Ray Alvarez

Photographer

Upstate NY

5 favorite musical artists of all time?

1. Micheal Jackson

2. Jay z

3. Miguel

4. Billy Joel

5. Farruko

How do you keep your creative drip going? 

Overwhelming response by my clients and music. Family is key. I am a walking camera, everything I see can be a photograph. I love a challenge.

If you could talk to your favorite creative for an hour, who would it be and why? 

Oh man, it would definitely be Joshua Dwain. He is like one of my FAVORITE in the photography world. He is HUMBLE and I know I could pick his brain!

What is the last thing you learned?

Some makeup skills from my wife.

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Remain HUMBLE!

What advice would you give to creatives of color looking to pursue their passion full-time?

Practice makes perfect, go out and shoot. If it is in your mind, create it!

What are you working on right now?

Editing a dope photoshoot I shot last night of a queen!

What inspires you?

To be different. Different is a MAJOR and important word in my vocabulary. I LOVE to be different. Stand out from the rest.

Describe your dream job. 

I'm living it!

What skill(s) would you develop of you had more time?

My lighting skills. Specifically, different lighting scenarios.

What industry blogs/websites/podcasts do you enjoy?

I don't listen to podcasts.. I am more of a visual guy. IG is usually where I browse new work and new art.

What do you think the future holds for people of color in creative industries? 

Things are changing! Rapidly!