© Raymond Alva, 2024 Off The Clock Best In Show winning image - Grow, Levi 2023
Your winning image comes from a larger personal project called “Grow”. You say we are always growing in some way - how do you feel you’re growing (in your life) and in your photography?
Currently, I find myself growing a lot in general. I recently got married, and that alone has pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t realize I needed to. I’m currently learning what it means to be a husband and balance that with the life of being a freelance photographer. Being a freelance artist has its challenges, and those challenges come with a lot of sacrifices at times. I’m blessed with a great family, community, and job that allows me to do what I love, but the hard part is figuring out how to balance it all.
What has it been like for you documenting your nephew throughout his life?
It’s been so fun and refreshing. That work is very different from my usual work, and it’s nice because it doesn’t feel like “work.” It’s opened my eyes a lot about the importance of documenting those around you. It’s helped me appreciate the small moments in life that we might overlook. But in reality, those are the special times that shape us into who we are. It’s been amazing, too, because taking photos of him throughout his life has helped us bond in a fun way. He LOVES being in front of the camera and always tries to steal my camera to take his own photos. He turned 6 last month, and for his birthday, I got him a little point-and-shoot camera. He was so pumped!
© Raymond Alva
You have another personal project called “Grandma” which I love! How did this come about?
Oh, this was a fun one! We shot this back in college, and I decided to make it a little more personal than just another school project. Because I had been learning more about the importance of documenting my family, I started to think about other people in my family I needed to document. My grandma was a no-brainer on who I needed to shoot next. She is known to be quite a character. If you know her, you know how real and honest she can be. She speaks how she feels, and if you don’t like it, that’s on you! Since I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown to appreciate her willingness to be real and transparent. I see it now as confidence, and I think there is something truly beautiful about that. She’ll roast you at times but also care for you when you need it most.
© Raymond Alva
Do you have more personal projects that you’re working on or that you want to pursue?
Another personal project of mine involves showcasing the same camp experience I grew up having as a kid. I started going to summer camp when I was in 3rd grade, and this past year marked my 16th consecutive summer there. For the last 5 years, I’ve been going as a photographer, documenting the entire week. Summer camp holds a special place in my heart, and that’s because I actually got introduced to photography when I was a freshman in high school at camp. I became friends with some people who were photographers and naturally wanted to do what they did. The next year, for my birthday, I got a camera, and I’ve been shooting ever since. My camp experience is the reason I’m here today, and I’m so grateful for it. Apart from that, though, camp in general has shaped me so much. It was always my favorite week of the year, and many of my closest friends today are people I met there.
Do you find that submitting to contests, such as Off The Clock, has been a help for your career? How do you choose which ones to enter?
Totally! Contests like this one or American Photography or Comm Arts have been influential to me and my career. I’ve met so many people by going to different gallery showcases and even just through social media, interacting with the other winners as well as the judges. It’s given me reasons to travel to new places and network in ways where I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to. I usually choose which contests to enter based on where other photographers I look up to are entering. If I want to be working in the same spaces as them, I’ll enter the same contests as well.
Final question: What gets you up in the morning and inspires you?
Oh man, lots of things. I think first off is the love and support from my wife and family. The freelance life is hard at times, but they’ve been nothing but supportive throughout the whole journey. They remind me how much of a gift life is. There’s always something to celebrate and be thankful for, and I don’t know if I would realize that if it weren’t for the people around me. Another thing that inspires me is just knowing that I get to do my favorite thing in the world for a living. I get to be creative, make art, make my own schedule, take time off, meet cool people, geek out over equipment, work with my friends, and so much more. This job truly is a gift, and I’m so thankful for it.
© Raymond Alva
Raymond Alva (rap) is a portrait photographer primarily working in the music and youth scene. Being born and raised in Southern California, Alva naturally found himself documenting the culture and people within these spaces. At their core, these individuals and stories are often described as having a nonconforming spirit, being liberated from others' perceptions and refusing to conform to the societal norm. Alva's exploration of light and color seamlessly harmonizes with his desire to authentically depict the narratives before him. His work not only provides a fresh and alternative viewpoint but also cultivates an understanding of the similarities and differences between us all. When not shooting with music artists or those around him, Alva can be found at the local DIY skate spot or the movie theater, catching the latest Roger Deakins film. While primarily working in Southern California, he is available for travel. You can find him on Instagram at @Rapberry
