Hi, I am Afonso

without the l.

people also call me Fonzie.

Professional headshot of someone with black-framed glasses and a salt and pepper beard against a dark background.

I'm a Los Angeles-based portrait and documentary photographer with roots in the animation industry. After spending years creating digital worlds at Pixar and Disney, I decided to capture the real one through my lens.


My journey began in digital lighting and cinematography, where I learned how light can transform a scene and tell a story without words. Today, I bring that cinematic vision to every portrait session, creating images that feel both intimate and larger than life.


When I'm not behind the camera, you might find me exploring LA's diverse neighborhoods, searching for the perfect coffee, or about creativity and consciousness on my Substack. My Portuguese heritage influences my perspective, giving me an appreciation for rich cultural narratives and authentic human connections.


I believe photography is about more than just creating beautiful images. It's about recognizing the extraordinary in everyday moments and preserving them. Whether I'm photographing a corporate executive, an aspiring actor, or a family celebrating a milestone, I approach each session with the same curiosity and dedication to authentic storytelling.


My work has been featured in different blogs, magazines, and news media, but my greatest achievement is the trust my clients place in me to capture their most genuine selves.


Let's create something meaningful together.

Black and white portrait of someone with closed eyes touching their face with both hands in contemplative pose.

 

 

"A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it."

 

- Edward Steichen

 

 

As seen in:

 

 

Writer's Digest

 

 

RTP - Portugal

 

 

Los Angeleno

 

 

BBC

 

 

SIC - Portugal

 

 

Sony Pro Magazine

 

A person in a checkered vest and white shirt poses casually against an industrial wall with rustic metal beams.
Portrait of someone with long dark hair and a bright natural smile against a turquoise blue background.
Person wearing sunglasses and black t-shirt smiles while adjusting frames against blurred urban backdrop on sunny day.

 

 

Let's connect

Great portraits start with a conversation. Whether you need professional headshots or personal portraits that tell your story, I'd love to hear about your vision. Let's discuss how we can create images that authentically represent you.


No pressure, just possibilities.