We were lucky to catch up with Alvaro Valiente recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alvaro, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

For me, success is a combination of passion, persistence, and the courage to embrace uncertainty. I studied Computer Engineering and when I decided to shift from programming to photography, it was a huge risk. I had a stable career, but there was something in me that wasn’t fulfilled. I realized that to be successful, I needed to follow what truly made me feel alive, even if it meant stepping into the unknown.

Success isn’t just about reaching a specific goal; it’s about the journey and how you grow along the way. It’s about constantly pushing yourself, learning new skills, and adapting to change. It’s about staying true to your vision, even when things get tough. And most importantly, it’s about finding fulfillment in what you do every day.

The most notable moment in my life was when I made the decision to leave my programming job, as I mentioned before. I had always been passionate about photography, but it was something I did on the side, just for fun. The idea of turning it into a career was both thrilling and terrifying. There were so many uncertainties, what if I failed? What if I wasn’t good enough? But deep down, I knew I had to try.

I remember one of my first big projects as a photographer. It was for Estrella Galicia, a well known brand. The pressure was intense, I wanted to prove to myself that I had made the right choice. The shoot was challenging, but when I saw the final images, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. It wasn’t just about the photos; it was about the realization that I could make a living doing something I loved. That experience reinforced my belief that success is about taking risks, trusting your instincts, and never giving up, even when the path isn’t clear.

Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with amazing brands like Zara Home and travel the world capturing beautiful moments. Each experience has taught me something new and has shaped my understanding of what it means to be successful.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Alvaro Valiente, a photographer and videographer originally from Spain, now based in Los Angeles. My journey into this industry is a bit unconventional. I studied Computer Engineering in Salamanca, Spain and later pursued a master’s in video game creation & design in Barcelona, Spain. For several years, I worked as a programmer, but I always had a deep curiosity about photography. It started as a hobby, something I did on the side, but over time, it became my true passion. Eventually, I made the bold decision to leave my stable career in programming to pursue photography and videography full-time.

I specialize in creating visually stunning content that captures the essence of the subject, whether it’s for a brand, a product, or a destination. I’ve had the privilege of working with renowned companies in Spain like Estrella Galicia and Zara Home, where I’ve produced everything high-impact photographies and videos. My work is all about storytelling, creating images and videos that evoke emotion and tell a story in a way that’s both compelling and authentic.

What sets me apart is my hybrid approach, I blend my technical background with my creative instincts. This allows me to approach projects with a unique perspective, combining precision and artistry to deliver content that not only looks great but also resonates on a deeper level. I’m not just taking photos or shooting videos; I’m creating experiences, moments that people can connect with.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the diversity of my portfolio. I’ve had the opportunity to travel the world, capturing the beauty of different cultures and landscapes, and each project has pushed me to evolve as an artist. Whether it’s a product shoot or a travel video, I approach each project with the same level of dedication and passion.

For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that my work is driven by a genuine love for what I do. I’m always striving to innovate, to push the boundaries of what’s possible, and to create content that not only meets their needs but exceeds their expectations. My goal is to make every project a collaboration, where we work together to bring their vision to life in the most creative and impactful way possible.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect with people and places on a deeper level through my work. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about capturing a moment, an emotion, or a story that resonates with others, whether it’s a simple photograph or a complex video I love the challenge of translating a concept or a feeling into a visual experience that can move, inspire, or provoke thought.

Every time I see someone react to my work, whether it’s a client who’s thrilled with how their vision came to life, or someone who’s touched by an image I’ve captured, I’m reminded why I do what I do. It’s about more than just creating something beautiful; it’s about making a connection, leaving an impact, and knowing that my work has the power to evoke emotions and tell stories that might otherwise go untold.

As an artist, I’m constantly evolving, learning, and experimenting, and that journey of growth is incredibly rewarding in itself. But ultimately, it’s the connections I make through my work that give me the most satisfaction. Knowing that I can use my skills to bring a sense of wonder, joy, or reflection to others is what drives me to keep pushing the boundaries of my creativity.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media has been a journey of consistency, authenticity, and storytelling. When I first started, I didn’t focus on the numbers; I focused on sharing my work and my passion for photography and videography. I made it a point to consistently post content that I was proud of, whether it was a finished project or a behind-the-scenes glimpse into my creative process. I wanted to give people a reason to follow me—not just for the visuals, but for the stories and the value I could provide.

A key moment that helped me grow was when I started posting more videos. I realized that while photos could capture a moment, videos allowed me to tell a fuller story and connect with my audience on a deeper level. Whether it was a short video, a cinematic montage, or even just a behind-the-scenes clip, video content brought a dynamic element to my feed that resonated with people.

For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to stay true to yourself and your work. Post consistently, but don’t just post for the sake of it—make sure what you’re sharing reflects your passion and creativity. Engage with your followers, respond to comments, and build genuine relationships. Social media is as much about connection as it is about content. And remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on building a community around your work rather than chasing quick gains, and your audience will grow organically over time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alvarovaliente.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alvarovaliente/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alvarovalientephoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvarovalienteherrero/
• Twitter: https://x.com/alvarovaliente_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alvarovaliente
• Other: Threads: https://www.threads.net/@alvarovaliente
  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alvarovaliente_