Meet Alexis Yrigoyen

 

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Yrigoyen.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My obsession with creativity and love of art began as a child, and my parents nurtured it. Initially, I loved to draw and write stories. Photography started as a hobby when they gifted a Sony camera to me at 12 years old. For me, it was a way to bring my stories to life. As I got older, I learned it was a way to bring others’ stories to life, too.

I took portraits of my closest friends and learned the basics of photo editing with Corel Photo Editor. My dad built a backdrop stand with PVC pipes and purchased different colored fabric to use as backgrounds so I could offer professional portraits at home or on-the-go.

The following year, I was offering my services as a photographer on the weekends. In my first year as a freelancer, I had a booking every Friday and Saturday for 11 weeks straight. During this time, I learned the importance of networking, marketing, customer service, and having fun. I have honed these skills as a creative entrepreneur since. Over the years, my sphere of influence, knowledge, equipment, and passion grew, but one thing remained the same.

Since I was young, my photo work has centered around people. I started as a photographer for parties and quinceañeras, capturing people sharing a moment with their loved ones or merely celebrating. Now, I mainly focus on portraits, personal branding, and headshots in my business and creative shoots in my free time. I love people, and I enjoy making them feel pretty, handsome, confident, secure, appreciated, worthy and empowered. Most importantly, I love it when people smile and have fun.

Has it been a smooth road?
My biggest hurdle as a creative entrepreneur was learning to value my work, getting motivated, staying disciplined, and getting over my anxiety and overthinking.

In 2019, I struggled with my self-image, and it completely turned me away from photography. I was severely depressed, and I did not feel comfortable in my skin, so how could I help another person to feel happy and satisfied in theirs? Then, in December, I was in a devastating car accident. In the following months, during my recovery, I lost my stable corporate job due to COVID. I felt hopeless and worthless.

In May and July of 2020, I had great portrait sessions with two photographers who helped me to realize my worth and potential in life. I walked away with emotions that I wanted others to feel after their sessions with me. My time with these photographers reinvigorated me, reminded me of my purpose, and cemented my values.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
My primary source of income is photography, where I am known as Alexis An. I specialize in portraits, personal branding, headshots, and having a good time.

What sets me apart from others, in my opinion, is that I struggled with self-image, a lack of confidence, and body dysmorphia for most of my life. I fight it even today, and I am vocal about it on my social media channels. I understand firsthand the difficulty of rejecting insecurities, confronting fears, and the intimidation of professional photography. I relate very intimately to my clients.

I am also an emotional person. I am best at loving, caring, and empathizing. Photography is a personal process, and I love sharing that process with a person, leading them on a journey from feeling vulnerable to feeling valuable. My goal is to guide them to happiness and confidence in themselves. It is not just a photography service I offer, but an experience.

What makes an image beautiful is the person in it. Believe it!

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I love working in Los Angeles as a photographer and creative entrepreneur. Unfortunately, the market is competitive, and it’s difficult for newcomers to establish a name for themselves amongst the talent, much less have a sustainable income. When I started, I spent years building my portfolio and networking with people in Los Angeles before moving my business here. I recommend the same to others who want to start working as a creative in LA.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisanphotographer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexisanphotographer
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/alexisyrigoyen

Image Credit:
Alexis An

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.