We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Claudio De La Rosa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Claudio, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Big moment in my life came when I decided to move away from the comfort of my banking career and delve into the world of photography as a freelancer. In hindsight, timing was crazy (more on that) but I do not regret the decision one bit. I say the timing was crazy, because I left banking July 2019; few months before our lives would come to halt by the pandemic. After 12 years of banking and working at several big institutions, I felt stuck; as if the days were passing by and I felt no closer to feeling fulfilled with my career. Sure, I had the comfort of a good salary and title but the work was not satisfying or motivating. Compound that sentiment with organizational changes, I felt as if I was prolonging the inevitable and decided to bet on myself. I will admit, when I quit I did not expect to pursue photography full time, simply needed a “break” from the monotony of corporate life. Photography provided a creative outlet that was missing from my daily routine; sitting in front of a screen for hours on end was no longer appealing. I am of the belief that life has to be experienced. That has been the biggest risk I have taken and so far… so good.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I believe my brand and work are all a reflection of me in one shape or form. The beauty of what I do is that it allows for self expression. I have direct input in how I want a picture to look, what emotion to convey and how I want the viewer to feel. To the same extent, the subject I am capturing is free to be who they want to be in that moment… serious, silly, confident bold. As people we have different interests and my craft has allowed me to be an active participant in those curiosities. I have been in rooms I never thought I’d be in…I know for a fact banking was not going to put me in those rooms haha.

I got into the photo world because I was looking for a creative outlet, a way to share what I was seeing with others. Banking afforded me the opportunity to travel and I wanted to share those experiences with loved ones somehow; since I could not bring them along. After purchasing my first DSLR, my life definitely changed. My outlook, the people I surrounded myself with were familiar although I had never met them before. Folks who had a curiosity for the world, for adventure, less structure, if I may describe it that way?

As far as me, I just like being surrounded by positive energy whether that is at home or outside. I love laughing, sports, adventures and my images reflect all of it.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

My time. Can I stop there? Putting all else aside; the cool rooms I get to be in, the people I meet, our time is the most valuable currency. We can make and lose money, but you cannot do the same with time. Being a creative has given me the blessing to better manage the time I have available to me. It has allowed me to spend an incredible amount of time with my family, especially my son. In my past life, I was on their schedule.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I was better prepared mentally for the challenges we face as creatives, the cyclical nature of the industry will have you second guessing your decisions. It is a constant mix of creating new imagery and out reach. You have to be malleable and patient because things will not occur when you want them to happen.
This creative journey is not for the weak lol. It took sometime for me to get really acclimated with what direction I wanted to go in my career, at first I was just happy to take pictures. Then you realize your work is alone is not sufficient, you have curate it and market it to the people that will put you in places you want to go.
Everyone’s creative journey is different but the most important resource we have is our network. It is imperative to have the right people in your corner, who will guide you to your destination and help achieve your goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.claudiodelarosa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claude.dlr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiojdelarosa/