We can say that photography entered accidentally in Alvaro’s life, but the truth is it became very quickly his way of living. Always ready to shoot, either surf sessions, weddings, architecture or more institucional projects, he puts the same passion and enthusiasm to make beautiful photos out of anything, and, with his natural talento, he turns simple moments into magical images. In a humble way, he says growing up surrounded by so much beauty made things easier for him; we say, it is a pleasure to have him translating some of this beauty into images.

Who are you?
I’m Álvaro Miranda, 25 years old, born and living in São Miguel. I attended the professional course in graphic design in Antero de Quental high school, which then led me somehow to photography, so I ended up doing an internship in Açoriano Oriental newspaper, and since then it has been a snowball. Shortly after my internship at the newspaper, I decided to become a freelancer; 2 years later, I decided to study more about photography, so I ended up going to AR.CO in 2018 and 2019 (photography and media).

How’s life on the Island?
It’s a quiet life, where in each day there’s time and will to do something different. If I miss the stress and rush of the big city? Yes! But… My sweet Island!

Favorite place on the island? Why?
Perhaps Furnas Lagoon, due to the ambience that is felt there… the colors, the smells, the surroundings with nature itself!

Favorite object? Why?
An obvious answer… a camera…

Hobbies?
I like doing my cardio on a sunny morning, playing Airsoft and having some falls in the nearby woods, watching the sunset in Fogo Lagoon and having a walk around the island whenever I can.

So, photography, what role does it have in your life?
I would say that I breath and inspire photography, it’s present in my daily life and I’m never tired of saying or doing it. I’ve been a freelancer for 5 years now and I hope to be a freelancer for many more!

One song / one band
Artic Monkeys - 505.

A unique moment in your life?
My first trip abroad all by myself… It was a work trip for Pestana Group, to Amsterdam, to capture the event that they annually do with all the managers of each of their hotels / inns!

What’s been keeping busy?
Going to the gym and creating projects in partnership with friends and co-workers. I launched a giveaway in partnership with Step Up Media (video). I'm also part of an innovative project, in the Azores, of Elopement (PopUp Weddings Azores) and now, with much enthusiasm, I joined this project, the Azores Atlantic Surfers!! Unfortunately, Covid-19 hasn’t helped the development of other projects that are suspended due to being settled in Lisbon ;(

If you could pick two people (alive or dead) one to shoot photos with and one to have dinner or conversation, who would they be? Why?
Pete Souza, for dinner and talk, and without a doubt, Steve McCurry to photograph!

Check his work and live happy ever after
@alvarobmiranda