Refusing to Live in Someone Else's Box -- with Christian Del Rosario, Photographer Extraordinaire EP:88

"You can't do that." "You have to do it this way!" "You can't be good at all of that, you have to choose just one…"    While he doesn't come out and say it that explicitly, these are all messages Christian Del Rosario likely heard – and, thankfully, ignored – on the way to developing the artistry he creates with his cameras. You see, Christian is one of those rare photographers who is able to apply his unique vision and ability to capture the true essence of his subject – be that a person, animal, object, landscape, or structure – and share it with others in the resultant photo.   Truly, he is an artist. And his joy and gratitude for being able to combine his three major passions into his life's work is evident in his smile, his voice, and the energy he exudes, whether in person or on a podcast recording line.    Today, Laura invites Christian to tell the story of how he showed up, said "yes" to opportunity, and created his dream life – traveling the world, working with interesting and fun people, taking breathtaking photographs, and spending time with and supporting animals along the way.    Like many other entrepreneurs – and especially in the artist's arena – Christian didn't fully grasp the value of what he creates, early on in his work. He often shared his expertise for free, because it came so easily to him and he simply loved to get to do it. He also was wise to continue upgrading his skills, expertise, and tools, so he was able to continually upgrade his offer to those who saw the value he created through his lens.    "I try to interpret the view… to see the shot and understand the experience someone else will have when they see the photos I produce," explained Christian, when Laura asked him to share what he sees and feels as he frames a shot. And if you've ever seen his photos, you know he's truly gifted at it; his intent is evident in his results.    While he's been working as a professional photographer for 11 years, it was only a few years ago when he really gathered his thoughts, got strategic, and focused more clearly on how to continue building the life he desires and that allows him to feed and support his three passions.   To-date, he's experienced 75 countries around the world doing work for a variety of individuals and organizations, including the national travel bureaus in several countries, the United Nations World Tourism Assembly, and other organizations near and far. In fact, just after finishing recording this episode, he was headed for the airport and jetting off to Dallas, Madrid, and London for work (play?!).    Listen in on today's conversation, and you'll be intrigued to take a look at life through Christian's lens:    Instagram at thechristiandelrosario.com Facebook at Christian Del Rosario and Christian Del Rosario Photography Websites Christian Del Rosario / Attreo Studio Galleries and African Safari 2020   Christian's Bio   Christian combines his passion for photography with his love for travel, animals, and inspiring people. In 2008, Christian decided to follow his passion and make a career shift from the corporate world into professional photography as a full-time career. What started as a pastime has progressed into a very successful business serving clients of industry sectors.    Christian has had the distinct honor to work with the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Tourism Boards of several countries, well known restaurants, coffee companies, magazines, top self-development companies, charitable organizations, and of course -- all his friends who have pets.    When he's not writing about himself in the third person or not carrying a camera, Christian likes to go walking with his three dogs, growing Japanese maples in his backyard, and advocating for animals.    He's most proud of his experience in learning many different cultures and loves to encourage people to travel through his photographs. He lives in California and wants to have an animal rescue farm one day.