My name is Ronnie Valdez. If we ever meet in person, the first things you’ll notice are my smile and my heart. I’ve always believed in showing up for people — with warmth, with respect, and with the kind of presence that lets you know you’re not alone. I’m the type of person who puts others before myself, not out of obligation, but because it’s who I am at my core.

Before photography, I served in the military. That chapter of my life shaped me in ways I’m still discovering. I saw the best in people, and I saw the moments when respect was missing — when someone’s humanity wasn’t honored the way it should’ve been. Those experiences stayed with me. They taught me that everyone deserves to be seen, truly seen, with dignity and compassion.

When my military journey came to an unexpected close through medical retirement, I found myself standing at the beginning of a new path. That path became AlaKoa Photography.

“Ala” means path or road.
“Koa” means brave, bold, fearless — a warrior.

Together, they tell the story of where I’ve been and where I’m going.

Photography became more than a craft for me. It became a way to bring people together — to create images that don’t just look good, but feel like something. I want you to look at a photo and connect with it, to find a piece of yourself in it, and to interpret it in your own way. No two people see an image the same, and that’s the beauty of it. Art becomes a bridge. between us.

My goal isn’t to take “cool” photos.
My goal is to create meaning.
Images that carry emotion.
Images that speak without needing to explain themselves.
Images that remind us we’re all human, all connected, all walking our own paths.

AlaKoa is my way of honoring that — honoring you.

If you’re here, visiting my website or considering working with me,
I want you to know this:

You will be treated with respect.
You will be seen.
And together, we’ll create something that feels true.