Meet Natalie Alvarado | Photographer and Creative Director

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

Hi Natalie, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
I come from a family of resilient, hard-working women. My grandma was a seamstress who also sold Avon, and after my father passed away when I was one, my mom stepped up to support us on her own. By late elementary school, I was helping run one of my uncle’s corner stores — managing inventory, placing orders, and working the register. In high school, I waitressed at another uncle’s taquería and helped my neighbor sell silver jewelry. Throughout college, I always held part-time to full-time jobs — even during my year abroad in Italy.

As a first-generation daughter of immigrants, I had to take initiative early. My mom didn’t always understand the ins and outs of the U.S. education system, so I had to navigate things like college applications on my own. That experience shaped me into someone who is proactive, resourceful, and resilient. I don’t wait for opportunities — I create them.

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.
What sets my work apart is the intersection of cultural depth and emotion. I was born in California but raised between cultures — my family is from Mexico, and that shaped how I see the world. That perspective naturally informs my photography: soulful, honest, and human.

Lately, I’ve been shooting more on 35mm film, which adds a nostalgic, tactile quality to my work. But more than anything, I’m driven by capturing connection, softness, and spirit — making people feel comfortable and seen in front of the camera.

I’m mostly self-taught. I studied fashion design and merchandising, but photography was always calling me. I remember asking my mom to enroll me in a photo class when I was 12, but she mentioned it was too expensive. Years later, I bought my first camera on a credit card and started learning on my own — shooting during Fashion Week and street style in NYC and Italy, and taking weekend classes when I could.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that everyone goes at their own pace. My background in fashion still shapes how I approach shoots — from concept to moodboard to execution. It’s all storytelling, just through different mediums.

My work is rooted in authenticity, and natural light. I believe powerful imagery doesn’t need excess — just heart, vision, and a little magic. Even in my retouching, I aim to keep things true to life. Helping people feel beautiful, comfortable, and truly seen is one of my greatest joys.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d kick things off with a slow morning and brunch at Botanica in Silver Lake — the Turkish Eggs and Morning Mezze are fresh, vibrant, and a little unexpected. Then maybe wander through a gallery or two at Hauser & Wirth downtown.

For a beach day, we’d head to El Matador in Malibu — dramatic cliffs, golden light, and perfect for a little film photo moment. Lunch afterward at Malibu Farm hits the spot.

Midweek, we’d vintage shop in Echo Park, grab matcha at Kettl in Los Feliz, and stroll along N Vermont. I’m a big fan of Skylight Books, especially the art and photography annex. At night, dinner at Dunsmoor in Glassell Park — cozy and vibey.

We’d spend an afternoon at The Getty or Huntington Gardens, and if they’re into wellness, maybe squeeze in a class at Equinox or a hike at Griffith for some nice LA views.

For drinks and music, we’d catch a DJ night at Bar Franca or The Friend in Silver Lake. I also somehow I often end up at Employees Only — speakeasy-style with good energy. Also, I love a moment at The Tower Bar at Sunset Tower Hotel — pure old-school Hollywood. Oh — I’ve been wanting to check out one of those coffee shop + daytime DJ setups too.

And of course, a day trip to Ojai — something peaceful, surrounded by nature, crystals, and really good food. A little mysticism, a little magic.

To me, LA is all about contrast — the laid-back and the elevated, the gritty and the glamorous.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who deserve credit for where I am today. First and foremost, my mom, grandma, and godmother — three incredibly strong women who raised me. With my dad’s passing, I grew especially close to my mom’s side of the family. In a way, even though he wasn’t around, I still feel my dad shaped who I am — his absence made me independent, and self-driven.

I also want to give a big shoutout to my mentor, Avery Swail, for guiding me on my creative path. To all my friends who’ve been such incredible cheerleaders in my life—thank you. And most recently, to my partner Ronnie. He’s a photographer too, so he truly gets the ups and downs of this industry. He’s been one of my biggest supporters as I transitioned into full-time freelance, always reminding me to keep going, even when it feels scary.

Website: https://www.nataliealvarado.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hey.nat/

Image Credits
My portrait was taken by Kiki London, all other images are my work.