Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Alcantara.
Christian , please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always had an interest in various art forms. I knew photography would be something I could see myself truly investing my time with when I first picked it up in high school. I just got sucked into the creativity in the dark room. In college, though I chose to major in nursing. I always found myself taking digital media and photography classes on the side. I remember for so many nights I hated what I was doing in school and found no interest in nursing at all. The semester before I transferred I decided to spontaneously switch my major and go into the art program at California State University of Channel Islands. I am currently a senior at this school majoring in digital media with an emphasis in photography. Currently, I work freelance shooting models and product photography while I go to school. I can truly say that meeting new people and new places is what keeps me fully invested with photography.
Has it been a smooth road?
Like many college students, I always questioned why am I doing what I am doing. I am not happy so why? I remember many nights going to my parents and always arguing with them as to what I am doing with my life. I always felt like I had this pressure to succeed because my parents immigrated from Peru to give my sister and I a better life here. They’ve sacrificed so much for this dream and all I could think about was how can I repay them? One night my parents sat me down and told me straight up, “I do not care what you do with your life because we will love you no matter what. All we care about is that you find your true happiness in whatever you decide to do.” Knowing I had the full support of my parents I decided to pursue art in the form of photography. Now most of my life consists of finding new ways to better myself not only as a photographer but as a person as well. This ultimately led to me traveling. Being able to share my story of seeing new places and meeting new people is what keeps me grinding to succeed.
Is there some part of you work that is particularly difficult?
The hardest part of my job is researching. Knowing locations and ideas for a shoot can take up a lot of time prior to going on the shoot.
How do you define success?
I always believed success is described by passion. It can be in your work, your education, and love life. Everyone can be successful it’s just whether you want to see it or not.
So, what should we be on the lookout for, what’s next in store for you?
Ever since I started college I’ve only had one future goal in mind and that was to travel. The moment I grab my diploma I’m voyaging across the world. For the sole reason of wanting to understand more about myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: christianallenphoto.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/christianallenphoto
- Facebook: facebook.com/christianallenphoto
