We recently connected with Alejandra Sanchez and have shared our conversation below.
Alejandra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I began my photographing journey when I was about 12 years old. My parents invested in a digital Nikon and I found myself using it more than they would. I became intrigued with not only the idea of capturing moments but the build and body of how cameras function. At this time of my age where digital journals became a new and cool thing like MySpace and Tumblr, this passion all correlated with what I could bring to life.
I began to flourish and master the craft over the years by joining my local church’s creative team and working alongside others that were creatively like minded.
Knowing what I know now, I think I wouldn’t have enclosed myself as much to what photography is “supposed” to look like. Being a creative most times I have this vision of how I would like my work to be portrayed and how it flows with rest of my work. However, the art of an image, which I’ve learned of the years, is going to evoke a different feeling or thought to everyone. There is no right or wrong way of how to capture an image. Being present and understanding how one feels while capturing an image is the most impacting part of it all. Also accepting that others are not going to feel and view one image the same brings more peace to the craft as a photographer.
The best skill to coexist in the art of photography in my opinion is more than just the attention to detail. It’s the experience and purpose as to why a photographer is noticing everything through the viewfinder of a camera. This helps me feel grounded and connected to my surroundings and my subjects.
Comparison and unrealistic expectations have hindered my learning the most being a photographer. Posting or sending a finished gallery to a client is like preparing a grand meal. You spend many hours preparing the presentation and the contents that are going to be placed on the table hoping that who you’re serving is going to cherish this meal forever. Being a person who is obsessed with detail and experience for others, this process at times has crippled and stopped me from learning more, especially in seasons where I feel creatively drained. The beauty of photography is that there are so many avenues within it. It’s not always wedding, couples or graduation photography. It can be street, fashion, architecture any type of photography really. I find myself reconnecting and learning more when I enter different branches of it.
Alejandra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
From capturing landscape shots, to portraits, to intimate moments, I find art and beauty in everything in between. Over the years of my interest in photography, my passion for it has only increased. I love the idea of capturing forever moments that people can look back on and show their kids kids. I provide proposal, couples, graduation, family, maternity, and wedding photography.
My goal is to always reflect my passion and love through my art of photography. This is what I take most pride in through my business. It is more than just an image, it’s a moment that will live forever.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My ultimate goal is to always provide a genuine and meaningful experience. Whether that may be through my audience/clients viewing an image or clients having a great time during their photoshoot. These fulfilling moments tend to drive my creative passions.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Throughout my time in the freelance photographer industry, I’ve always caught myself being torn and spread thin with my time. I still continue to work a full time job while also being a student pursuing learning within the visual arts industry. This year I’m manifesting that I’ll be able to pivot into becoming a full time freelance photographer. This is consisting of changes within my day to day habits, confidence that I can do this, and attentiveness to what makes me most happy, photography!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sunchezphotography.com/
- Instagram: @sunchezphotography
- Other: https://linktr.ee/sunchezphotography