Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Phillips.
Alexandra, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I started taking pictures with old film cameras – and then new film cameras – and then any camera I could find. My friends Sara and Halle were instrumental in my photography development. Whenever I visit my parent’s home I am welcomed by shelves of boxes with prints and negatives from high school photoshoots. We used to go on adventures and before I knew it I was one, two, three, four rolls of film deep. I spent every penny of my high school job at Ben and Jerry’s on feeding my passion, working out deals with the local camera shop to trade film development for chocolate milkshakes. This is where I learned how to compose shots, light meter, and chase natural light. With film, every shot is precious, and it makes you work hard to get the good shots. By the time I used a digital camera, I had a decent grasp on the basics.
I have recently embraced digital photography. I upgraded my rebel to a shiny full frame camera and now happily shoot weddings, engagements, families, and portraits. I still think my love of film shows in my digital work. I love grain, am known to crank up the ISO, and try to capture genuine moments in bright light. I am not as used to editing, as my film photos are typically left untouched, so I am still finding my style. So far, I am enjoying the challenge – it reminds me of my teenage self, wandering through San Diego, trying to capture good light and good vibes.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
It took me a while to realize it, but I am definitely a portrait photographer. People’s faces and emotions are my favorite things to capture. Sometimes this is as simple as people with a blank slate background, where you focus on their unique beauty. Other times I try to capture the marriage of people with a place bursting with light and color. I love searching for beautiful natural light and capturing people’s existence in that space. I love how a person can give a landscape so much perspective. When I photograph people in love, I just hope to capture their joy and laughter. I hope that viewing my photos inspires more exploration, more searching for beautiful light in your own backyard.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I love going into local coffee shops and seeing artists from around town. Or seeing prints from local photographers at small businesses. There are so many little things that help the visibility of artists. Instead of buying art from world market or target, search for local photographers and artists! Another thing that artists can do to support each other is to take each other’s businesses seriously: don’t ask for discounts for photoshoots or commissions and spread the word of your favorite artists!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work is on my website: www.alexphillipsphoto.com and it is divided into film (recent, archives) and digital (couples, lifestyle, families). The best way to support my work is to hire me to take your photos! I love photographing new people and going to new places. You can also follow along on Instagram: @alex. phillips.photography
Contact Info:
- Address: Alexandra Phillips
- Website: www.alexphillipsphoto.com
- Phone: 6199628430
- Email: phillips.alexandra.a@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex.phillips.photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alex.phillips.photography/
Image Credit:
@alex phillips photography
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