Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher De La Rosa.
Hi Christopher, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello, my name is Christopher De La Rosa, I am a photographer in the Austin area. I have been doing this professionally for about 3 years now. It started when my mother gave me my first camera right before I started high school. I would take random shots of my day and friends. My junior year, I took photojournalism and learned to develop film. I miss those days. Then my senior year, I was on the yearbook staff. That part I liked the most. Getting to leave class to go on assignments. I kept that camera around as long as I could before realizing that a lot of tape was not going to keep it alive. Over the years, I would take random candid photos at weddings or parties. People seemed to like them and ask me to take pictures of their events. Then I would go to Comic Book Conventions and take pictures of the Cosplayers. They absolutely loved the attention. I would also go to 6th street on Halloween and take pictures of the costumed. I tried my hand at having a photobooth business, but I could never figure out why my pictures were coming out different all the time. It was because I didn’t really know how to shoot. So I watched a ton of videos and bought countless magazines on photography then I bit the bullet and bought a real dslr camera.
Took the camera off “Auto” and started shooting “Manual” That’s when I discovered the key to great photos. I joined a meetup photography group and got to meet some great photographers and models. One of the models I met that day I found out was also a musician and actress. I got to shoot some of her performances and shoot some behind the scenes for indie films and I got hooked. I joined another photogroup and met another friend that asked me to photograph behind the scene shots for his television show. I’ve been able to meet some great and talented people these past couple of years. I was also selected in 2020 to be part of the photocrew for SXSW. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen due to covid. I had been laying low for a while only shooting a few films and a couple of concerts and comedy shows. Trying to be safe. I’m eager and ready to get back out there and be creative again.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Learning how to take pictures without having money for school and classes was probably the biggest challenge. Meeting people and making friends that are also creative and positive have helped me along the way. I would hang out at the Graffiti Park in Austin and just feel the positive energy that came from the people there. I sure miss that place.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I would say that I am a concert photographer first, then I photograph behind the scenes for film and television. Being selected for SXSW was truly an honor even though I didn’t get to take a single photo. I don’t know what sets me apart from others. I get to combine my love for music, television, film and photography and wrap them up in a world that I can share with others.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I think working in customer service for 20 plus years has given me the ability to talk openly and honestly with people. I enjoy getting to meet new people on a daily basis. I have learned so many things over the years from so many. There is a place in my heart for everyone that has come into my life.
Contact Info:
- Email: christopheroftherose@gmail.com
- Website: christopheroftherose.com
- Instagram: @christopheroftherose
- Facebook: facebook.com/christopher.delarosa
