Carlos Alvarado

Teaches at Live Picture Studios

When studying Carlos Alvarado's work, one can immediately see that each captured image evokes true emotion. Spending a number of years in the fashion industry prompted Carlos to develop a fascination with the human face. He explains, "one expression alone can truly encapsulate all of the emotions that make up a particular moment. My goal is not to take a ton of pretty pictures but to to tell a complete story. On the day of a shoot, I am in search of the perfect expression of the moment. I always ask my clients, “Do you want pictures… or do you want a STORY?"   

The desire to document authentic stories, that capture a particular time or moment, is what peaked Carlos' interest in the wedding industry. After spending a solid five years working alongside other wedding photographers, he has spent the last five years as a lead photographer.  "There is no other industry that prepares you more for storytelling than this one.  I embrace all types of lighting, be it high noon or a dark interior. I may have an entire portfolio of images that feel dramatic due to the conditions of that particular day. 

If it's overcast, then I am going to try to match the ambient light that I have. On the contrary, a bright and sunny day will allow me utilize big ambient shots for a much lighter and vivacious story. Ultimately, I work with what I have and try not to alter the setting, as that takes away from the integrity of the moment."

This "transitional" style of photography has made it particularly enjoyable for Carlos to document love stories of various cultural backgrounds such as: Greek Orthodox, Indian Christian Orthodox, Coptic, Hindu, Catholic, Jewish, and Christian. I find wedding photography thrilling because no two moments are ever the same, yet the unifying theme is always love."

One fundamental part of Carlos' work which supersedes all else is building a relationship with his couples. "Body language is like radar for me. Often times, when I meet a couple, I will warmly shake their hands, or even give them a hug. I want to get to know them. I ask a lot of questions. I may ask them, ‘are you a family person?’  Some people are more private than others. For the people who are not as open, I make sure that I make the best effort to connect with them before the day of the wedding. Every artist needs inspiration before they proceed. Understanding who my couples are and what is important to them is my responsibility and my ultimate goal."

Teamwork is important to Carlos as well. He prides himself on his ability to direct a shoot and communicate in a relaxed but precise way, so that the day stays on track. However, working with his second and third photographers always adds numerous benefits to the couple’s narrative. “While we may have additional images, it is not necessarily about obtaining MORE but rather about having different perspectives of that same moment in the story. Of course, you want that “money shot”, but you have to think of the ‘connection’ between moments in a particular story. You want those four or five reaction shots that link the main moment together and complete the story. In the end, unless the viewer is affected by your work, you haven’t done your job.”