Interview with Alycia Alvarez

This month’s featured photographer is Florida-based Alycia Alvarez. She specializes in babies, kids, maternity and family photography.

See her blog.

 

Q. What did you want to be when you grew up?
A. For several years during my childhood, my house backed up to a golf course. My brother and I would collect *stray* golf balls and clean them with toothbrushes (not our own, of course!) …so for some time, I thought I might have a bright future in the business of reselling cleaned up golf balls and lemonade. Realizing, much to my dismay, this would not support me for long, I entertained the idea of being a performer, as I was always very involved in theater. I decided that I didn’t want to spend years in possible rejection and left that idea as well. Shortly after graduating college with a degree in Social Work (studying, as an elective, black and white photography/darkroom—FILM! Gasp!), I had my two children and became really obsessed with capturing their every move and growing moments and suddenly KNEW my passion!

Q. Where did you grow up?
A. Um… the South! With my dad being a pulmonologist in the Air Force, I was raised a “military brat”. Born in Richmond, Virginia, I then went on to live in Illinois, then Mississippi, then Texas, then Mississippi, then Texas then Arkansas, where I finished high school and college. I have lived in a few more states since then, but have now been in Tampa, Florida for five years and I LOVE it here!

Q. Your favorite subject to photograph?
A. I’d love to say my own children, but truth be known, they are tough cookies (though, they do take bribes VERY well!). Babies and children are my passion! Children are so *real* and *genuine* and I love to capture their true personalities. They don’t have any walls up yet, and are rarely self conscience. I especially love babies around seven months! They are so roly poly and laugh easily (and usually can’t get away from me too quickly!).

Q. What camera/s do you shoot with?
A. My first camera was a Canon AE-1, which I do shoot with from time to time. On a day to day basis, I use my Canon 5D’s, Canon 1DS and my iphone (though, my clients prefer my Canon’s…haha! Kidding!)

Q. Your most awkward photography moment?
A. I was shooting an event for a high end client and didn’t see this small step in the yard…I totally WIPED out! I mean… W-I-P-E O-U-T!… I was down on my face, holding my camera in the air (saved!). Regardless, I am the fastest person to JUMP up and play it “SMOOTH”… later, I saw that under my pants, my knees were bleeding and bruised. Horrible! Luckily, the party had just begun and only a few people saw the wipeout!

Q. The hardest part of your job.
A. Balance! I absolutely love my job and sometimes it is difficult to tear away from it. I spend way too many hours on the computer; it’s a blessing and a curse. How many jobs can you think of that you would do even when you are “on vacation”?

Q. The easiest part of your job?
A. Getting to know some amazing people and clients who absolutely love and adore their *babies*! The best part of my *job* is watching moms—and DADS!—come to tears while watching the slideshow of their portraits…it’s when I know I’ve succeeded!

Q. Your favorite movie of all time?
A. The Notebook. Love it! I’m a sucker for a sappy love movie… Following closely, When Harry Met Sally, Bridges of Madison County, Pay It Forward, Say Anything, Dirty Dancing… and the 80’s classics, Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Goonies… Are you feeling the general *cheesy* theme? That’s me!

Q. Your favorite meal?
A. Hmmm. That is a toughie. I like a wide variety of foods and am always open to trying new things! But if I had to decide on a *most favorite* meal, it would probably be a Caprese Salad, a cup of French Onion Soup, some broccoli and a Steak Oscar filet-Medium! (and a wheel barrel to wheel me out after!)

Q. Who do you most admire? Why?
A. On a serious note, this is a difficult question for me to answer. (*warning*…sappy answer to follow!) Although this is really cliché, I truly most admire my boyfriend and partner, Kevin Jairaj. Aside from being an amazing wedding photographer, he is my best friend. He is one of the smartest men I have ever met, in addition to being adorable, sweet and funny. He is patient and loving and he never yells. He has an innate ability to “go with the flow”. I am a bit more “high strung” at times (okay, most times!), and he teaches me how to be a better person every day. He’s my first call in the morning and my last call at night (long distance relationship…blaaah!)

Q. What will you be doing 5 years from now?
A. Five years ago, I would never have imagined my life today. I am truly blessed to have such amazing people in my life and a successful business doing what I absolutely LOVE! I really have no idea what the future holds, but I know that I will be a photographer until I am too weak to hold a camera! Life always has it’s peaks and valleys and I look forward to growing and learning every day!