Many creatives dream of a future where they can quit their 9-to-5 and make their passion a career. It’s a risky leap. But when a side hustle takes off and shows real potential, the most savvy and entrepreneurial-minded people are ready to meet the moment.
That’s what happened with Alejandro Sanchez Ochoa, photographer and owner of Alejandro Takes Photos. I’ve had the pleasure of following his career for many years and even watched him make the calculated leap to leave teaching behind in favor of his creative pursuits. Even in the early days that were riddled with uncertainty, it felt obvious that his commitment to the vision would pay off in some way. Now nearly five years into his full-time career, it’s clear that he’s done many things right.
It’s an impressive feat, as operating a photography business goes far beyond taking photos. According to a 2026 state of the photography industry report, over 60% of photographers run their businesses alone, handling all of the marketing, editing, financials, and more–on top of the actual photography parts. There’s no shortage of professional photographers in the Seattle area, either, so carving out a distinct space in the market is crucial.
To get a better understanding of his business operations and see how a side hustle can successfully transform into a full-time career, I talked with Sanchez Ochoa about his business.
SSB: Can you tell me the abridged version of your origin story? How did Alejandro Takes Photos come to be?
ATP: Photography was always something that I was interested in and never had the means to explore. But it was something that I was so curious about. I didn’t own my first camera until the beginning of 2017, and I remember paying $300 for a camera felt bonkers. I started exploring with senior photos, and then slowly I started getting shoots for $25 for a whole hour, whilst graduating from college.
It quickly became something that I was obsessed with and I tried to learn and photograph as often as I possibly could. In 2021, I was teaching at Interlake High and had kept Alejandro Takes Photos as a “side business” that I really enjoyed. I got burnt out with teaching and I was making more money per day than I would in a week, so that is when I left in November 2021 and went full time. I haven't looked back since.
SSB: Your work naturally leads to an untraditional schedule. How do you balance your work schedule around your personal life?
ATP: I have to stay disciplined. I try to split up my work in 2-4 hour increments throughout the day and try to work 5-8 hours a day, whether that is continued education, working with client work, or on site. My personal life comes first, meaning that I always make time to go to the gym unless I have a full day of production. I try to get my personal stuff done first, and then work. I am still working on pencilling more time for fun, where work isn’t present.
SSB: How would you describe the evolution between the first year and now?
ATP: The evolution of my career is making my dreams become reality. I do not know how to explain that everything I am doing today is what I had once dreamt of. It is a little surreal to be doing this and getting access the way that I am. I also want to say that it has been a lot of luck. I think that I have been in the right place at the right time, it has been really hard for me to accept this because it doesn’t feel real.
SSB: What are the biggest business decisions you made that contributed to your growth?
ATP: The biggest business decision was that I went full time. I then had more time to take on odd jobs and last-minute photo gigs. My goal was to photograph as much as I could and as many different things as possible, and photograph on my own to continue to train my eye to see better photographs. I think it's easy to say the latest camera, but honestly it’s just giving yourself the time to see more.
SSB: How did you overcome the uncertainties that come with leaving a traditional job to build your business?
ATP: The biggest uncertainties are job stability, unwanted time off, and predictable income.
When I started full time, it was difficult and the journey had started way before I went full time. I was always saving money for the future. I think for the first 1-2 years, I would supplement my low income with my savings. Fast forward to today, it feels good to know that I can rely on myself to make money, and the groundwork has been set so now people know me, and the self promotion is different. Although those uncertainties are still there I know how to handle them and they do not affect me anymore.
SSB: How has operating in Seattle shaped your work? Are there any unique aspects to operating here that you might not get in other cities?
ATP: I think because Seattle is small, you get to know “everyone” pretty quickly. You will work with the same models, agencies, and the people you need to know are most likely one person away. I feel if I was in NYC or LA, it would have been harder for me to get the experiences, opportunities, or to stand out.
SSB: What have you learned about Seattle that you wouldn’t have known if you weren’t photographing the people, sports, and businesses in the city?
ATP: That everyone is somewhat connected. Everytime I work a new job, it's because of a referral from another client who happens to know this new client. That happens so often. It just makes Seattle feel super small.
SSB: Can you talk about your recent creation, The Call Sheet? How does operating this platform enhance your own work?
ATP: Oh man, The Call Sheet. The Call Sheet has been quite the creation. It has been so difficult to grow and show value to potential customers. Since I am the only person finding/ posting jobs, it has been so difficult to post when I am photographing all week. I don’t think it directly impacts my own work, but I think it affects my work socially, where people will say thank you for helping them find their first opportunity.
SSB: I saw a lot of recent footage of you at/outside World Cup events. What was your experience like, and what parts of the Seattle community stood out to you while you were there?
ATP: ELECTRIC. It was vibrant and beautiful to see the city/world come together for a common goal and speak one language, which is futbol. I loved it! Occidental Square was UP UP, everyone wanted to be out. Local businesses were throwing day parties, watch parties, everyone wanted to be a part of the spark. I just loved riding my bike back home and seeing everyone cheering for their home country.
SSB: How has professionally photographing other people influenced the way you see your life and the world?
ATP: It has flipped my life on its head. My mindset has changed completely, and I always think there is a story to be told. There is always an angle, if that is a new photo project or those mental photos that will live in my mind. I think whenever I am walking around with no camera. there will always be a moment when I say “wow that is a great frame”. I think I am always looking for frames even though I am not actively capturing them. It's almost like taking mental notes and storing them in your mind till you will need to source them.
SSB: What parts of your personality do you believe led you to this career, and have you discovered new parts of yourself as you’ve built your business?
ATP: I always say that I am a personality hire. I think being kind/curious have opened the majority of the doors for me. Doing things because you want to or being helpful, and never expecting anything. No one owes you anything, the quicker you get to understand that the easier the creative life becomes
SSB: What have been some of the biggest milestones for you, and why do they stand out?
ATP: Leaving my safety net of a full-time job and starting my own business was the biggest. Getting to photograph Canelo in San Diego, photographing Nikki Glaser, working on sets/and with people that I never thought that this brown boy from a farm town had any business being in the same room with. There are so many milestones that stand out, and all because I once dreamt it and wanted it so bad and they became a reality.
SSB: What’s the best way for people to get in touch to work with you?
The best way is either via email [email protected] or Instagram @alejandrotakesphotoss