Today we’d like to introduce you to Christa Riley.
Hi Christa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a photographer who began as a model. In 2017, I was handed a camera and told to shoot stuff. I didn’t know what that meant then, but that’s exactly what I did. I’m a self-taught photographer, and over the years, I’ve developed my style of photography And have diversified myself, producing imagery that ranges from portrait photography to landscape photography, along with dabbling with different exposure techniques. I am most known for sunset imagery in my landscapes. I had to stop photography for two years as I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder and was unable to walk. It took some time for me to re-develop my occupational and physical abilities. However, I use that as an inspiration to myself, and hopefully to others, that things like peripheral neuropathy or multiple sclerosis are not something that should ever hinder a person’s life, never to do what they love to do. I will continue my photography journey, as well as my modeling journey as an underwater model, and very well known for my Gracian style looks as I am 100% Greek. I came to St. Louis as a younger child and grew up in Florida after my parents arrived from Greece, making me the first generation American. Much of my photography is conducted in the Midwest rather than St. Louis.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not. As I have already stated, I did have some medical concerns that caused me to stop for approximately two years, a little bit more than that; therefore, in my short time of diving deep into photography, I haven’t had as much practice as likely I should however, I’m quite passionate about everything that I do and I think that shows in my work. I hope that I continue to improve, which I will be able to. I’m most grateful for the support of my friends and followers within St. Louis and surrounding areas. Overall, the photography process is trial and error, and despite how acclimated and developed you are as a photographer, you will always experience this due to the changes in developments within technology.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I changed career paths later in life and received a second bachelor’s degree in psychology. I continued to my master’s degree in addiction therapy, and I will continue to strive for mental health therapy and awareness.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking is an important aspect, but also a South drive-in construct that each photographer must do in terms of seeking mentorship and guidance. Some of the best approaches to that is joining professional groups from camera clubs or other professionally conducted photography groups that can offer Photo walks or other classes that teach more than just lighting techniques. Still, there are many different concepts about photography, and within those groups, quite often, people will find mentors and or friends that can help them learn as well along their journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @blackdeltaphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095492381078&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Image Credit is the one of me in the water. Photographers name is Lori Probst. All other imagery Black Delta Photography.
