Today we’d like to introduce you to Alfonso Martinez.
Alfonso, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started in San Antonio, Texas. I discovered my love for photography during my last years of high school, I began to learn everything I could and saved enough money to buy a camera. I started applying to any photography gig I could find, and soon after I began photographing portraits, events, marathons, and whatever project came my way I happily accepted. My goal was to gain as much experience as possible to then apply to my own business.
Once I had all the tools, I needed I started my own photography business under the name “AM photography”. After a few years of experimenting with my art style and finding my vision, I decided I wanted to rebrand as “AREA51 Media”. I wanted my brand and images to complement this new era in my life. Since then I’ve created work, I am so proud of. Purchasing that camera changed my life, it took me to so many beautiful places and has led me to some amazing people.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but I can’t say I regret any of it. Motivation, burnout, and self-doubt were some of my struggles along the way. During the beginning of the pandemic, I felt this the most. After being locked in for a few months I struggled to even come up with an idea for a shoot. My drive & creativity were completely gone; I lost the vision for my goals. After a long pandemic and a bit of soul searching in California, I saw it in a different light, I began to feel the excitement & joy for it again.
I saw it as an opportunity to express myself and share my art with the world. Now that I have gotten over those hurdles, I’ve learned that those setbacks are just opportunities to come back stronger. Every struggle I’ve come across in my career & personal life has only led me to a greater opportunity. If I could go back and tell myself one thing, it would be to remain hopeful and focused. It gets better.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a full-time photographer.
My favorite style of photography lately has been studio photography. I enjoy the control it allows you to have with the outcome of the image. I am known for my portrait photography, over the years it has allowed me to gain experience with people of all ages. I am so proud of myself for getting this far, I am proud of the growth because all of this felt impossible a few years ago. I cannot wait to keep growing creatively through my art.
My favorite part about the job is the creative process, there is something about bringing the ideas in my head to life that makes me so happy.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising many people might not know is my plan on adding graphic design to my business, I am currently working on perfecting my skills to be able to create different forms of digital art. I am excited about the direction my work is taking and what the future might bring.
Contact Info:
- Website: chillinarea51.com
- Instagram: @chillinarea51
