Today we’d like to introduce you to Alina Avellaneda.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am an aspiring creative, graphic designer, and photographer in the Raleigh and surrounding areas! As an 18 year old Latina artist, the arts and creativity has been so important to me and my culture. Since I was a little girl, I was constantly thinking of new things to do, from ballet dancing to theater arts, crafts, music, and more, it was always in my blood. I had multiple interests and wanted to do everything I possibly could! Growing up, I was able to use my hobbies and interests as simple ways to earn money. From selling clay charms to selling slime, and writing books, my 12 to 15 year old self-taught I had it made! It wasn’t until my freshman year of high school when I knew things needed to get more serious. With talk about grades, college, careers, and everything else high schoolers never want to talk about, I didn’t know how to pick one or two things to major in. My creative mind made a scattered plan of college. I was to major in business or marketing, and later on determine what else I’d like to learn throughout those four years.
It wasn’t until January 2021, my junior year, where a small white SONY camera changed my entire life. I’m not exactly sure how the decision came to mind, but I knew I wanted to create a mix between photography and graphic design. I was already pretty knowledgeable in how to use my camera from previous vlogging experience and loved to design things. Little did I know the relationships I’d create, the opportunities I’d receive, and the places I’d go. I’m still amazed at all the endless opportunities I continue to receive, and the amazing bonds I get to make every day through my adventure. From photographing school sports and events to helping others make their first steps to creating their own business ventures, creating strong bonds with clients, and traveling around the world, there’s nothing else I’d rather do. I remember sitting in my room while making my first post on my account, just having a feeling that things would be different this time, and that this was more than just another interest of mine. This is what I was destined to do.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Although it wasn’t the smoothest road along the way, I am so grateful to have such supportive friends and family to help me when things get tough. They make things easier for me, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them. I have my fair share of long nights, stressful moments, back pains, and creative blockages, but they were always there for me, to push me and keep me going. Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, especially in high school and after the pandemic lockdown, so mental health is a very important subject for me since I used to struggle with anxiety so much. It’s so important to become aware of your own mental health, and any problems you may be having, for it can affect so much in your everyday life. Through research on my mental health and indulging myself in what I love to do, I was able to win my battle with anxiety, and I’ve never looked back. It’s amazing to see how much my life has changed since then, and how I’m doing everything I wasn’t comfortable with doing then, now. Although it wasn’t really a struggle since I started my adventure, it’s still very important to understand. If I never would have overcome this battle with my anxiety, I wouldn’t have continued my other interests, and it wouldn’t have led me to where I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a local North Carolina photographer and graphic designer that specializes in lifestyle, senior, mini-sessions, sports photography, and creating logos, flyers, graphics, and branding for events, businesses, and companies! I love to capture the perfect moments through my photography, meet new people, and turn ideas into reality! I believe what sets me apart from others is my personality and dedication to the game. I take everything into consideration when it comes to my photography and designing, and want to understand my client’s needs in order to meet them! I’m also an easy person to talk to and understand that not every client is comfortable in front of a camera, or understands exactly what they want when it comes to turning their ideas into reality. I also offer very cheap prices because as a creative artist, student, and a pandemic survivor, I understand not everyone has the money to start up their own business or purchase brand new outfits for their sessions. I feel everyone deserves the opportunity to be able to start investing in what they love to do, have beautiful pictures for their graduations, and other important events. Through research and time management, I was able to create the best prices for my time and work, while considering others. I also provide all my clients with outfit ideas if needed, inspiration pictures, poses, flexible dates, different types of packages, affordable pricing, and fun mini-sessions! I also offer great team modeling opportunities, fun q&as, giveaways, shootouts, styled sessions, and discounts to all my followers and photog’s! I share amazing content almost daily and plan monthly ideas to gain more exposure and friends! My main goal is making sure the experience is great and comfortable for my clients, and I’m always considering tips and tricks to make sure it’s the best for them. Throughout my journey, I am most proud of myself for continuing to push the limit, and never letting anything stop me along the way.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Some advice I have for networking and finding a potential mentor is through Facebook groups and Instagram ads! I took my first photography mentoring class in March of 2021, and I found it through an Instagram ad! It was completely free, and I learned amazing tips that were great for starting my photography journey. I also continue some light research for any other free courses like such, and continue to receive ads for free mentoring sessions! Along with that, I also join Facebook photography groups, and those often helped with any camera, lighting, and other photography-related questions. I also took graphic design courses through Canva, that are great for beginners and further understanding Canva. Using social media as a social tool rather an exposure tool helps create bonds with other photographers and can often give an extra set of eyes and a fresh mind to any ideas you may be thinking of! There may be a few people who will try to take or copy ideas, but once you find the perfect candidate, it can create an awesome pair, and could be a potential second shooter for events, and even a close friend! It’s very important to remain supportive to others in the same field!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shotbyalina.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotbyxalina/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alina.avellaneda.5
- Other: https://linktr.ee/shotbyalina
