What happened to get here?
As every good story, everything starts with ups and downs. During our path with photography, both Soraia and I faced challenges in pursuing our dream. While you can now see us here, working every day with our passion, the beginning was different. We dedicated our weekends and free time to developing our skills and growing as photographers.
We want you to get closer to our story and understand how it all truly started.
MATHIAS STORY
In the epic landscapes of the Azores Islands, a passion was ignited that would reshape the course of my life. It was an enchanting trip, the first I took with my mom, and a break from the routine of working at my family's business—a break that sparked a profound change.
During that memorable journey, I found myself captivated by the diverse landscapes surrounding me. The idea of freezing those moments in time with a proper camera stayed in my mind, triggering me to invest my savings in my first camera upon returning home. As I experimented with my new tool, I realized the immense joy it brought me.
The desire to fully immerse myself in photography led me to make a pivotal decision: I left my family's business and opted for a 9-to-5 job that granted me weekends off. With newfound freedom, I explored the Algarve Region, capturing its beauty during sunrises before work and sunsets afterward and still shooting during weekends. Little did I know that this would become a defining chapter.
The pandemic, an unexpected twist, became a period of self-reflection. Fueled by a relentless pursuit of my dreams, I devoted time to honing my photography skills and delving into the business side of it. When restrictions lifted, I continued sharing my work on Instagram, gaining recognition as "The Algarve Guy." My mission expanded beyond photography—I aimed to inspire people to explore the world around them and appreciate the beauty often taken for granted.
Sacrifices were made—financial constraints, missed outings with friends—but the passion persisted. As inquiries for my photography services increased, the day I received products from a brand for a shoot marked a turning point. That same day, I called my boss to quit my job. Since then, the journey has been intense, filled with learning, growth, and the realization that I could live off my craft.
Now, I find myself collaborating with big brands, living the lifestyle I once dreamt about. Every day, my dreams expand, driving me toward a more fulfilling and purposeful life. The journey from amateur to "The Algarve Guy" has been a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of one's dreams.
SORAIA STORY
It all started with a simple choice in high school: Visual Arts. Three years of artistic exploration led me to seek a more concrete path, prompting me to pursue a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts at university. The revelation struck during the first year when I held a camera for the first time. "Wow, this is my calling," I thought. Thus, the seed of my aspiration was planted—to become a revolutionary and unique artist.
The journey began to take shape as I captured moments of friends, seizing every chance to practice. Recognizing the importance of practice for improvement, I extended this to my family and those closest to me, finding beauty in everyday moments.
To fund my pursuit, I took a job at a restaurant, getting closer to my goal of becoming an artist. Post my 4 pm shift, I'd explore locations, delving into photography until the sun dipped below the horizon. Despite dedicating afternoons to practice, sustaining my passion meant balancing job responsibilities with creative pursuits.
And to further support my ambition, I took a different job on a cruise, working almost every day for four months. Despite having little time for photography, this tough experience made me more determined to pursue my passion. It was a challenging but eye-opening time where I talked and shared experiences with people worldwide, realizing the many opportunities in photography.
After the four-month cruise, I focused on getting ready to turn my vision into reality. I spent time in the studio, learned about photography, and built portfolio. Each step was a move toward making my artistic vision come to life. Now, I let my creativity flow freely, proud of projects that align with my vision and life philosophy. After planning and understanding the steps I should take, I began with action, creating more intentionally. Today, I live my passion, immersed in a world of art and creativity. The journey was long, but the possibilities are endless. While the exploration never truly ends, it transforms.
Today, I let my creativity flow freely, developing projects that I'm proud of and that align with my vision and philosophy of life. All this exploration and challenges were needed to understand my path and my artistic vision.
Our journey has had its ups and downs. We faced challenges, learned from them, and now, with valuable experience, we know how to develop our skills and avoid common problems in photography and creativity. As we move forward, the adventure continues, and we're excited for what lies ahead.
