It’s always difficult for young people to adapt to change, especially after relocating to a new city. For photographer Carlos Rosario, moving from the Dominican Republic to New York City was one of the most overwhelming changes he had to overcome. A recipient of bullying throughout his childhood, he would find solace in various art forms before finding his rhythm in photography. Today, Carlos uses his talent to tell stories through the lens with his brand, Fotos-Locos LLC.
Carlos Rosario is a 21-year-old Dominican photographer based in Queens, New York City. Arriving in the Big Apple at a young age, he initially found the move to be overwhelming. Without any siblings or many friends growing up, Carlos learned the perks of being in constant solace. Throughout his youth, he would be bullied for his physical appearance. As Carlos endured the harassment, he would also struggle with his sexual orientation.
“I couldn’t keep repressing it,” he shared, “I also couldn’t speak about it to my parents or family.”
Despite the initial struggles, Carlos would come to peace with himself, deciding to care less about the opinions of others. He also started to develop an interest in photography. Although his family was among the most vocal about him abandoning his interest due to the competitive nature of photography, Carlos would become part of The Studio Museum in Harlem’s Expanding the Walls program in 2017 at seventeen years old. Throughout his internship, the young photographer grasped the fundamentals of photography and built a solid foundation for what he wanted to do with his craft.
“There was something about being able to tell stories through creating and editing photographs that really drew me in, and that’s immediately when I knew it was my true calling,” Carlos revealed, “I would finally be able to express myself without feeling like the whole world would be judging my every move.”
Eventually, Carlos Rosario’s passion led to the birth of Fotos-Locos as an open, creative platform where people can view and relate to his works. He came up with the name Fotos-Locos because it translates to “crazy photos,” reflecting the unpredictable nature of his platform and topics. The brand’s topics go beyond societal norms, talking about various subjects and emotions in different scenarios while exploring the life of being an LGBTQ+ in the Big Apple.
Although Fotos-Locos shares similarities with other brands, it stands out for its unwavering fearlessness in covering topics others are too afraid of talking about.
“I’m not afraid to speak what’s on my mind, which is something I used to struggle with,” Carlos announced, “I feel like photography has made me much more willing to start engaging and meaningful conversations that will stay with my viewer.”
Growing up without any encouragement toward his career, Carlos understands what it’s like to be told he wouldn’t be enough. However, since taking on a new venture with Fotos-Locos, he has been driven to push forward, and the reception he’s received encourages him to keep going.
Although he has only just begun, Carlos Rosario is enthusiastic about taking his career to the next level by creating videos with stories about the emotions and scenarios he’s been through. Additionally, he foresees a career in filmmaking.
Learn more about Carlos Rosario and Fotos-Locos LLC by visiting their official website. You can also reach out to him through Instagram.
