Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Lopez.
Hi Allison, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Really looking back at it now, so many small choices have led me to photography.
It really started after high school; I was a pandemic student from Palmdale who graduated in 2020. All I really wanted to do was be outside in LA and start something! At the time, I had two passions: filmmaking and fashion. Almost picked fashion for a college major, but on a whim, I went for film and said I’d teach myself how to sew. The sewing never happened, and fast forward through a couple of semesters discovering video and screenwriting, I was still at home! Connecting with others was really my motivation every day. I had also built up some “skills” growing up with 4-5 years on my phone, reworking and editing my portraits and selfies for fun. Skills and ideas that were not being completed properly, I thought, why don’t I put that energy towards capturing others and maybe help some people along the way? I wanted to do it the right way, so as a previously shy person, I began messaging friends and strangers and planning creative editorial shoots. I had no knowledge of the industry or much about gear. Just a kid with a camera, a really supportive family who I love so much till the end of time, and some cheap lights. (Also, a huge dislike for “normal” jobs.)
I was doing 1 shoot every week immediately and jumped right into studio shoots with my friends who were aspiring models, losing money or barely making, but I didn’t care because I was finally living the dream! Over the course of a year, I built up so much for a portfolio. I began an internship during this time at film locations company, which was wonderful, and when that ended, it pushed me to want to try and internship in the photo world.
Still pouring into my work, but with little prior professional experience, a celebrity photographer took a chance on me and brought me onto their team as an intern. It was a very surreal experience, going from a small town straight into the huge star-studded sets. I was incredibly grateful every second I was there and experienced so many different kinds of shoots and roles while meeting people I could only dream of beforehand. Working beside an amazing crew who was always generous with their knowledge is something I am thankful for. Here is where I was shown what photography can really be at its best.
It’s also around this time where I started working with Vivvene Studios, a super dope clothing brand. Vivvene Studios brings so many people together through their shoots, meet-ups, and skate sessions, and it’s beautiful to see. With their shoots, I have been able to grow in studio environments and street photography; I am very grateful for their concepts and looks that push me and others to be the best at what we do.
I’ve taken everything I have learned and keep pouring into shoots. Very grateful that more and more people trust me with their creative visions every day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a lot of hard work and determination, but when you live for photography, there’s really not much else to do.
Physically, I was exhausted from long days and crazy scheduling, but I wanted to wake up the next day and go straight back to it again.
Mentally, the biggest struggle was continuing to pursue a creative career in spite of negativity. As a young girl, in a position that many people wanted, I ran into many people determined to bring me down a few notches with sly comments and sabotage even. When these people come along, it’s best to take the high road, be strong and push forward.
I am happy to say that I still have not given up on my dream job and do not plan on it anytime soon. This craft is a beautiful privilege to explore, and I am honored to be able to grow through it and bring smiles to people’s faces. A successful day for me is leaving the studio with a friend or conversation that meant something. Holding onto the reason you started is crucial to surviving.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in portrait photography; I would say I get complimented the most for the way I capture people. My main goal is to make the environment comfortable for people to be themselves. I always say do whatever you want, bring whatever, sing whatever, I’m here for you. No pressure to be perfect and know how to pose. I work with many people just starting their journey like me so I think it’s important to be able to be vulnerable and authentic as a creative.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I have been working at this for 2 years now! Most people assume I’m a lot older and more experienced based on my work and history.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://allisongl1004.wixsite.com/my-site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alli.g.studio/
Image Credits
Patricia Morales
Vivvene Studios
Moody Magazine
Elviz Sandoval
