Meet Alvaro Valiente | Photographer and Videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alvaro Valiente and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alvaro, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued an artistic and creative career because I’ve had a deep curiosity and passion for photography since I was young. I studied Computer Engineering, and while working as a developer, photography started as a hobby but quickly became much more than that. My love for capturing the beauty of the world grew stronger over time, and I realized this was where my true passion lay. Eventually, I decided to leave my developer career behind and dedicate myself fully to photography and videography.

Working with major brands and traveling around the world only reinforced my commitment to this path. I wanted to express my creativity in ways that programming couldn’t offer. Now, as a hybrid artist, I’m constantly driven by the desire to grow and evolve in my craft, whether it’s capturing stunning landscapes or doing interior photography.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Getting to where I am today professionally has been a journey filled with passion, determination, and a lot of hard work. It definitely wasn’t easy. I started out as in a complete different world, and while I enjoyed the challenges of programming, I always felt a pull towards something more creative.

Leaving a stable career in development to pursue photography full-time was one of the biggest challenges I faced. It was a leap into the unknown, but I knew I had to follow my heart. The transition wasn’t smooth, and there were moments of doubt and uncertainty. What helped me overcome these challenges was my unwavering commitment to my craft, my desire to grow as an artist, and the incredible support of my wife.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned the importance of perseverance and staying true to your passion. There were times when I had to work long hours, face rejection, and navigate the ups and downs of a creative career, but each challenge taught me something valuable. I learned to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success and to constantly seek growth and evolution in my work.

What I want the world to know about me is that my story is one of transformation and relentless pursuit of creativity and my work is a reflection of my journey, and I strive to create visuals that resonate, inspire, and tell a story.

I want people to know that following your passion, no matter how challenging the path may seem, is always worth it. I’m built on the belief that creativity has no limits, and I’m committed to pushing those boundaries every day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So, I would start by going to the Griffith Observatory for the sunset. It offers a stunning perspective of the city and a beautiful view. The light there when the sun goes down is magical.

The next day, I’d have vegetarian tacos at Hijo De Su Madre, then take a quick drive to Venice Beach to experience the unique atmosphere and the variety of people walking around. It’s such a special place. I also enjoy sitting down to watch people play basketball and catching the sunset on the beach while listening to the waves crash. If you have time, I’d recommend walking the boardwalk to Santa Monica and checking out the Pier.

For another day, I’d drive to Malibu to spend time at one of its beautiful beaches and maybe do some surfing.

Another area I wouldn’t miss is the hills in front of downtown. It’s probably my favorite view of the city. You can bring some snacks and drinks, sit down, and watch the sunset. You won’t regret it!

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 want to give a huge shoutout to my incredible wife, Mariña Diaz. None of this would have been possible without her constant support and belief in me. Mariña, your love and encouragement have been the backbone of everything I do. You’re also an incredible fashion designer, and seeing all the amazing achievements you’ve accomplished in your career has been a huge motivation for me. Thank you for being my rock and my inspiration every step of the way.

Website: https://alvarovaliente.com

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