Today we’d like to introduce you to Hope Alvarez.
Hope, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve had an interest in cameras since I was a child and was always walking around with a disposable camera. I began learning photography when I was sixteen and joined my high school yearbook staff. Although I am mostly self taught, I am very thankful for my time as a yearbook photographer because I was open to all sorts of photography situations and practiced everything until I finally realized that music was my favorite thing to capture. From there, I started attending local shows to build my portfolio and once I felt confident enough in my work I decided to aim for larger venues such as the House of Blues. I reached out to bands a couple of times under assignment for a friend’s music blog, but felt creatively stuck and wanted to learn more about photojournalism. I wanted to work under more publications, but freelance work was very sparse for music documentation. That’s how I founded my music and lifestyle media outlet in 2016, Urban Vacancy Press. I created the platform as a way for beginner journalists to build their portfolio and practice everything that goes into journalism. I used the internet as a tool to learn more about journalism, but 2017 was the year I took things more seriously and wanted to enhance my knowledge. I transferred to the University of North Texas and I am currently majoring in photojournalism. I am truly thankful for the education I’ve received at UNT because I am able to put those skills into practice with Urban Vacancy Press. Aside from school and Urban Vacancy Press, I spend time documenting people’s lives. I showcase my work through Instagram and because I have a passion for documenting life, I never pinned myself to one category. I photograph daily life events, fashion, couples and everything else under the sun.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course not, but I love a challenge! My main struggle was developing the confidence in my work. In the beginning stages, I spent most of my time comparing my work to everyone else’s. I never felt qualified enough to photograph certain sessions because I didn’t have high-grade camera gear and didn’t want to disappoint anyone. I don’t book a crazy amount of sessions throughout the months and for the longest time, I thought it was just because I wasn’t good enough. Recently, I’ve accepted that a dollar sign doesn’t determine the quality of my work and I’m coming to terms with the fact that photography is an overly saturated field. We’re all itching to document the life and for the longest time, I looked at other photographers as competitors when really it should be more about community. Now, I realize that it’s actually so cool that there are many people who have a passion for photography. Once I took on the challenge to love my work and learn from the photography community, everything else just fell into place.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Oheyhope and Urban Vacancy Press – what should we know?
I don’t specialize in one specific thing, but my heart leans more towards music documentation and portraits. I document concerts, family life, senior portraits, drag queens, animals, etc. You name it, I’ve probably photographed it. What sets me apart is my style. My work is full of contrast and bright colors, and I rarely pose clients because I am more focused on capturing the emotion and the current feeling of the situation. I like to document life as it’s happening and stop time in its tracks. When my work is viewed I want people to feel as if they’re actually in that setting and reliving those days.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
OF COURSE! My parents are my biggest supporters and are the ones who helped me get the basic camera equipment I needed in order to get my feet off the ground. They raised their children to chase dreams and that’s exactly what I’m doing. I’m not even sure if there’s a word that exists to express how grateful I am for their support. They believe in me and that’s the energy I run on to continue following my passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://urbanvacancypress.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oheyhope/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HopeAlvarezPhotography/
Image Credit:
IMG_9673_ByPeytonLand, Peyton Land
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