Please introduce yourself and share a little about what you do.
My name is Alexandra - I’m originally from the US (specifically Philly) but moved to Vancouver, BC when I was 18 to do my undergrad at UBC. I double majored in Political Science & First Nations and Indigenous Studies. I always wanted to live near the mountains and that was a big reason why I left the east coast. As soon as I graduated, I moved to Squamish to be closer to Whistler and experience a smaller, mountain-town type of community living. Moving to the pacific northwest when I was 18 is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I work full time remotely and do freelance photography.
Where did your photography journey start and what kept it going?
My photography journey began when I was 22 years old and started a jewelry company with one of my friends I was working with at Aritzia. We needed to photograph the jewelry we were selling and that’s when I realized ‘whoa’ I really love this. I knew nothing about cameras, camera settings or anything. I used to hand the camera to my friend to help me shoot in auto but I used natural light to make the photos look how I wanted. That gave me the experience of beginning to reach out to models, work on creative concepts, learn how to direct and execute a creative vision. I have ADHD and struggle to stay focused so I really love the space photography gives me creatively and mentally - photography and snowboarding are the only two things I do that I feel in ‘flow state’ hyper focused, happy and creative.
What stands out about your work and what are you trying to convey through your photography?
I’m not sure what stands out about my work! I’d have to ask someone else what they think ;) I truly just shoot what I love and what I think looks beautiful or feels good in that moment. Other photographers I know are very strategic and intentional with taking their photos in a specific way to stand out from everyone or they want to use the most expensive equipment and latest camera models. I’ve never been like that. Every camera I’ve owned has been used. Some of my favorite photos were taken on a disposable film camera from the drug store. You really do not need to have the most expensive gear, you need to have a vision and a creative eye. I try to convey how I am viewing things - it’s hard to describe. I love using natural light and shadow to give a feeling to photos. When I’m shooting people, I try to convey the beauty I see in that person as I’m shooting them. I have to feel connected to who or what I’m shooting, otherwise it’s completely draining. The most fulfilling thing to me about photography, especially when I’m shooting other women, is making someone I find to be incredibly beautiful inside and out - see themselves the way I see them. There’s no better feeling than seeing someone’s reaction to a photo of themselves. There’s an audible gasp, ear-to-ear smile and you can just see how happy it makes someone to feel good about themselves. I love that.
Outside of photography, are there other ways you express your creativity?
I used to make jewelry which was a huge creative outlet for me. I still do this but for myself or for my friends :)
What is life like living in Squamish? What are the best and the most frustrating things about living there?
Living in Squamish now is incredible. When I first moved here 4.5 years ago, it was a ghost town. This was pre-pandemic and most people couldn’t work remotely yet. There were two breweries and that was about it. My apartment building was one of the only apartments in the downtown area of Squamish when I first moved here. Since this past year, it’s become absolute magic. Arcteryx climbing fest in the summer is my favorite. There is such a budding community here of people in their late 20s early 30s living the most unique and creative lifestyles. Everyone shares a love for the outdoors but we’re equally motivated to be successful and healthy. It’s a different pace from Whistler. I love Whistler, but in Squamish there are so many secret spots to uncover that no one knows about where you can feel completely removed from everyone else and immersed in the mountains - it’s the best. The most frustrating thing would have to be the rain in the winter and how dark it gets since the sun rises and sets behind the mountains.
How do your surroundings impact your photography?
My surroundings impact my photography immensely. I love traveling. As soon as I’m in a different environment I feel energized and inspired to be creative. Ben Moon, a videographer shared at a film premiere that for creatives, we really need to have a change in scenery & be surrounded by fellow creatives to keep our minds stimulated. I resonate with that sentiment deeply. I feel energized and inspired when I’m around my friends who are also creative, shoot film photography and appreciate the photography process. I love shooting outdoors, in nature. You will rarely find me shooting in a studio - if ever.
Do you have any upcoming projects?
Yes! A big winter on-mountain campaign with a Norwegian ski company, a women’s hike day this winter with another outdoor brand I will be hosting and photographing and some creative projects with a fellow film photographer in the sea to sky corridor here. I don’t want to share too much until the project is published, but the entire focus is on celebrating women of all different shapes, sizes, and backgrounds coming together in a collaborative, supportive space outdoors. We created some serious magic on film for this project - I’m excited to share it soon.
Thank you for your time and I am looking forward to seeing your project.
