Hello, my name is Devin De Leon, and I am a creative. I’m a photographer, musician, and videographer. Recently, I read that I shouldn’t limit myself by being boxed into just one field—photography—because these three forms of creation fuel me and keep me alive.
When I was a kid, the only thing I ever wanted to do was be a musician—somehow, someway—and guess what? I did it! While I didn’t quite reach the level I dreamt of as a child, I’ve toured the country a couple of times and even performed at official South by Southwest showcases. That’s something I’m incredibly proud of. The way I see it, I’m still young enough to achieve those music dreams.
But hey, you’re not here to hear about me being a musician—you’re here to learn about me as a photographer. Funny enough, the two are actually connected. After performing live music for 10 years, I felt tired and needed a new artistic outlet. While earning my Bachelor of English degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio, I wrote for the university’s paper, The Paisano. That semester, the paper was short on photographers. Back in 2008, when I was 18, I bought a Nikon D60—not because I dreamt of becoming a photographer, but because phone cameras weren’t good back then, and the only way to capture a decent image was with an actual camera.
In the years prior to attending UTSA, I shot thousands of photos with that Nikon, and I’m proud of those early images. It was during that time that I truly developed my eye for photography. Fast forward to college, and I took an unconventional path—juggling music, full-time work, and part-time classes. Some semesters, I could only manage 2-3 courses. I’d write papers in the van on the way to out-of-town shows or read books while on the road. Those were good times I’ll never forget.
By 2018, I was asked to take photos for an article I was writing. I took on the challenge, and to my surprise, I fell in love with photography. My colleagues were impressed with the photos, and I had found a new artistic outlet to fill the void music had left. While I never planned on quitting music, I needed a break after everything I’d been through—but that’s a story for another day.
After discovering this passion, I realized that, while I still loved English and literature, I wanted my future to include a camera in my hand. Since 2018, that has been my truth.
I haven’t mentioned her yet, but my mother has been one of the most incredible and influential people in my life. She supported my music and would even buy us groceries before we hit the road—so sweet. When I picked up the camera, she once again became my greatest supporter, believing in my talent and skill.
Unfortunately, shortly after I graduated from UTSA, she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. During that time, I cared for her. In her final days, lost and dejected, I considered becoming a teacher or perhaps a paralegal. But my mother, Melissa De Leon, told me I’d be good at those things—but that photography was what I was meant to do. She said I took great photos and that people were always happy to have their photo taken by me. Her words were all I needed to hear.
Since her passing, I have dedicated my life’s work as a photographer to her memory. Along the way, I started playing music again, and I couldn’t be happier—it’s been rejuvenating to perform. Finally, I have a vision for the video work I want to create, so stay tuned for that!