Meet Mar Alvarado | Wedding & Portrait Photographer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Mar Alvarado and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Mar, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
Every day as soon as we wake, there’s a list of decisions waiting to be made. What do I wear? What do I eat today? Which errand should I do first? Most of them are simple decisions, but if you make the wrong choice, it can alter the way the rest of your day goes. Then, there’s major life decisions, one’s that can heavily impact your present and future. One of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make, was to turn my photography business from a “side gig” to a full time job. I had been working in the banking industry for almost 10 years and I had recently had a baby, photography was providing extra income aside from my “secure” paycheck every week from the bank, but adding a baby into the mix, changed my priorities. I felt like my bank paycheck was mostly going to daycare for my son while I was at work, so it wasn’t worth it for me. I wanted to spend those first few years raising my son. The bank I was working for had to shut down and I made the decision to not get transferred or apply for another position. This was my chance, I thought, to pour my heart and soul into photography and really treat it as a priority instead of a side business/hobby kind of thing. So I made the decision to not return to Corporate America and fully immerse myself into my photography business. This was about 4 years ago, I haven’t turned back and my photography business has come a long way! I now have two sons who I get to raise, while maintaining a career that I love!
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a wedding and portrait photographer. I get to capture people’s most important day of their lives and get to capture portraits that will be handed down from generation to generation. How much more amazing can it get? When I arrive to photo sessions, I always put myself in my client’s shoes. What photos do I want my great grand children to see? What am I trying to convey? Love? Joy? Sentimental feelings of all sorts? When I say I immerse myself fully, I really do. I want to capture images that are much more than pretty pictures, but also convey emotion.
I got to where I am today by a lot of trial and error. In the beginning I was much more focused about getting my camera settings correctly than thinking about my composition and message that my image would convey. It took a lot of practice, but I finally got to the place where I can think about camera settings and composition at the same time. There is always room for growth and I’m still learning many things from other amazing photographer friends/mentors, but I can truly say I have come a long way from where I started and will continue to perfect my craft because my amazing clients deserve it!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ohhh! I love me a good time! Not to mention, I have a major sweet tooth! The first place we’d probably go to is Magnolia Bakery in West Hollywood. Yes, even before we eat lunch because I believe dessert before lunch or dinner is totally acceptable (I haven’t told my kids that yet, so let’s keep that between you and I!) As soon as we get some of their amazing cupcakes and a couple of cups of their Classic Banana Pudding, we’d go for a hike! Yes, a hike, there are SO many beautiful places to hike in Los Angeles. I’d also suggest a visit to the Griffith Observatory because I love the view of Los Angeles from up there. I’m a sucker for pretty views (and good dessert) I’d invite them for a drink from the Coffee Kiosk in Santa Clarita because they make the most delicious drinks! Currently, my favorite is their S’mores Latte, SO good! I hope this friend is staying for two days at least because for sure, we’d have to go to Disneyland! I don’t even have to get on any rides. Just walking through those gates feel completely magical, not to mention, their churros are life! (Told you I had a major sweet tooth!)
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m very grateful for my husband who has supported my decision from day one. Eight years ago I mentioned to him that I wanted a beginner DSLR camera because I loved photography and wanted to give it a try, he went along with my crazy idea and here we are now! I’d also love to thank my clients who allow me to keep doing what I love while being a stay at home mom! The ones who believed in me when my photography wasn’t as great as I thought (now that I look back at my old work haha) and the ones who have stuck with me through this incredible journey! It’s a dream come true and I’m forever grateful that I get the opportunity to serve my clients and capture everlasting memories.
Website: maralvarado.com
Instagram: instagram.com/mar_photoswithlove
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maralvaradophotography
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