Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Chrys focused on surviving, finding a way for himself and his family. 15 years ago he found himself with a camera in hand for the first time. Life had a new lens, literally. At this time Chrys moved to begin making a name for himself in Jersey City. It was 6 years ago that Chrys stopped drinking alcohol and truly became serious about his craft, creating with his camera as an extension of his being. At this time, Chrys’ photography began to speak in ways that words never could. Ignited with a new passion for learning Chrys Alva infuses layers, framing, and editing all as essential focuses of his creativity with the goal of sharing pieces of himself through his photography. Chrys has been a part of several local Jersey City shows as well as internationally published with Trope Publishing Co.

My camera is an extension of myself and the photographs I share are stories from my heart. I have done everything from events to portrait work but my passion is street documentary, capturing the everyday in its rawest form; the unseen, ignored, and forgotten aspects of our human existence. I intentionally edit and piece together series that expand on the human consciousness and give space for the appreciation for the lightness and darkness we simultaneously live in both visually and metaphorically. My current focus is expanding my craft through layering and story telling, using contrasting colors and forms to express. I garner inspiration from Alex Webb, Saul Leiter, and Gary Winogrand, as well as illustrated novels and comics