Today we’d like to introduce you to Doreen Alvarez.
Doreen, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
At a very young age, my mother encouraged me to explore my creativity through art. However, I never saw what she saw. I thought one day, I would become a lawyer (because I was good at arguing, a rebellious 16 year version of myself once believed). Twenty-seven years have passed and here I am, a lover of art and photography. As a child, I had been surrounded by photographers in my family, my father, my grandfather, although never professional, but both captured moments of laughter, milestones and memories that were preserved through their photos. I fell in love with photography the moment I bought my first camera, a Canon Rebel 35mm (film). I really had no clue how to use the camera technically. I had no idea how to use light or understood what shutter speeds and f-stops were. DSLRs were not yet on the market so I went through a lot of film. Through trial and error, and my camera’s user’s manual, I finally figured things out. Through the lens, I loved capturing what my eyes saw as an outsider looking in, whether it was a moment, a mood or a compelling story. In the beginning, photography was a hobby for me. I photographed people and anything that I found interesting. I called all my friends and begged them to be my models and muses as I practiced my craft. Most, if not all, were more than willing to create with me and are still my dear friends today. I loved fashion photography at first and met some amazing photographers along the way. From 2003 – 2008, I had put my hobby on hold because I had become a mother and caring for two babies had took up all of my time. At some point, I forgot I had a camera. It wasn’t until both kids were in preschool that I connected with another parent a former high school mate of mine, who was a photographer. She showed me her beautiful photographs of her children and portfolio and I remember thinking “my gosh, I can do this…I need to find my camera!” I realized that it was time to update my camera because by that time, DSLRs were available, but not cheap! After I purchased my digital DSLR, it was as if I was reunited with a past love. I began photographing children and families for fun at first. However, one day, after taking photos of children at a playdate, a parent approached me and asked how much I would charge for family photos. I must say, that that, was the day, I started my photography business.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Today, I am a natural light photographer and photograph families, children, and high school seniors. Children grow so fast, their faces change and having those memories on film allow us to remember them as they were. I also love photographing special events as well as weddings and preserving those moments that my clients can treasure forever. I even cry during every wedding I photograph because capturing love is so beautiful and compelling. I love interpreting my clients’ personal stories through my photos. I work with my clients and listen to what makes them happy. I make them feel relaxed and comfortable so that their images look natural. It is my goal to capture their personalities on camera. It is also important to me that I can deliver my clients’ vision through my creativity. I believe that an image does not have to be perfect. The lighting nor the focus has to be spot on all the time. It is the precious moment, mood or captivating and spellbinding content that makes the photograph memorable. I love telling stories with my images and witnessing the special moments that inspire them.
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
The biggest challenge facing photographers today is that there is so much competition. There are so many talented photographers in every city. As a photographer, I have met amazing people along the way who were willing to help and mentor. The key is to find your niche. Branding and networking is also important. I am still a work in progress and learning as I go along.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I currently do not have any exhibitions, however, clients may support my work by choosing me as their photographer for their family portraits, headshots and/or events.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.doreenalvarezphotography.com
- Phone: 818/298-1217
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/DoreenAlvarezPhotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoreenAlvarez-Photography
Image Credit:
Portrait of Doreen Alvarez was taken by Portraits by Elisabeth
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