Some say you can’t stop time, but photographer Alma Lopez thinks otherwise. Photos have the ability to freeze a moment forever, a concept that Lopez was drawn to.
“Time is something I appreciate the most, and I realized my camera has the ability to freeze it.” said Lopez. “I don’t think of it as simply images, but as frozen moments in time.”
Lopez moved from Mexico to Los Angeles in her teens. It wasn’t until she moved to Long Beach that Lopez found a sense of home and a business she loves. For 17 years, she has been snapping photos, capturing her clients at their best moments and creating final images they love.
Drawn to the artistic elements within photography, such as camera angles, editing, and photoshop, Lopez takes great care in her craft from start to finish. The countless hours spent driving out to various locations to shoot are worth it for her.
Some projects take several days to complete but the feeling of getting to share her work with clients is well worth the time spent.
Lopez wants to ensure people look their best so she’ll sometimes go as far as combining elements of multiple photos to create one final image. For example, in some instances, she’ll swap out elements of a client’s photo with another where they might look better.
Her clients and their satisfaction are a top priority. After all, the people are what Lopez says inspire her the most.
“Most of my subjects are musicians, performers and people in the creative field,” said Lopez. “I love capturing them in their element and being able to show the love they have for their craft; just like I love mine.”
Lopez also finds inspiration in the work of other photographers. In particular, she is drawn to the work of elopement photographers who capture very specific, intimate moments.
To Lopez, remembering the feeling of the moment is what photography is about; reminding people of shared joy and reliving the moment. Lopez hopes to one day take her photography work to the level of elopement photographers she follows on social media, but in the meantime, she’ll be taking on other events.
Throughout her career, Lopez was faced with personal challenges. As a queer woman, she faced a lot of rejection from those around her, making her feel ashamed for who she was.
Having now found great friends and a welcoming and safe community in Long Beach, Lopez is giving back. At Long Beach’s LB Proud Frest, taking place from September 27 to 29, Lopez will be capturing portraits of attendees.
“With this portrait project, I not only feel happy to photograph people who are making a difference but I also get to be apart of it,” said Lopez. “Making everyone feel beautiful and remembering good memories one photo at a time.”
LB Proud Fest! will be three days of celebration with queer performers, Drag Queens and LGBTQ+-owned business highlights. Tickets for LB Proud Fest! can be purchased online with three ticket options: Rainbow VIP lounge, GA + Be Proud! Supporter wristband and General admission.
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