In the captivating world of Latin music, there exists a realm beyond the glitz and glamour of the stage – a realm where unsung heroes toil tirelessly to bring the magic to life. The "The Stars Behind the Star" franchise shines a light on these essential figures, revealing the untold stories and the invaluable contributions that often go unnoticed. Today, we delve into the life and lens of celebrity photographer Jose "Chepe" DeVillegas, a Puerto Rican visionary who has captured the essence of some of the industry's most celebrated artists.

Unveiling the Unseen: A Photographic Journey Through Latin Music's Backstage

Forging Connections and Earning Trust in the Entertainment Industry

Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to a Puerto Rican mother and a father of mixed Cuban and Puerto Rican heritage, Jose "Chepe" DeVillegas has always felt a deep connection to his Puerto Rican roots. This cultural identity has been a driving force in his journey as a celebrated photographer within the Latin music industry.Chepe's rise to prominence has been marked by his ability to forge genuine connections with the artists he captures. He has gained the love and trust of many, having photographed renowned artists such as Ivy Queen, Don Omar, Julián Gil, and Natti Natasha. Chepe's dedication to his craft and his unwavering respect for the artists he works with have been the keys to his success."I know there are many, many better than me. But I know I'm only one, you know? I'm my own, there's nobody else like me. And I like connecting with people to the, depending, you know, on how far that can, they allow or the connection that we have together. I'm interested in showing people what they want to show the people. And I want to protect their image. And I think when the artist realizes that, that you don't want to harm them, they lower their guards," Chepe explains, revealing the secret to his ability to gain the trust of the artists he works with.

Capturing the Essence of Latin Music's Biggest Moments

Chepe's photographic journey has taken him to the heart of the Latin music industry, where he has covered all the major red carpets and conducted special photoshoots for various media outlets, including Univision, Telemundo, and Billboard. His work has also been featured at numerous concerts and festivals over the years, showcasing his ability to capture the energy and emotion of live performances.One of Chepe's most recent and notable experiences was his involvement in this year's Billboard Latin Music Week. Collaborating with Billboard's Chief Content Officer for Latin and Español, Leila Cobo, Chepe created a behind-the-scenes visual experience that offered a unique perspective on the industry's inner workings."I think it's fascinating to be with Leila and see how she connects from a Young Miko to Alejandro Sanz, to Pepe Aguilar. And I don't see that all the time. I think it It is very unique and special, her footprint in the Latin music industry. And I think that she has a lot of respect from generations of artists, from the new ones to the icons," DeVillegas shares, highlighting the significance of his experience working alongside Cobo.

Capturing the Essence of Latin Music's Biggest Stars

Chepe's journey as a photographer in the Latin music industry began with a serendipitous encounter with actor and television host Julián Gil. Unaware of Gil's extensive career in telenovelas, Chepe seized the opportunity to photograph him during a play in Orlando, Florida, in 2019."I always tell people my godfather in this is Julián Gil. I didn't know much about his career because the last soap opera I saw was 'Marimar.' So, I know that he did several soap operas, but I never saw any of them. But during the very high political time in Puerto Rico in 2019, I was always seeing him all the time, you know, on social media, on YouTube. Then I heard that they were having a play in Orlando and I told the promoters because at that time I was already taking the market in Orlando and I told them, look, when you see this figure, I want to be the photographer because I know they are very strong."Chepe's approach of mirroring the artist's energy and respecting their image paid off, as Julián Gil quickly took a liking to Chepe's work and began introducing him to various media outlets in Orlando. This initial connection paved the way for Chepe to forge relationships with other prominent Latin artists, solidifying his place as a trusted and respected photographer in the industry.

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Inspiration in the Industry

Navigating the competitive landscape of the Latin music industry has not been without its challenges for Chepe. He acknowledges the presence of many talented photographers, but he remains steadfast in his belief that his unique perspective and approach set him apart."I know there are many, many better than me. But I know I'm only one, you know? I'm my own, there's nobody else like me. And I like connecting with people to the, depending, you know, on how far that can, they allow or the connection that we have together. I'm interested in showing people what they want to show the people. And I want to protect their image. And I think when the artist realizes that, you don't want to harm them, they lower their guards."Chepe's inspirations have come from observing the work of other accomplished photographers in the industry, such as Alex Tamargo and Omar Cruz. He has admired their iconic images and has sought to emulate their dedication and passion for their craft."A lot of photographers that maybe were getting the jobs that I wanted hmm and two of them that I kept coming up a lot was Alex Tamargo and his dad and his brother; they all work in the industry. So, I would see, if you know, see a great photo, it would say 'Photo by Alex Tamargo' all the time. And I tried to follow him. And I remember I would write him stories and say, oh, man. Okay, I'm going to work with you. Your photos are great. He was really kind. And then the same was with Omar Cruz. Let's say, people in Español magazine or like Charitin will post a throwback photo that was iconic. It will always say Omar Cruz."Through his unwavering commitment, Chepe has carved out his own unique path, capturing the essence of Latin music's biggest stars and the untold stories that lie behind the scenes.