Let us know about yourself, as an artist and person. What cultures and experiences cultivate the vision and craft that you have taken mantle of in your field?
My full name is Alonso Soto but most people call me by my nickname Alo, or my Instagram @ which is 01.Visuals. That’s usually just when my friends and I are joking around or when someone recognizes me off Instagram/social media. I’m 17 years old. I’m a photographer based out of northwest Indiana/Chicago. I grew up about 30 mins out of downtown Chicago in Indiana, Hammond to be exact. I started taking pictures about 6 months ago. I love music which is why I think concert photography is my favorite kind to shoot. I really enjoy taking pictures that’s all. I take a lot of inspiration from music photographers such as Gunner Stahl, Matt Marzahl, Frankie Vergara, and also someone who I believe goes by the name of Tony. His Instagram is @twu9916. I’m not too sure what his full name is but he’s raw!
What specific reason do you believe is behind why your followers come back to your content time and time again? What platform can people reach your content on the most conveniently?
I love my supporters, especially my biggest one, Allison. All my followers are amazing though. I think they come back to my content and show support so much because they genuinely like and enjoy my content. It feels amazing when people tell me they think my pictures are good and all that. It feels like I’m actually here for a reason and i’m meant to do this. People can reach my content at my instagram (@01.visuals). I post all my content on there, whether it’s my stories or actually postings.
How has your experience in this business been so far?
This business is something that I’ve grown to strongly love. It had showed me a lot of love. Like I said I’ve only been doing it for about 6 months so I’m super excited to see what’s next for me. It’s crazy that i’ve went on tour and already done so much more in 6 months than the rest of my life as a whole.
Do you have an outstanding moment since you got into this that makes you realize how important it is to continue to pursue your craft? If so what would that be?
I think a moment that made me feel really accomplished was the Nav show. That was the biggest show I’ve shot. I was in the pit in front of the stage and I just saw nav come out and I was just overjoyed, you know? I felt really good about myself at that moment. I felt great. After I edited the pictures for that show that night I just kept looking at them and felt even greater than I did at the show. I can’t wait to do someone even bigger than Nav, but his show was an amazing experience.
What are your the top five favorite shots you've ever taken? Why are they?
I get this question asked a lot but here’s my top 5 as of right now. Not in any order.
These are from the Nav concert I shot a couple of weeks back.
This one is from Montana of 300 mid west tour. I appreciate him a lot because he has helped me a lot by taking me under his wing. Going on tour with him a couple of months ago was probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. He’s def put me on! Him and all of FGE.
Took this at a NLE show in joliet IL.
This one is of Polo G, at a show I did with my brother Dj Drip, he’s helped me out a lot and definitely been putting me on to work. We are the dynamic duo from NW Indiana! You guys need to interview him next def! @theonlydjdrip
Walk us through the steps you take to take, edit, and upload content? What is your creative process? Does it feed off the photo itself and you simply go with the vibe of the shot taken? Or do you have your own regimen and process for every photo you take?
So every night after the show or event I shoot I like to go straight home and get to work on the pictures. People love when they get their pictures fast so I try to keep that in my routine. I just go through every pictures and delete what I think isn’t good to even try to edit. Then after that I go through and edit every picture to my liking. After that I send them all to my phone from my laptop then go through them and pick the ones I think are good enough to post on my Instagram and save a lot just to have something to drop randomly.
Where do you think you would be at this very moment if you weren't pursuing your career in photography?
Honestly I have no clue at all. I’d probably be trying to find something else creative to do. I’m always looking for something creative wise to get involved in. I’m not too sure where I would be right now if I didn’t do photography.
Lastly, what advice or experiences would you like to share with your peers or anyone else who is up and coming in this industry?
Be nice! Just be cool with everyone, network every second you can, and get those contacts and connections. Sometimes you have to do free shows to get paid, you know what I mean? Just do your thing and put the time and work in frfr!
Also, is there anything you'd like for us to promote?
I’m really focused on putting my first photo book together and I’d liked my Instagram promoted but nothing other than that at this moment. Thank you!