Rachel's Photo Creative Hub

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Welcome to the Chelfoto photography section, the online image portfolio of Rachel Alvarado (Strevey), a talented Chicago-based photographer. Rachel specializes in travel locations, product photography, portraiture, and event photography. Her work captures the essence of modern culture through stunning urban and lifestyle images.

About Rachel Alvarado

Rachel Alvarado brings a unique blend of artistic vision and professional expertise to her photography. With a strong background in communications, she has been honing her craft since 2008 as a professionally published photographer with iStockphoto of Getty Images. Her experience spans various genres and locations, making her a versatile and skilled visual storyteller.

Professional Experience

Rachel has a rich portfolio that includes:

Travel and Location Photography: Exploring and photographing diverse travel locations, Rachel's images offer a window into the beauty of the world’s cultures at many destinations.

Product Photography: Creating captivating images highlighting the uniqueness and culture on various calendars, high-quality art prints, and other products inspiring adventure.

Portraiture: A formal photo-shoot session can be done on-location for professional headshots, student photos, or with loved ones to create a gallery of memories to share and look back on through generations.

Event Photography: Capturing the vibrancy and diversity of Chicago family celebrations and professional events with a keen eye for detail and emotion.

Wedding Photography: Documenting over 60 weddings in the Chicago area and beyond, Rachel excels at preserving the precious moments of a couple's special day.

Artistic Vision

Rachel's images are a photo-journalistic study of modern culture. She has a talent for recording beautiful and unique moments, which is evident in her urban and lifestyle print selections. Her work provides a fresh perspective on everyday life, capturing the spirit and vibrancy of the world around us.

Whether you're looking for a photographer to capture life's special moments or to bring your products to life through compelling imagery, Rachel Alvarado's portfolio is sure to impress. Explore ChelFoto.com to discover the artistry and passion that define Rachel's photographic journey.

Contact Rachel to photograph your family or special event today.

Chelfoto Digital Media
Capturing unique moments

Thank you for stopping by my Chelfoto images site and supporting photography art. Let's take on new adventures, stop to smell the roses for coffee breaks and life celebrations, and take in the joy of unique moments.

With Gratitude,

-Rachel

Contact me directly with questions:

Rachel(at)Chelfoto.com

Inspired by Unique Moments

I love documenting special times and inspirational destinations like Chicago.

Rachel Alvarado taking pictures on location.

Chelfoto Digital Media:

Capturing Unique Moments and Inspiring Adventures via photography and digital products

As a seasoned photographer with years of experience in travel, stock, and family events photography, I am thrilled to share my passion through Chelfoto. My dream has always been to distribute my images in ways that inspire people to savor life's precious moments, seek new adventures, and cherish time with loved ones.

Photography is a Reminder to Embrace Life’s Beauty

The photographs available at Chelfoto are more than just images. They serve as reminders to:

- Take Time to 'Smell the Roses': Life moves quickly, and it's important to pause and appreciate the beauty around us.

- Seek New Adventures: Whether it’s traveling to a new destination or trying something different, adventure awaits.

- Celebrate with Loved Ones: Spending time with family and friends is invaluable. Celebrate those connections through cherished memories.

Visit the Chelfoto Photography Gallery

Get Inspired to Explore Travel Destinations with Stunning Photography

At Chelfoto, in the Photography gallery you will find a curated collection of travel locations and scenic prints that are perfect for bringing a touch of the world into your home. These are hosted on Smugmug and there is lots more selection to purchase prints there. Each photo is crafted to evoke emotion and inspire action, turning everyday spaces into reminders of life’s wonders.

Link to view portfolio on iStock by Getty images

History:

Chelfoto is an outlet to study and document culture wherever it may be. Being a Chicago-based wedding photographer has made it even more interesting with international families celebrating with style in front of a stunning city backdrop. Photography has taught me that capturing moments on a global scale only enhances my day-to-day perspective at home in Chicago and so became Chelfoto Digital Media.

Photos contain memories that hold significance to someone. From the point of getting to know clients, being invited to anniversary parties and events, turning the corner and seeing your work framed in someone’s home, raising more than $2,000 for a Gallery Fundraiser using prints taken after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, or getting published on an international photography website, are all the same reason why this will always be a significant part of life. This is something I take very seriously and I’m constantly searching to document the most important meaningful moments for my clients.

Photography comes from a very personal place for me. This act of capturing significant memories started early. My mother was also a photographer, which she learned from her dad, and one of our favorite hobbies when I was young was to take photo walks. “Line up the bumble bees in the middle,” she would say when teaching me to use her manual Canon camera to focus. That’s right, manual. No autofocus at the time! Then when I got older, we started entering photos into competitions and won first-place blue ribbons in return! She bought me my first 35mm in 1995, an SLR Canon Rebel after that, and then I was hooked! Her nickname for me was “Chel.”

Photography is a way to study culture. In 1999, I photographed a volunteer trip to Monterrey, Mexico and every year since there has been an international trip with camera in-hand to do the same. Destinations include Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, Haiti, Hungary and much of the Americas, Caribbean and Europe. Along the way I’ve learned Spanish and some German. It’s simpler because ‘foto’ is spelled the same in both languages.

To view gallery of Worldwide scenic pictures and travel photography featured by Getty images and other online publications, click here: http://chelfoto.smugmug.com/Travel, https://secure.istockphoto.com/portfolio/chelfoto#6ab15fd

Note: A portion of proceeds support World Vision, an international relief organization. http://www.worldvision.org/