Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristian Rivera.
Hi Cristian, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey as a photographer all started a few years back when I had no idea what I wanted to do after high school going into college. All I knew at the time was whatever information I was receiving through thrasher magazines and which skateboard company had just released a new video on YouTube.
As my obsession with skateboarding continued to grow, I started wondering how some of these photos and videos were being captured. I’d think to myself, “yea sure this looks cool… but how did they make it look this way…?” so I did my research and started taking notes.
Little by little, my curiosity for photography started up and working a 9 to 5 at the time, I was able to save up for my first DSLR. Growing up, the world of skateboarding had taught me how to appreciate things like graffiti and underground music, so I started finding myself in Wynwood at least once or twice a week just wandering around taking photographs while skateboarding around.
As time went on, people would start to approach me on the street asking for me to take their pictures or that they had an event coming up and they needed a photographer. Although I barely knew how to operate a camera, I felt like this was my chance to try something new and ultimately, the opportunity to do something I was really interested in.
I began working with events, brands, & artists that helped me build my portfolio, my network, and overall my confidence as a creative so I started to charge for my work and look for other opportunities as a photographer or anything related in the industry. Thankfully, til this day, I’m blessed to work as a freelance photographer as well as assisting with other roles for productions, events, & other projects.
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?
This might be a trick question! I think anyone who considers themselves an artist or creator of any sort knows how difficult this career path and lifestyle can be to pursue.
Although it hasn’t been a smooth road, I am extremely grateful for all the challenges that have been thrown my way because they’ve helped me become who I am today.
The struggles at some point might seem endless and will vary from personal life issues to even making business decisions but the most important thing you can do for yourself when you have a passion for something is to push on through. Ultimately, I think that’s what makes any individual an artist at the end of the day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
When I first started, my curiosity lead me to the world of street photography. I really enjoyed the fact that it wasn’t your typical, fully in control, maybe even staged type of photography.
Being from Miami, I was always skateboarding and biking around different parts of the city with some sort of camera in my possession. Anything and anyone that I came across how to potential to be photographed… At least in my head!
My overall mission was to share a side and perspective of the city that not many see. When people think of Miami, unfortunately they think of fancy sports cars and girls in bikinis right away. As cool as that might be for some people, we see these things every day and our city has plenty of beautiful people and amazing culture that tends to get a bit overlooked.
My proudest moments are when viewers take time to observe what they’re looking at in my work. I like to make people take a step back and think, so if that happens then I’m happy.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
It’s extremely hard for me to narrow it down to one favorite childhood memory but I will say I cherish every moment I was able to spend with my grandparents while they were still here. They all taught me so much about life and how things work and for that, I will always be very grateful.
Oh and skateboarding as a kid! Growing up, my friends and I all thought we’d be professional skateboarders one day so we started a team in our neighborhood and started filming “sponsor me” videos. Sadly, none of us ever made it pro but if none of that would’ve ever happened, I don’t think I’d have the same interests that I have today as an adult. Much love to my PL homies!
Contact Info:
- Email: crivera.visuals@gmail.com
- Website: c-rivera.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/_cristian.rivera
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/skateboard_c
- Other: thevisualsuspects.com
Image Credits
Cristian Rivera
