who are producing web courses for various things like design or professional development. It’s crazy the opportunities that opened up from something that began as a hobby. My photographic work is something that I have posted the most on my socials and website. I am also really proud of that work as it often features my friends and family. I shoot a lot of 35mm and 4×5 film, mostly street photography and Set BTS photos. It’s really fun to slow down the process of photography, just like you would on a film set with preproduction and stuff. More recently, I got to AC on a Music Video for the St. Primo Collective (@st.primo on Instagram) where we highlight Latino media. Now I am part of a collective of filmmakers and especially latino filmmakers. All of this together is a journey into finding beauty through the average day. Cameras bring that out for you and I get to share what I find!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Just reach out! I am very open to collaborating on various projects. I have my socials and website with my information. Another way to support me is to consider supporting local LGBTQ and BIPOC creators.
Contact Info:
- Email: aricreates@ari.camera
- Website: https://ari.camera/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bleach_tea/
Image Credits
Personal Photo by Charles Knowles (@c_w._k)
