We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Diego and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
The amount of time and energy it takes to complete a session after it’s over. Time flies when you’re having fun don’t get me wrong but a lot of it does go into the post editing sessions. Let’s just say I’ve had a lot of sleepless nights in order to get a project out in a timely manner. Dedication and perception are one of the many traits an artist must have in my opinion.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Nothing good comes easy. To get to this current state was not easy and it wont be going forward but that won’t stop me. It won’t stop me because I love this stuff. I’ve loved it since I was a child and bought my first Kodak camera with the money I saved up from helping my parents around the house. I love this so much that I can’t wait to teach my kids about it. Like all young photographers we all start out somewhere and that’s great because in order to start you just have start. Hard work and dedication help out I’m just saying. I’ve learned that in this industry there are two types of artists…the ones that are creating in search of a financial reward and those in search of unlocking the potential inside. I’ll let you take a guess which one I am. I think about my journey and I cant help but smile at the end. I am most proud of being a father, because when I gazed into my daughters eyes for the first time April 13th at 6:31 PM, although she probably couldn’t see me, I could see her. Everything made sense after that. Zoey is shy of two years old and I’ve learned so much about myself being around her, I like to record her every move. Doing so now took me into my most recent ventures, filmmaking.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First and foremost I’d take them to Serious Pizza in Deep Ellum for a delicious mega slice of pizza and an ice cold beer. The whole week would consist of trails, museums, local shows, brewery’s, pizza and taco spots, hanging with my family, photographing, and long late night drives. My favorite spots to check out are nature preserves and rooftop views. It’s the perfect mix of two completely different worlds.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to Salvador Diego, my Dad. He was a visionary and problem solver, there wasn’t a problem he couldn’t fix. And even if he couldn’t figure it out he definitely knew someone who did. He had a huge network. Those of you that are reading this and knew who he was will nod your head at this because it’s true. He began his business at the young age of 30, just like me. He believed that with hard work and dedication you could achieve anything. He inspired me to come out of the shell that I hid in, he saw potential in me. Aside from being business savvy he was kind, generous, and always offered you a bite to eat. He remained humble everyday of his life and I’m very thankful that I was able to have him to look up to. I love you Dad, and I miss you.

Website: www.darkroommedia.net

Instagram: www.instagram.com/dark_room_media

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