Seeing the World Through Alvarez's Lens
May 13, 2008 | Women's Golf
Isabel Alvarez needs to have 'a good eye' for a number of reasons.
First, a good eye helps the junior better her game when she's on the fairway and green with the University of Wisconsin women's golf team.
Second, a good eye helps Alvarez with precision in her passion away from the golf course; photography.
Alvarez is an avid photographer when she's not practicing and competing with the Badger golf team. She has been taking pictures all her life but since arriving on campus, she has become even more involved by working as a photographer for one of the student newspapers on campus, The Daily Cardinal.
'I have always been fascinated by the world of photography and how it works but it wasn't until I came to Madison that I could take my passion to the next level, ' Alvarez said.
During her time at the Cardinal, Alvarez has had the opportunity to cover everything from speakers to concerts to political rallies and even other Badger sporting events. Alvarez, who is a native of Gijon, Spain, said that sporting events are her favorite to shoot and also noted that her experience as an athlete helps her when taking pictures at other sporting events.
'My experience with golf definitely plays a role when I am shooting sports, ' Alvarez said. 'One of my goals is someday to be able to go around the world shooting major PGA and LPGA events and I think that I would be able to get some shots that other photographers would never see.'
Aside from seeing things through an athlete's perspective, Alvarez's conditioning with the golf team also assists her in her photography skills.
'I've also learned lately that a good photographer needs to have good physical condition,' Alvarez said. 'Those cameras tend to be really heavy and there are some events that require you to shoot for three to five hours.'
Alvarez not only stays busy with photography and golf, but she also volunteers with the women's golf team at places like the Ronald McDonald House and with events like the 'Souper Bowl' at schools in Madison.
'These past years I have learned to balance my time and be able to take advantage of every minute,' Alvarez said. 'Now when I go home and I have fewer things to do, it feels very weird and I need to be active all the time! That 's just one of the many good things I am taking out of the experience of being a Badger.'
Alvarez will begin her senior year next fall and she is currently majoring in communication arts. Once she graduates though, she is hoping to keep up with her photography and even take it to the next level.
'As of right now, this is what I see myself doing in a few years,' Alvarez said. 'I just enjoy it so much. Other than golf, it is my favorite part of the day."
