The Importance of Self Expression and Finding What Lights You up with Alexis Cuarezma
In this episode, I interviewed commercial and advertising photographer and industry educator, Alexis Cuarezma. Alexis focuses on photographing athletes and has had his work on the cover of Sports Illustrated six times.
HIGHLIGHTS
Journey to Artificial Light
Like myself, Alexis is self-taught when it comes to artificial lighting. I took the plunge into the world of artificial lighting after realizing the limitations that come with being an exclusively natural light photographer. Alexis, on the other hand, dug into honing his technical skills right from the start of his career.
Alexis described lighting as the key to being able to deliver as photographers, and I wholeheartedly agree. It is the secret ingredient when it comes to creating consistency across your work, and that's why I'm so passionate about teaching lighting to other photographers. Without the lighting skills I cultivated over the years, my business wouldn't be what it is today.
Do what's important to you.
Having lived through a dictatorship in his childhood, sincere self expression is deeply significant for Alexis. Though his income is sourced through his commercial and advertising photography, Alexis spoke about the fact that it's his personal projects that really light him up.
Alexis has this incredible lighting style in his personal work (self-described as emotional and expressive) that is instantly recognizable; however, in his niche he's seldom able to exercise the creative control he gets through that work. Client expectations have a tendency to limit a photographer's creativity and style. As Alexis says, "the more function the photography has to serve, the less creative it can be".
Alexis's personal work energizes him and feeds his creative passion. He loves being able to show up authentically, flaws and all, and is always striving to improve his skills as well as build his portfolio.
Advice for beginners.
When I asked Alexis for advice for people just getting started, his #1 tip was to shoot for the jobs that you want. Alexis warns against focusing on the gear you have and instead advises to keep the emphasis on the content of the images. For example, if you're interested in fashion photography then you might want to consider working with a stylist and professional models. Pay attention to the details and do your best to create your version of whatever niche you're passionate about.
Another tip Alexis shared was to develop solid interpersonal skills. This is so crucial to really taking your business to the next level and I'm so glad he mentioned it because I completely agree. I even tell people that photography is only 10% of my job because I regularly take on many different roles beyond just photographer, and most of them involve needing a strong ability to relate and talk to people.
Follow Alexis on Instagram here!
