Life & Work with Alan Chavez of Cleveland

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alan Chavez

Hi Alan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Thank you for taking the time to ask about my story! I got into the industry because a photographer friend of mine told me there was money in this business.. and lots of it. Desperate for a new source of income that I’d enjoy, I went in and tested the waters on couples/weddings. I provide a fashion forward photo documentation experience that highlights your love life in a modern and cinematic style. I focus on the story behind the couple and fuse that with a fashion-forward mindset that is also embedded into our session/ wedding day.

The problem I have been having to solve for almost every couple that comes to me is that couples don’t know what to do in front of the camera/they are awkward, but I shower them with assurance and encouragement that with simple prompts and posing, I can turn them into magazine caliber models.

I love that I can say I am one of the very few Hispanic photographers in my area. I love being able to speak both languages on wedding day with families who are Spanish-speaking. For those that do know me, I am more than positive they would say that I have an electric and charismatic personality. I know most people are going to show up wedding day with a good attitude, but I show up with an abundance of joy and comedic energy, wanting to set the tone for the rest of the day/night.

I am most proud to be able to provide for my family, and to give such a service for couples/ new friends that inspire others to book with me. I definitely want potential clients to know that I do not take documenting your special days’ for granted. I want to capture the real/raw you and in doing so I will make you die laughing.

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?
In a sense, fortunately it has been a smooth journey for me thus far. I was very blessed from the beginning of my career to have the eye for this creative outlet, the personality to be able to carry conversations and meeting new people constantly. To have the patience for also dealing with some-what difficult clients.

I’d say one of the hardest things about working in this career is working from home and being a stay-at-home father to my three beautiful kids. My wife is a teacher at the local highshool nearby and only one of my kids is old enough to go to pre-school. So it’s pretty busy over here!

It’s mentally draining trying to work while they are all up. From taking one to pre-school to one wants “this”, the other wants “that”, the older ones want cookies for breakfast, one pushed the other/ the other is crying..etc,

So I now have a schedule I abide by so that I am able to spend quality time with them and not be distracted by my work and visa versa.

Apart from that, the only struggle I have noticed is the amount of inquiries that have gone down due to my recent and expected price increase. The struggle being that the quantity is coming down yet the quality of weddings/ clients are going up. No longer getting a flood of inquiries which was flattering, but have overcome the “struggle” of not being impatient and stressed about the quantity.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Hi! I’m Alan, Owner & Lead Photographer for Alan Chavez Photography and I have been documenting couples all around the United States since the beginning of 2019. For the past five years I have continued to evolve and perfect my delivery for wedding documentations. Always striving to be the best for my friends that trust so much in me and my perspective for documenting their special memories.
I would say I am known for my black and white imagery. For some reason they seem to stand out from the others I post.

Im most proud of where I am and where I’ve come from in life. Especially being married to the love of my life, Andrea. We celebrated five years this past May. She is the mother of my three beautiful children, Gatsby the first-born, Roman the sequel and Santiago the trilogy. The Chavez Family is typically seen at local high school basketball games supporting mom, at a nearby Chic-Fil-A or with family enjoying home-cooked hispanic meals.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can choose to work with me for their wedding experience and engagement by inquiring through my website.
Accepting limited amount of collaborations with style and class and if they fit a certain mood board.
Everyone can always support me by recommending me word of mouth and or sharing my photos on Instagram!

Pricing:

• Weddings starting at 4800
• Engagements starting at 750
• Family experiences starting at 450

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alanchavezphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanchavez/