Meet Alex Cortez | Photographer & Barista & Hummus lover

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Cortez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, how does your business help the community?
I think my business helps both. So I grew up with three other siblings, and while our mom was always working to feed us and keep a roof over our heads, we also don’t really remember a time where she wasn’t making time for us. She nurtured our individual selves and goals and gave us so much love that I live to carry on into my business and personal relationships. With each wedding, or even inqueries, my goal first and foremost is to carry that same love and fun, nurturing spirit that my mom to this stay still gives to us, and encourage my clients to be themselves and show them how beautiful being themselves can be.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Well, I’ve always enjoyed art in all forms – from acrylic painting, to piano, and especially comedy. I did plenty of painting growing up that was well received, and even got scholarships for it in college. In high school I got really into piano which developed into me getting into the marching band drum line, and in all of those moments in my life, with the ups and downs I laughed a lot. From just funny Appalachian people I’ve met that I would randomly think about, or just thinking of a random comedy bit. It carried me through the stress of the good and bad, and I think allowed me to really love to be in the moment. I think that’s what sets me apart from others, and I think my work reflects that, especially with my lame dad jokes thrown in between shots. Seeing the cringe upon clients faces and the inevitable laughter that comes with it. There’s such a vulnerability shown in those moments, and showing that human condition — that stupid thing we all find funny. I love photographing that reaction, and It’s certainly one of the things I’m most proud of. It makes everyones day just a little bit easier and certainly keeps everyone in the moment.

I got to where I am today because of the unconditionally love and support from my mother. Always supporting my creative endeavors, especially when the scholarships came in, I think then we both knew this really could be something. But I had to start and stop college so many times because of money, and accepting that downward momentum every other semester while somewhat relieving, (because yay no school,) was definitely upsetting. It seemed like my goals were constantly being torn further away from me. However, I think in those moments thereafter was when I really learned to just go with the flow, be in the moment, and open to change, which is ideal in photography. Towards the end of my visual arts degree, I ended to get a decent camera to document my studio work, and at the end of one summer semester a friend of mine, Madeline, wanted me to photograph her wedding, It was smooth as can be and so rewarding to photograph all the love, and all the connection I made both from human and business wise, was so organic and seamless. It felt like the next step artistically, and I enjoyed the social component a lot more than the work I was painting, which was pretty isolating. This career made me learn how important it is to connect with others, and not because you might earn some business or because you might bump elbows with someone important. Connecting with others, with meaning and without intention, can fill you up with so much positivity and energy. Connecting with others taught me how important and easy it is to pass positivity and energy to others. Doing this has improved my outlook on relationships, and what I put into them.

Connection and kindness is my brand, but more importantly I want others to know how important how important being open to change is. I never would’ve expected doing photography at this point ten years ago. Of course I knew I loved painting, but at other points I wanted to be a storyboard artist, a tattoo artist, and even a teashop owner at one point! Haha. I didn’t know anything about photography, but it has let me experience and learn so dang much. I’m so fulfilled in this work and while I still have a long way to go I’m so excited for all of it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Bakery. It’s this — or was this amazing DIY space/ art gallery/community arts center/ general event space. Authentic community and such interesting collaborations of work. I’ve even went to punk shows there. It’s absolutely amazing. It actually closed down last year I think, BUT THEY WILL be back at some point this year! And I’m so looking forward to that. Hmmm, Ponce city market of course, skyline park is a great time for the view, cute pictures, and drinks! Haha. It’s a really easy and fun location to get to. Oooh and RJ Thomas Deluxe Grill is an cool spot for food — Literally any food you’d want after a day out with your friends — I’m talkin’ burgers, omelettes, — hash browns as far as the eye can see, and the best French toast. It’s also so cool it’s all in this like tropical ambiance with like plants everywhere, and funky lighting, and cute birds. Yes birds. It’s so neat.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Mai De Leon-Algarin at Good Studio Co! She has always been so inviting to discuss photography tips and the management side of owning a business, as well as just being open and honest to discuss personal problems. Her work ethic and how she communicates with other people trying to grow in this field is such a motivation for me.

Instagram: Instagram.com/alexcophotography

Other: https://www.gofundme.com/f/cczvd-helping-with-cancer?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer This is my cousins cancer relief donation link.

Image Credits
instagram.com/alexcophotography