Meet Sebastian Alvarez | Photographer & Sports Performance Trainer

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

Hi Sebastian, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business actually stemmed from my current job responsibilities as a trainer at Per4orm. I quickly noticed that the business needed more content to help build the business and began taking pictures and videos which quickly turned into a passion for me. I initially began taking photos with my bosses small Sony a600, which he would lend to me. As I began to get better and started receiving compensation for this “side hustle” I decided to invest in myself and buy my own equipment. little by little I would upgrade my equipment and continue to practice. In reality I am a trainer first and photographer second, and that combination has been a huge contributor to the content that I am able to produce. Because of my training background, I have a pretty good feel for what different shots will look like on the field and in the weight room. I have also been very fortunate to work with some high profile athletes who frequent the gym that I work at. Ultimately I would have to say that this combination was the thought process behind starting my own business, as well as a key factor in my success thus far.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would say what sets me apart from other sports photographers is the fact that I am also a sports performance trainer. This helps me in the sense that I understand what movements may look good and which movements may look bad. Having this background as a trainer also allows me to put myself into certain positions/angles to get various shots that most other photographers couldn’t get because they lack the understanding of what is or will happen in most of the drills/movements. Without this knowledge, you run the risk of injury or even worse, interference with the training at hand. I also know not to post a picture of athletes using bad technique, posture, and or form.

I got to where I am today because my constant my focus on getting better. It was definitely not easy mainly because I was self taught. I had to teach myself everything about the camera: from the settings to even learning how to use editing software. It was and still is a constant learning experience.

Another challenge that I face is time management, seeing that this is not my full time job. It is difficult to shoot, edit and/or practice with the camera because my main source of income is training. Not to mention, balancing being a father to my 3 year old son, so when I do find time to shoot, I cherish it.

Some 0f the lessons I’ve learned along the way are:
1. If you’re good at something, never do it for free.
2. Be open to shooting anything & everything. That includes athletes, real estate, food, boutiques, brands and more.
3. Maintain your thirst for knowledge and build your network. You can and will always learn something new from someone in the industry.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a beach bum at heart, so we would definitely have to spend a few of our days on the beaches of Ft. Lauderdale. As I have previously mentioned, I work at gym called Per4orm and wouldn’t let my guest go an entire week with out getting a lift in. As far as the grub department goes, here are a few of my favorites:
-Shooters (for brunch)
-Tin fish (seafood)
-Sovereign (my go-to lunch spot for poke)
-CJ Blacks (good food and one of the best smokey old fashioned’s in town)
-Taco Stand (a Wynwood staple)
Just to name a few
And for drinks I would definitely go to Wynwood and bar hop to a couple spots like 1 800 Lucky, Wood Tavern , and El patio.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely wouldn’t be where I am right now without the support, guidance, mentorship and love from everyone at Per4orm. That being said my biggest driving factor in life right now is my 3 year old son Luciano. Not a day goes by that I don’t go above and beyond to do all I can for my family.

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