Capturing Real Emotional Connection
Artist Interview with Hope de la Rosa
Hope de la Rosa is a photographer based in the United States who focuses on capturing real emotional connections in her photos. We had the opportunity to interview her and learn more about her process!
Hope de la Rosa with Lensbaby Sol 45
Q: When did you start taking photographs and why did you continue?
A: I started taking photographs in high school, but I didn’t get serious about it until late 2019. I dove back in because I needed a creative outlet during lockdown and it gave me the ability to document my family as a visual storyteller, but mostly because I discovered that it was my passion.
Q: Which is your favorite Lensbaby lens and why?
Hope de la Rosa with Lensbaby Trio 28
Q: What tips do you have for beginners just learning how to use the Trio 28 Lens?
A: It’s ok to get frustrated when learning. If you feel the need to take a break do so, but don’t give up. The more you shoot with it, the more you will learn how to handle it and there's something very rewarding in that. Also, don’t be afraid to fail and make mistakes because this is the best way to learn how to be successful. On learning how to focus with manual, try moving closer or away from your subject instead of turning the focus ring.
Q: What is the most difficult part of being a photographer?
A: For me, definitely culling because I'm an overshooter.
Hope de la Rosa with Lensbaby Sol 45
Q: Do you have formal training as a photographer or are you self-taught?
A: A bit of both. I had some formal training in high school and college then started teaching myself after my second son was born. I found Click Love Grow not long after, which is where I learned how to work with challenging light and how to bring my vision to life. With these fundamentals under my belt, I’ve been constantly eager to learn and explore more on my own.
Hope de la Rosa with Lensbaby Sol 45
Q: What details do you believe make the best photographs? How do you go about focusing on them in your work?
A: I love real emotions and connections in photographs. The details that express these can be so small yet so powerful such as a twinkle in the eye, the way two hands are holding, a slight upturn in the smile. These small things are what I like to focus on in my work and I love enhancing these emotions by using interesting light, shadows and blur .
Hope de la Rosa with Lensbaby Trio 28
Q: What inspires you most?
A: I’m most inspired by my two boys. They’re so present and live a life free of insecurities. Being around them pushes me to be more mindful about how I want to live my life.
Q: Tell us your favorite quote!
A: "To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all." - Oscar Wilde
Hope de la Rosa with Lensbaby Sol 45
Q: What is your favorite subject to photograph?
A: My two boys and four nieces.
Q: How would you describe your photography style?
A: Sweet and visceral.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of being a photographer?
A: I’d say the most rewarding thing for me right now is being able to capture my boys' growing connection in an authentic way. There are so many little things we can forget as parents because childhood is ever-evolving and I love knowing that I have these little bits of memories preserved.
Q: How do you bring the best out of your models? What tips do you have?
A: Because I work mostly with a 1 yo and 3yo I need to keep them engaged in an activity. The more engaged they are the more genuine their expressions and actions are. My best tip is to try to keep it short and to stop when you feel they’ve had enough.
Hope de la Rosa with Lensbaby Velvet 28
Hope de la Rosa