About:

Raymond Alva (Rap) is a portrait photographer primarily working in the music space. Born and raised in Southern California, Alva naturally gravitates toward documenting the culture and people around him. His exploration of light and color seamlessly aligns with his desire to authentically depict the narratives before him. His work not only provides a fresh and alternative viewpoint but also helps us understand the similarities and differences between us all. When he's not photographing artists or those around him, Alva can be found DJing with friends, skating at his local skatepark, or catching the latest A24 film.  

Raymond is currently residing in riverside, ca (located centrally, about an hour from Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and San Diego), but is available for travel. 

Contact:

rap@raymondalva.com

@rapberry

select Clients:

billboard, Hypebeast, nike, undefeated, Born X Raised, NPR, Cuervo, Youth to the People, Adobe, Southwest Airlines, Capitol Records, Atlantic Records, motown records, Columbia records, Twenty Twenty London, Recess Studios, Astana Music, Culture Co, Reach Records, Lords Child Worldwide, Indie Tribe, The Send, Black Roses, and Sandals Church.

EXHIBITIONS:

2025 Apa Los Angeles - Off the clock 

2024 Apa San Francisco - Something personal 

2024 Apa Los Angeles - Off the clock 

2023 American Photography 39

2022 Apa San Diego - Untitled Showcase

2022 Smashbox Assistants Show 

2022 Gramercy - So Long Summer Show 

2022 CBU Spring Group Show 

2022 Gramercy - Locals Only Group Show 

2021 Sandals Church - Young Adults Group Showcase

2020 Self-Curated Show - Finding Beauty

Awards:

2025 Apa Los Angeles - Off the clock 

2025 American Photography 41 (Chosen)

2025 Communication Arts Photography Shortlist

2024 Apa Los Angeles - Off the clock “Best in show”

2024 Communication Arts Photography Shortlist

2023 American Photography 39 (Selected and Chosen)

2023 Communication Arts Photography Shortlist

2022 Monster Children Skate Competition Finalist

2022 Apa San Diego Untitled - Honorable Mention

2022 International Photography Awards - Honorable Mention

2022 American Photography 38 (Chosen)

2022 Communication Arts Photography Shortlist

2022 Communication Arts Student Showcase Feature

2021 International Photography Awards - Honorable Mention

2020 Richard Patrick Memorial Photography Scholarship - National Student Show And Conference 17 (Best Photography Portfolio)

Interviews:

APA Off The Clock 2024 Best In Show Winner:  Raymond Alva

RAW Talent with Raymond Alva - Capture One Pro - 2023

Fresh Feature - Communication Arts - 2022

Tiny, Little Interview: Rapberry - Jake Driscoll - 2021

a conversation with my touring photographer. - Montell Fish - 2020