Rachel's Creative Hub

Thanks for visiting!

Welcome to the Chelfoto Creative hub. This started as an online image portfolio for Rachel Alvarado (Strevey), an experienced, Chicago-based photographer, to share links to work- and it still is- but this has evolved with the times to also include more interactive experiences with online presence and often focuses on rich imagery, personalized content, and brand messaging to connect and build community. Rachel specializes in creative content that usually includes travel locations, product photography, portraiture, and event photography. She also explores the essence of modern culture through stunning urban and lifestyle images, using the online space as a creative expression to connect with audiences. Because who isn’t online via multiple channels on a daily basis these days?? So, this is a connecting point with Rachel’s work and thought-provoking exploration of concepts with customized, practical applications.

About Rachel Alvarado

Rachel Alvarado has a background in digital marketing, communications and brings a unique blend of artistic vision, professional strategy, and is grounded in martech. With a strong background in communications, she has been honing her photography craft since 2008, and is a professionally published photographer with iStockphoto of Getty Images. Her experience spans various genres and locations, making her a versatile and skilled visual storyteller who wants to engage in branding discussions from a digital perspective that is practical and reduces the element of ‘noise’ so that brands (a.k.a. PEOPLE) can shine through.

Artistic Vision

Photography and digital marketing both shine a light—literally and figuratively—on what we want others to see and feel. Our eyes follow the images that guide us, spark curiosity, and shape our perception. Here, the work leans into a documentary style, observing and preserving the moments that define modern life. These candid interaction ‘moments’ are powerful for both personal storytelling and brand expression. The result: a perspective that finds beauty in the everyday and captures the energy, nuance, and narrative of the world around us.

The goal is to translate that realness into narratives that feel genuine, vibrant, and meaningful—whether for personal storytelling or brand expression.

Whether you’re here to capture life’s meaningful moments or elevate your brand through intentional storytelling, welcome. This portfolio section offers a glimpse into my creative approach—imagery with purpose, personality, and heart. Explore the work, and let’s start the conversation about what you’d like to bring to life. Explore ChelFoto.com‘s business section to see more about her marketing professional experience.

Chelfoto Digital Media

Capturing unique moments

What are your unique moments to highlight?

Let's take on some new adventures, rethink through challenges, and capture unique moments in your story.

Thank you for stopping by my Chelfoto Creative hub to see my perspective. Developing a unique voice has always been a foundational part of my creative strategy.

With Gratitude,

-Rachel

Capturing Unique Moments and Inspiring Adventures

Photography is a Reminder to Embrace Life’s Beauty

The photographs available at Chelfoto are more than just images. They serve as reminders to:

- Take Time to 'Smell the Roses': Life moves quickly, and it's important to pause and appreciate the beauty around us.

- Seek New Adventures: Whether it’s traveling to a new destination or trying something different, adventure awaits.

- Celebrate with Loved Ones: Spending time with family and friends is invaluable. Celebrate those connections through cherished memories.

As a seasoned photographer with years of experience in travel, stock, and family events photography, I am thrilled to share my passion through Chelfoto. My dream has always been to distribute my images in ways that inspire people to savor life's precious moments, seek new adventures, and cherish time with loved ones.

Visit the Chelfoto iStock Photography Gallery

Get Inspired to Explore Travel Destinations with Stunning Photography

At Chelfoto, in the Photography gallery, you will find a curated collection of travel locations and scenic prints that are perfect for bringing a touch of the world into your home. These are hosted on Smugmug, and there is a lot more selection for those who might want to purchase prints there. Each photo is crafted to evoke emotion and inspire action, turning everyday spaces into reminders of life’s wonders.

Link to view portfolio on iStock by Getty images

Inspired by Unique Moments since 2008

I love documenting special times and inspirational destinations like Chicago.

History:

Chelfoto started as an outlet to study and document culture wherever it can be found. Being a Chicago-based photographer has made it even more interesting with international families celebrating with style in front of a stunning city backdrop. Photography has taught me that capturing moments on a global scale only enhances my day-to-day perspective at home in Chicago, and so I became Chelfoto Digital Media.

Photos bring back memories of significance. From the point of getting to know clients, being invited to anniversary parties and events, turning the corner and seeing your work framed in someone’s home, raising more than $2,000 for a Gallery Fundraiser using prints taken after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, or getting published on an international photography website, are all the same reason why this will always be a significant part of life. This is something I take very seriously, and I’m constantly searching to document the most important, meaningful moments for my clients and storytelling on digital channels.

This act of capturing significant memories started early. My mother was also a photographer, which she learned from her dad, and one of our favorite hobbies when I was young was to take photo walks. “Line up the bumble bees in the middle,” she would say when teaching me to use her manual Canon camera to focus the ISO. She shot and developed her own pictures in a creative lab. That’s right, manual. No autofocus at the time! Then, when I got older, we started entering photos into competitions and won first-place blue ribbons in return! She bought me my first 35mm in 1995, an SLR Canon Rebel, after that, and then I was hooked! Her nickname for me was “Chel” so I’ve incorporated this into the name as it’s start has been very personal to me.

Photography has been one of my ways to study culture. In 1999, I photographed a volunteer trip to Monterrey, Mexico, and every year since, for 20+ years, there was an international trip with my cameras ready to do the same. Destinations include Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, Haiti, Hungary, and much of the Americas, Caribbean, and Europe. Along the way, I’ve learned Spanish and some German. It’s simpler because ‘foto’ is spelled the same in both languages so I’ve spelled it that way in ‘Chelfoto’.

To view a gallery specifically of my world travel scenic photography featured by Getty images and other online publications, click here: http://chelfoto.smugmug.com/Travel

Note: A portion of the proceeds support World Vision, an international relief organization. http://www.worldvision.org/

Chelfoto Digital Media’s Photography History

Rachel has a rich portfolio that includes:

Travel and Location Photography: Exploring and photographing diverse travel locations, Rachel's images offer a window into the beauty of the world’s cultures at many destinations.
Product Photography: Creating captivating images highlighting the uniqueness and culture on various calendars, high-quality art prints, and other products, inspiring adventure.
Portraiture: A formal photo shoot session can be done on location for professional headshots, student photos, or with loved ones to create a gallery of memories to share and look back on through generations.
Event Photography: Capturing the vibrancy and diversity of Chicago family celebrations and professional events with a keen eye for detail and emotion.
Wedding Photography: Documenting over 60 weddings in the Chicago area and beyond, Rachel excels at preserving the precious moments of a couple's special day.