Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Alfonso.
Richard, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I got into media work because many of my close friends were content creators and when I would see them work I would be inspired by what they could produce and wondered if I could do that too. There was a time when my friend (who would eventually teach me) missed on an angle that I thought would be amazing. He then told me to take it with his camera, and it became something amazing when it was edited and post-processed.
That first moment stuck in my mind and itched me to consider getting into photography and videography; but at the time I was an article writer so I felt my strong suit of writing was more imperative for the blog I was working with. Over time in that group, unfortunate things happened in which our photographer and videographer ended up dropping our group and in desperation to keep up with what our fans wanted —I attempted to spread from writing and got deeper into video production and event photography. From there, I remembered there being backlash from the styles being different and that I was very self conscious of the content I tried to replicate. It definitely wore on me for some time and often times I’d be plagued by my predecessors’ content. Over time, I remedied this by doing more photos and video shoots— and while that was happening I started networking and learning from more experienced people and it led me to eventually having fun with it and I started making a style all on my own. As I started growing I’ve noticed that I started doing a lot more work, so after 2 years I’ve left the group and decided to try going about media work on my own. I’ve had lots of fun with that group and I’m so happy I’ve learned a lot; but I also knew that I wasn’t growing as fast as I wanted. I’m blessed to have them still as friends today and even now I still show them things I’ve learned with the new work I do.
That change in lifestyles gave me the ability to buy my own camera, steadicam, lighting equipment and from there things have been improving and growing! After some time, I reconnected with my friends who left the group and we started teaching each other style, techniques, and different ways to improve our craft. It’s a unique thing to me since, I’ve felt at some point doing photoshoots was such a formal and strict thing. But I’ve learned that with the right people shooting, any one can be like a really fun hangout and the photos come out best when we have fun with our clients.
Since then, I’ve made a name for myself with photography and videography and have gotten a stronger specialty in fashion photography and cosplay videography. I still practice other styles with different people over time and because of that it’s fun to know that it’s almost impossible for me to not be stagnant or complacent with what I do becuase I enjoy constantly learning new things.
I’ve been blessed to have my content promoted my GameSpot and Kotaku and had local LA brands share my photos of collaborations I’ve done. I plan to excel even harder and try my best to make this a real career and just continue meeting talented individuals that can really help me express my creativity in ways even I cannot imagine.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It was difficult, mainly for the fact that I had family obligations to become a nurse. And nursing in comparison to what I’m known to do is like night and day. In the hospital I’m with the same 30-40 people I’ve known and sometimes my healthcare specialty can drain me physically and emotionally — while my other career has me more involved with tons of new people and I am constantly learning new things to better my craft. Along the way, I envied many people that can pursue photos and videos as a career, and I’ve had to make time out of my week to try and catch up and build my skills. Which is why I make it a point to shoot weekly so I can keep up with making content but also trying not to stay complacent. With either healthcare or media work; complacency is a dangerous thing and to constantly improve— doing more just helps.
The most difficult part is trying to show my serious side of how I can make awesome pieces and be known for doing great cosplay video or photography work. But it’s a struggle to balance everything in second life. I still strive to get to whatever goal it is I wish to do, but I’ve been lucky to have gotten notoriety by many popular blogs and social influencers for the work that I produce. So any validation I can get from them or even people who enjoy my work keeps me going everyday.
I think defining myself by my day job isn’t the best representation of me– but its the stuff I pour myself into the outside of that I feel is what represents the real side of me. What I do from my 9-5 defines my job; what I do from my 6-12 is what defines my life. And when family and co-workers want me to stay grounded in it; I tend not to have difficulty staying still.
Self-doubt is definitely a difficult thing to keep in check especially in a field with many creatives. But I like to learn and thrive upon the competition and try harder to make content that I know me and my fans love.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Soju Beats Productions (SojuBeats on Instagram) story. Tell us more about the business.
Soju Beats Productions is a company that specializes in all kinds of photography and videography. My specialties is hard to narrow down because I do all sorts of photography and videography. But I’m known primarily for cosplay photos and videos. I would at times do shoots for specific organizations (such as K-Con, Anime conventions, clothing companies, or other smaller events) and I contract myself into doing more professional work for wedding groups and special events.
What I’m most proud of is the people that give me time to shoot with them. I like to find something amazing about an individual and show them how amazing they can be in front of the camera. What I am most proud of is the achievements I’ve earned but also the people that make me who I am. The other artists who inspire me, and the models which give me ideas I can never fathom.
I think what truly makes me the difference is the relationships I make with people and the effort I give them to feel great about the things that make them, them. I like making sure people feel that whatever cosplay they make or outfit they bring is reciprocated with my effort. To make them feel the character they are dressed in or to have them feel more beautiful is my goals.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Bad luck to be honest plagues me the most haha I feel that the most common thing with me is that someone would have a better idea than me. But that never sets me down anymore because I strive to think of something different and try to appreciate what others do. I guess my time management with my day job gets in the way of things.
But I’ve stayed close to my belief that I can do anything if I tried, and in turn– I can make anything happen if I really wanted. But when its good luck– its extraordinary and I feel like I’m on cloud 9. Moments, like working with K-POP stars at K-CON or recreating iconic video game scenes in my videos is what keeps me alive.
And luckily, some people see the same thing I do and show lots of appreciation. And that makes me the most happiest, so in a way, I welcome the good and bad. So I can appreciate both.
Contact Info:
- Email: richardrollandalfonso@gmail.com
- Instagram: SojuBeats
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sojubeatproductions/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/SujoyyyProductions
Image Credit:
@kazuphotoaki, @raingodseiji
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