We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexandre Tolipan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandre, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

How did you learn to do what you do?
My journey into photography started way back in 1995 when I took a photography course at my university. That was my first introduction to using a camera, developing film, and getting the basics of composition. But honestly, after that, photography was just a hobby for me. From then until I moved to New York in 2018, I didn’t formally study it again. I just took photos for fun.

When I got to New York, though, everything changed. I decided to take the leap and turn my hobby into a career. I started learning again by following some amazing YouTube photographers like Peter McKinnon, Vanessa Joy, and Ted Forbes. Their tutorials were inspiring and helped me improve my craft. YouTube also became my go-to place for finding specific answers to technical questions. On top of that, I got a lot of guidance from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). They were a fantastic resource for understanding not just photography but also the business side of things, like how to create and sustain a successful photography business.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
If I could do it all over again, I think I’d dive into hands-on experiences sooner. That university course gave me a great start, but I wish I had jumped into real-world projects or worked as an assistant to a professional photographer early on. Those kinds of experiences teach you things you just can’t learn in a classroom or from a video. Also, I should have joined online communities earlier to get feedback on my work. Watching tutorials is great, but putting your skills to the test and learning through trial and error is where the real growth happens.

What skills do you think were most essential?
Adaptability has been huge for me. Photography is always changing, whether it’s new technology, evolving client needs, or creative trends. Staying curious and willing to learn has been key. Of course, technical skills like understanding lighting, composition, and editing are the foundation, but I’d say interpersonal skills are just as important. Making clients feel comfortable and creating an environment where they can relax and be themselves really makes a difference in capturing great shots.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
One big challenge early on was access to resources and equipment. Back in the ‘90s, photography was all about film, and that meant investing in film, darkrooms, and gear—which wasn’t always easy to afford. Later, as digital photography took over, the challenge became keeping up with all the new tools and software. Time was another hurdle—finding the space to really focus on photography while juggling other responsibilities wasn’t always simple. And I can’t forget about self-doubt. There were definitely moments where fear of failure or perfectionism held me back from experimenting or sharing my work. Overcoming that took some effort, but it’s been worth it.

Alexandre, 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?

For folks who may not have read about you before, can you please tell our readers about yourself, how you got into your industry / business / discipline / craft etc, what type of products/services/creative works you provide, what problems you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others. What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.

My name is Alexandre de Mendonça Lima Tolipan, and I’m a professional photographer with a global perspective shaped by my experiences living in Brazil, Switzerland, France, and now the United States. Photography has always been a part of my life, but it wasn’t until 2018, after moving to New York, that I decided to turn my passion into a full-time career.

What started as a hobby blossomed into a business fueled by creativity, technical expertise, and a love for storytelling. I specialize in event coverage, headshots, portraits, food photography, and product photography. My clients are primarily small to medium-sized corporations, and my goal is to help them elevate their image by delivering high-quality visuals that reflect their values, goals, and brand identity. Whether it’s capturing the energy of a corporate event, showcasing the artistry of a culinary creation, or highlighting the unique qualities of a product, I strive to create images that resonate and tell a story.

One thing that sets me apart is my ability to connect with people and create a relaxed atmosphere during shoots. I believe that the best photographs come from moments when clients feel at ease and confident. I’m also deeply committed to providing a seamless, quality-focused service. My approach combines artistic vision with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each project is tailored to my client’s unique needs.

I’m incredibly proud of the journey that brought me here, especially the decision to take a leap of faith and build a career in New York—a city that constantly inspires me. I’m also proud of the trust my clients place in me and the positive feedback they share about my work. It’s their satisfaction that drives me to keep improving and innovating.

For anyone considering working with me, I want them to know that my mission is to go beyond just taking pictures. I’m here to create images that capture the essence of who they are or what their brand represents. Whether it’s a professional headshot, a product launch, or a milestone event, I aim to deliver results that leave a lasting impression. Photography isn’t just my profession; it’s my way of helping others tell their stories and share their vision with the world.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One of the things non-creatives might struggle to understand about a creative journey is the sheer amount of persistence and self-motivation it requires. Being a creative isn’t just about inspiration or talent—it’s about constantly pushing yourself to improve, even when progress feels slow or uncertain. There’s also the emotional investment; every project feels personal, and it’s hard not to tie your worth to how your work is received.

Another aspect is the balancing act between the artistic side of the craft and the business side. Many people see the finished product—a beautiful photograph, for example—but don’t realize the effort behind the scenes. There’s planning, editing, marketing, networking, and client communication, all of which require time and energy.

For me, one of the biggest challenges has been overcoming self-doubt and the fear of rejection. Putting your work out into the world makes you vulnerable, and it’s easy to second-guess yourself. But I’ve learned that growth comes from taking risks and being open to constructive feedback.

If there’s one insight I’d like to share, it’s that the creative journey is about embracing the process as much as the outcome. It’s not a straight path, and that’s okay. Every setback, every experiment, every lesson learned shapes who you are as an artist and as a person. For those considering a creative path, know that your passion and persistence will carry you further than you might think, even when the road feels tough.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely. My mission is to create meaningful and impactful images that not only meet my clients’ needs but also exceed their expectations. At the core of my work is a desire to tell stories—stories that highlight the uniqueness of a person, a product, or an event. I want my photography to resonate emotionally and visually, creating a lasting impression.

A big part of my goal is also about fostering connections. I believe that strong relationships with clients lead to better collaborations and, ultimately, better results. My aim is to make every client feel seen, understood, and valued throughout the process.

Beyond the images themselves, I’m driven by the challenge of constantly learning and evolving in my craft. Photography is an ever-changing field, and I’m passionate about staying ahead of trends, mastering new techniques, and pushing my creative boundaries. This commitment to growth ensures that I’m always delivering the highest quality work to my clients.

Ultimately, my mission is to help people and brands shine through photography. Whether it’s a professional headshot that boosts someone’s confidence or product imagery that helps a business succeed, I’m proud to play a part in their journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.tolipanphotos.com
• Instagram: instagram/tolipan
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tolipanphotos/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tolipan
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tolipan-photos-new-york

Image Credits

©Alexandre Tolipan
they are all mine