We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ryan Orengo Sostre a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ryan , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Before anything else, I’m a person who heavily moves in faith. Taking risks and leaps of faith have allowed me the accolades that I have achieved thus far and needless to say, makes me the artist and person that I am.

One of the first risks I took for myself was in 2018 when I moved out of Orlando to Baltimore. That risk provided me with so much clarity and gave me a sense of direction. I was only really entering the journey of being a creative and figuring out what to do with my life in every sense of the word. That leap of faith was one of the best leaps of faith I could have taken at the time. Baltimore allowed me to grow artistically, mentally and personally. I owe it all to that decision, and to that version of myself who wouldn’t let up.

Another risk I took, and the most important one for me, was quitting my full-time job to freelance and pursue my artistic career. This happened in 2021. The risk came with a lot of hardships, learning and unlearning and of course making mistakes along the way. This leap of faith however was more in the belief that I had in myself and my vision. I wanted to go hard for myself, I wanted to prove to myself that I can do this, that I can be this person. Even if things were extremely uncertain and the seasons would fluctuate, it was rewarding to know that I was in a position to make this possible and root for myself. The journey has been crazy but as I find myself in present time typing this out – I still wouldn’t change it for the world.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a documentary photographer and filmmaker. My story-telling mainly focuses on cataloging everyday nuances of life. Representations of self-awareness, identity, family and emotion is highlighted all throughout my work. A lot of my inspiration comes from contemporary & classic art forms, Latino culture and urban America. I often explore the hidden, raw and vulnerable aspects of human instances. Working through different mediums trying to sharpen my vision and craft, I also give space to collaborate with musicians/artists.

I was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. I currently live and work between Orlando & Baltimore. I am available for commissions and assignment worldwide.

I’ve been doing this work professionally for a little over 5-6 years, but have been going at it since I was 15.

My intentionality is what sets me apart from others. I don’t just make work to make it, I want my work to be felt and seen through the communities I photograph/document. I don’t always accept work, especially if it doesn’t align with my vision and overall approach. There has to be value and shared appreciation for me to be at my best.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think a lot of non-creative folks tend to discredit or undermine an artists journey. There’s a lot of conversation around artists not always releasing work or “making art”. The truth is, we don’t always need to.

I believe some of our best work takes time. Anything you create off the jump is either for you or for those who will resonate with it. Artists and creatives do not always have to be consistent, hustling or releasing “content” (a term non-creatives love to use). We are not content creators and we are not here to please the majority of folks who want nothing more than just something nice to look at.

There’s many misconceptions on artists, and truly, only an artist will understand what it is and what it isn’t. In order for non-creatives to understand some of these issues is to receive it and let it do what it needs to, instead of expecting and putting us in a box.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

What will always drive my creative journey is the mission to unapologetically, intentionally, authentically and as real as possible give the world a piece of myself. My mission is to create timeless work that people can feel, in hopes that it will uplift and shine light on those very communities I have inhabited. Cinematically and documentarian wise.    

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vimeo.com/ryanorengo
• Instagram: @ryan.orengo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-orengo/

Image Credits
all images taken by Ryan Orengo Sostre