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

Hi Alex, how do you think about risk?
Risks these days have a whole different meaning in this world of uncertainty. I do know that change is constant and these days are quite extreme. These extreme changes require more extreme steps that often come with higher risks or more uncertainty. My outlook is that it is now or never. Do what you need to do now. Let your passion lead you but be smart! Hope for the best prepare for the worst. I know these are cliche but we all take risk, but taking big risks can have more fruitful and innovative results. I recently took a risk to travel to LAFW and NYFW as a freelance photographer. I risked time away from family, time away from day job, money, and covid exposure. But it has brought me global connections, lessons, and opportunities (both creatively and financially).

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always had a passion to express my creativity. It originally started as a house music DJ. I was not as successful as my peers but was privileged to be in the presence of pioneers of this genre of music. So what did if was not DJ’ing? Well, I picked up camera and started shooting. I always felt moments needed to be captured. Friends in the industry recognized my skill and invited me to photograph amazing parties across the planet. Fast forward my days of DJ’ing I found a close relation with music, photography, and fashion. Focusing on fashion photography excited me the most amongst the genres of photography. But I quickly realized how competitive and hard it is to be a full time fashion photographer. So I decided to focus on my own journey. Most recently, it consists of shooting fashion shows across the nation and in godspeed in the near future around the world. This thirst has opening up great opportunities that not only help make what I do sustainable and profitable but also take my craft to the next level. Of course not easy as anyone would do it. It took having a positive attitude, strategy, and hard work to make things happen!

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?
Locally? I honestly would just focus on having my best friend connect with old friends that are still in the area. My best friend and I have experienced so much in life and frankly we have been blessed. Sure I would take my best friend to new restaurants he may not have experienced yet. But we are the type of friends who would simply be content hanging with friends and family in a garage barbecuing and having 1 or 2 drinks.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many persons who have influenced me in this journey of photography. Once person who stands out is Mireya Villarreal founder of PinkPewter. She is an international motivational speaker, educator, business woman, and stylist. She is a reminder to me that anything is possible given you take the right steps to “kick ass”. In addition she has reinforced to believe in yourself 🙂

Website: www.alexcallejo.com

Instagram: AC_Photography_Chicago

Linkedin: Alex Callejo

Facebook: Alex Callejo

Yelp: AC Photography Chicago

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