We’re looking forward to introducing you to Elvis Alvarez. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Elvis, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What battle are you avoiding?
Well, I wouldn’t say I’m avoiding the battle – it’s more that I’m fighting through it every day. I faced my anxiety head-on, even on the days when it feels overwhelming. It’s a constant push to regulate my thoughts and reclaim control over my emotional space. I try to not let it cloud my judgment and dictate my choices. It’s an internal battle that I have to combat with every day, as I’m learning how to manage – and eventually overcome – my anxiety by practicing discomfort and leave my comfort zone. I’m working to embrace the adversity and, through that, build mental resilience. That means being honest with myself, setting boundaries, and committing to healthier thoughts and behaviors—even when it feels exhausting. There are moments where I get stuck in my dark thoughts, but at the end, it’s all a mental game I need to control – one day at a time.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I’m Elvis Alvarez. I’m known as ea.optics (formerly e.alva95) in the Houston photography community. I was born and raised in Alief, which is in the Southwest part of Houston. I lived in Houston throughout my whole life, even attended to the University of Houston where I got my Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science in 2018. During my undergrad at UH, I started learning photography – not through classes, but through YouTube videos and shooting with my old Samsung Galaxy phone to learn the basics. I recall that I needed some time take a break from studying to de-stress myself. So, during my break, I would walk around the campus and capture some moments there. Sometimes between classes, I would go to downtown Houston to explore the city and capture some scenic views of the skyline from many perspectives, going from the narrow roads of Main Street to some of the high-rise parking lots. Photography was my escapism when I got stressed from my classes and studying.
In early 2017, I was able to save up enough money from my job in Old Navy to afford myself my first DSLR camera, which was the Canon T5. That’s when I began taking photography more seriously, even when it was treated as a small hobby at the time. I remember looking at some of photos that my friends were creating and posting online, and I wanted to replicate that type of photography. I wanted to keep progressing my photography skills as I was continuing to endure more exploration by expressing my creativity and documenting my journey as a photographer. Photography has become my passion.
Throughout shooting for more than eight years, I discovered that photography was more than just taking pictures—it became a way to connect with people, explore different perspectives, and appreciate the beauty of the craft. As my portfolio grew, so did my confidence. Sharing my work on social media and receiving feedback from the friends I’ve made along the way only deepened my passion. Looking back on my journey, the one thing I could have done to accelerate my growth would be dedicating more time specifically to photography. During my undergrad, and now with my career in Business Analysis taking priority, I haven’t had as much time to explore as I would’ve liked. Still, the growth I’ve experienced—however gradual—has brought me to where I am today. Balancing photography with my career and personal challenges has been tough, but I always find a way to make time to explore, connect with other photographers, and create lasting memories.
Over the years, I’ve developed a body of work that spans portraits, automotives, action like sports and running, nature, and urban landscapes, driven by a desire to capture emotion, atmosphere, and authenticity. Photography has become both a craft and a language for me—one that allows connection, reflection, and creative expression beyond words. I’m currently shooting with my Canon R8 with my Sigma 35mm & a Sigma 70-200mm, and it has captured lots of moments and memories. And to this day, I’m still out and about, capturing these moments.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The moment that truly shaped how I see the world was my trip to France in December 2023. It was my first time traveling internationally—and my first time traveling solo. I arrived in Paris without a strict itinerary. Of course, I was aware of the iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, but I wasn’t there to follow the tourist trail. I wanted to explore the city on my own terms, to savor the moments as they came—and to capture them through my lens.
I even brought a journal and took notes each day, recording the moments that stood out during my stay in Paris. It was a lovely experience, both personally and creatively. The City of Light offered more than just a rich history or beautiful architecture—it offered presence.
For once, I wasn’t chasing the perfect shot. I was simply observing. I found beauty in subtlety. I began focusing less on filling the frame and more on letting the moment speak for itself. The images I captured during that trip still feel deeply connected to how I saw—and felt—the city. Paris taught me that sometimes, in order to see clearly, you have to slow down completely.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
One of the fears that has held me back most—in both photography and life—is the fear of disappointing others. I’ve often worried that my work wouldn’t meet expectations, or that my choices might let people down. That fear sometimes made me second-guess my creative decisions or hesitate to fully express myself.
But over time, I’ve come to understand that living to please others can limit your own growth and happiness. Photography, especially, taught me that authenticity matters more than perfection. When I started focusing on what I wanted to see and share, rather than what I thought others expected, my work—and my peace of mind—improved. At the end, people tend to admire the authenticity of the moments rather than the perfection.
Disappointing others is a risk, but it’s a necessary one if you want to be true to yourself. Accepting that has been one of the most freeing lessons in my journey.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies that this industry tells itself is having the best gear to create high quality work. Recently, I have seen lots of new photographers shooting with a high end Sony cameras, expecting that they would capture some dope images from their projects. And some of the work I’ve seen it’s quite special, nor unique. It’s easy to fall into that mindset—believing that the next camera, lens, or editing software will suddenly unlock your creative potential or validate your work. But over time, I’ve learned that no amount of high-end equipment can replace how you see the world.
Focusing too much on gear can become a distraction. It can feed insecurity, make you question your ability, and pull you away from the very essence of photography: connection, perspective, emotion. True growth as a photographer comes not from upgrading your kit, but from refining your eye—and trusting your instincts.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
Basically, when I’m out traveling. Doesn’t matter if it’s domestic or international, I honestly feel like traveling gives me the opportunity to slow down, observe every moment. My senses are heightened, and I become more mindful of my surroundings. I do admire approaching to the unknown, accepting the fact that I might be lost in my journey. But peace comes from accepting that I don’t need to have it all figured out. I would say that traveling teaches you to observe, to adapt, and to let go. Personally, I often find a kind of peace when I’m outside from home.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ea.optics/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elvis-alvarez-401b51b3/
