Meet Alberto Estrada of Alternative Photography/ BigMilkFilms in Whittier

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alberto Estrada.

Alberto, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Ever since I could remember, I was always interested in technology. Whether it was toys, games, or computers, it was always one of my biggest interests. One of the earliest memories I have when it comes to making videos was early Elementary School. I remember sneaking my parent’s point and shoot digital camera, an absolute prized possession in my family due to how expensive cameras used to be. Me and my friend at the time, Peter Pulido, would take our toys and make stop-motion videos with an entire story-line and everything. They were horrible, but it was one of the first times I ever put something on film. Whittier High School was one of the biggest reasons where I am today. I loved taking pictures on my phone, whether it was just for laughs, or because an area looked very interesting. My sophomore and junior year 2012-2014, there was a large amount of video-projects being given out to multiple classes.

Many of my closest friends were trying to find someone to edit and piece together their projects. And I took on those challenges, and it definitely changed my life. Senior year, 2015, I really wanted to do something different, get more involved, and just make some more friends. The ASB program was a group of students who organized and ran events throughout the school year. I genuinely had no idea what position to apply for. But due to my small knowledge of video editing, I decided to go for Video Editor. And from there, I was tasked with so many projects that I had no idea what to do with. But, with video camera in hand, multiple peers to help with ideas and planning, I began doing videos, many of which are still on YouTube today. These videos were shown to the whole school, everyone saw them. And much to my surprise, I received extremely positive feedback day after day. And this was how I caught the attention of one of my friends who happened to be doing music at the time, Nickolis Matthews.

In 2016, a year after graduating, Nick sought me out and asked if I wanted to take some pictures of him for some music he was working on. I borrowed my brothers camera, we went out, and Alternative Photography and BigMilkFilms was born. Since then, I have invested in myself, purchased professional equipment, and decided taking pictures. Not to make money, but to pursue this as a passion, and whatever comes from it, I consider it a blessing. I offered my services to anyone and everyone who needs a picture taken. Whether it be a family photo or even a full wedding, I believe it should be done for fair pricing, and not for an arm or a leg. Since 2016, I have been working with Nick and another artist that Nick has been working with for much longer, Marky D. I’ve designed, recorded music videos, and created cover art for Nick and Marky D. From mixtapes, to single-art that featured the Bay Area legend, E-40, they are both a large part for my skills advancing further and putting me in the position I am in today.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
With anything, it was never smooth sailing. One of the biggest struggles was always self-doubt. I liked to have things done the way I picture them. A lot of the time, I felt most of the content I would create was never up-to-par with how I wanted it. Always felt that everything I’ve made can use one last tweak, a slight temperature change, or even a complete rework. I believed everything could be improved, that’s just the way I am wired. The mental game I played got harder and harder with the more general responsibilities and duties of everyday life growing older. Whether it was from school, work, or personal relationships, creating content was always something that put my mind at ease and allowed me to get lost in my own little world. But I always said, I don’t want to be like everyone else. I don’t want to create a music video in the style of all modern music videos. I don’t want to create cover art in the style of other known works. I just want to create, and self-doubt is just one of the biggest obstacles that I have, and will always face.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Alternative Photography is my photography side of things where I offer my services to anyone who needs it. My biggest thing was finding out how much other professionals will charge for a simple picture. Maybe it’s for a family portrait, a party, or a special day for their children. I always believed that photos should not be expensive. I do understand that while others are doing this full-time, they have the right to charge what they do as all their time is dedicated to the craft. And I never want to seem that I am knocking any professional for what they charge. But I am the Alternative to those who cannot afford to get a nice picture taken of themselves, of their child, or their family. And I’m okay with being the Alternative. I’m not looking for a claim-to-fame. I just want everyone to be able to afford a decent photo for whatever the occasion. I’m proud of the work I have done. Whether it be donating my services, or helping take a family portrait, I absolutely love seeing the look on the faces of my clients viewing the final product.

As for BigMilkFilms, I associate it with the music side of things; music videos, cover art, design in general. I’ve gotten opportunities to design concept shoes, take pictures in professional recording studios, and even designing the cover art for a song featuring a Hip-Hop legend, E-40. And as far as BigMilkFilms goes, it’s definitely is not over, and just getting started.

I am also a part of Team Ready, along with Marky D and Nickolis Matthews. They are a big reason I am where I’m at today.

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
Definitely getting the opportunity to work on the cover art for Marky D’s single featuring E-40, “Everybody.” I remember when I got that text asking to do it, I was practically in tears from how grateful I was in that moment, how much trust was put in me to be trusted with such an important task. And it all still seems unreal.

Contact Info:

• Website: alternativephotography.myportfolio.com
• Email: lecheworksanddesign@gmail.com
• Instagram: @BasedInWhittier

Image Credit:
Jesus Contreras, Alberto Estrada

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