We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alvaro Valiente a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alvaro, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Developing confidence and self-esteem has been an ongoing journey, shaped by my experiences both behind the camera and through personal growth. I began my career as a programmer, which was a much more solitary role compared to photography. Switching to a creative field, especially one where you’re often collaborating with brands or capturing spontaneous moments, pushed me out of my comfort zone.
Working with high-profile brands like Zara Home and Estrella Galicia among others, I learned to trust my vision. Early on, I felt the pressure of these big names, but as I saw my work appreciated and published, I gained a sense of validation. Over time, this experience taught me that my ideas and creativity could hold up even in the most challenging projects.
A huge boost for my confidence also came from teaching. Creating a course in Landscape and Nature Photography, which now has thousands of students and positive reviews, made me realize that my knowledge and skills could inspire others. Helping others improve their craft strengthened my belief in my own abilities.
Ultimately, confidence came from putting in the work, learning from setbacks, and seeing the impact of my work on people and brands.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Álvaro Valiente, a photographer and videographer with a passion for visual storytelling. My work is all about capturing the essence of moments and people in a way that feels authentic and memorable. What excites me most is the creative process—the thrill of taking a concept and transforming it into images or videos that resonate with people on a deeper level.
One of the most special aspects of what I do is the blend of technical skill and intuition. Photography and videography demand both precision and spontaneity, and I love balancing those elements to create visuals that feel impactful. Whether it’s a candid moment, an intricate scene, or a carefully directed shot, I’m always striving to make each project unique and unforgettable.
Ultimately, my goal is to evoke emotion and tell a story through my lens, creating images and videos that speak for themselves and leave a lasting impression.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities stand out as crucial in my journey: resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to constant learning. Each of these shaped me as both a photographer and videographer and helped me build a career in a competitive, ever-evolving industry.
1. Resilience: Creative fields come with a fair share of challenges and rejection. Early on, I faced setbacks and criticism, which can feel personal when it’s your art on the line. However, learning to take feedback constructively and push forward made all the difference. My advice? Don’t be discouraged by early challenges or rejections. Treat them as learning experiences and a chance to improve. Growth often comes from the toughest moments.
2. Adaptability: In photography and videography, no two projects are the same, and working with different brands or clients requires being flexible with style, technique, and direction. This is especially true if you’re working across both stills and motion like I do. For those starting out, practice different styles, experiment with various techniques, and don’t shy away from unfamiliar projects. The ability to adapt makes you versatile and more valuable in the long run.
3. Commitment to Learning: Both photography and videography are fields that evolve rapidly, with new tools, techniques, and trends emerging constantly. I stay up-to-date by studying other artists’ work, attending workshops, and continuously experimenting. My advice? Never stop learning. Seek out new skills, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to invest in your education.
Ultimately, these qualities and skills make the difference between staying stagnant and continuously growing in your craft.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I’m always open to collaborations with creative, passionate people who bring fresh perspectives and energy. I’m especially interested in working with individuals or brands that value storytelling and have a strong vision. Whether it’s a unique project, a brand with a compelling story, or even other photographers, videographers, and creatives looking to explore new ideas, I’d love to connect.
If you’re reading this and think we could create something impactful together, feel free to reach out to me through my Instagram @alvarovaliente or via email [email protected]. Let’s make something unforgettable!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alvarovaliente.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alvarovaliente/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alvarovalientephoto
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvarovalienteherrero/
- Twitter: https://x.com/alvarovaliente_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alvarovaliente
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@alvarovaliente
https://www.tiktok.com/@alvarovaliente_
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