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:
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:
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 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)