Having observed Derrick Alire handle the organized madness behind the counter at Starbucks—keeping track of the myriad special orders, the urgent need to keep all supplies fully supplied, coordinating the rush of customers craving discount summer frappuccinos, all while making sure his co-workers take their breaks and maintain their warmth and calm—I find it comforting to know that when he’s not working he’s often someplace beautiful, breathing remarkable air, seeing incredible sights with his boyfriend, and recording his bliss with his camera. Turns out the affable man who makes your coffee is also an artist—a digital photographer as well as a barista supreme. So without further ado (forgive me, Derrick), I offer you a handcrafted venti-sized profile rich in flavors, temperature perfect, in a fully recyclable cup of joy and kindness: 5Q4: Derrick Alire.
At what moment did you discover that you wanted to be an artist?
I discovered I wanted to be an artist when I was watching “Bay Area Backroads” on KQED. I took great pleasure in how he would travel to beautiful areas of the Bay Area. It inspired me to go out and seek beauty in the world and try to capture it. National Geographic magazines also helped create my love for photography, when I would see beautiful far away places and interesting cultures. It was so fascinating learning how a National Geographic photographer would go out and camp in one location for days to get that perfect shot. With the change of technology I found digital photography as my medium.
Who was the most influential person who helped you achieve your goal?
The most influential person who helped me achieve my goal of photography is my boyfriend Thomas—our love of hiking and travel helped find beauty in the world. He brought me to cities, national parks, and everywhere in between. I remember when he took me to see some waterfalls in Big Basin and how I was so amazed at how beautiful they are that I had to capture it. Thomas and I now share our appreciation for photography, making us both aesthetes.
Tell about the best—or a best—experience you had as a photographer.
My best experience as a photographer is the rush of finding the best conditions for a photo. I have an appreciation of finding symmetry, lighting, and color in the photos I take, and capturing that perfect shot. As a photographer you have to keep in mind weather, time of day, and season when you take outdoor photos. For example, winter is my favorite season to go out and photograph sunsets because there is less light scattering due to colder, drier air giving the sky more vibrant colors. One of the best experiences I had was in Porto Portugal, watching how the light of the sunset washed over the city, illuminating the sky and city with beautiful colors. That experience and many others solidified my desire to go out and capture those beautiful moments.
Conversely, tell us about a pretty bad experience?
I had a pretty bad experience while shooting at Alameda beach. I was walking toward the beach and not paying attention, and I slipped and fell in sediment, soaking my shoes, pants, shirt, and everything else I had on in a putrid wetland smell. Although I was defeated, smelly, and dirty, I still set out and captured those photos.
Any advice to folks out there hoping to pursue a life in the arts?
My advice to anyone hoping to pursue a life in the arts is to go out in the world and discover it. You find so much inspiration when going to see other cultures, landscapes, and nature that unlocks your creative side. Also, deep dive in your past and find something creative that once brought you joy. My favorite quote by Henna Sohail is, “See the world through the eyes of your inner child.”
See more from Derrick Alire on Instagram.
Gene Kahane is the founder of the Foodbank Players, a lifelong teacher, and former Poet Laureate for the City of Alameda. Reach him at [email protected]. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Gene-Kahane.
