There are many words that I can think of to describe photographer Alex G. creative, energetic, and imaginative, but the most prominent of these would be imaginative. So when he agreed to do a Bridal Tribe fantasy shoot I immediately set a date. It didn’t seem to matter to Alex that it was the middle of winter, he was as anxious as I was to brainstorm about a fantasy look.
My input was minimal since this artist has ideas oozing from his pores. The most I had to do was run around New York City’s Washington Square Park pointing out patches of sunlight for the model to stand in. This of course made for an interesting and fun shoot since we had to find a spot that wasn’t either occupied by a squirrel or tourist.
I do have to give model Sergia Cruz big kudos for standing in 30 degree weather in a strapless dress and open toe shoes to take these photos. To look at the results you would think she was warm and toasty. We will leave those fun times for another blog…lol
For now, enjoy the BT interview with this inventive photographer to find more about who he is.
Tell BT fans how long you have been creating fantasy photography and what inspires you?
I started on Christmas day 2008 in Southold Long Island with a family I'm very close with and a old friend. I live in a world of make believe inside my head so I pull concepts from dreams I have and random thoughts too. I am also very conscious to keep my eyes up while I’m walking anywhere. I've noticed so many New Yorkers look down while they go to and from their places of interest. You miss so much when that’s where your eye line is all the time. Inspiration truly is all around us.
Did you always know you wanted to be a photographer?
I actually started my training in high school as a dancer and then moved into musical theater. I had to take an elective and the only one available was photography. I was very good at it and I was probably the only one in the class who took it seriously but I never thought of it as a career choice until very recently.
How do you go about helping a bride to be plan her desired wedding day pictures?
For me it’s all about comfort: being comfortable in the dress, the makeup, the hair and most importantly in your own skin. The common denominator in all brides is the desire for a perfect capture of “THE” day and that happens when everyone is very relaxed. I always try to hang out with the bride when she’s alone and away from the insanity that wedding planning can bring.
You were more than just the photographer for this issue you also created the makeup look. Do you like wearing both creative hats?
I most definitely do. It can be very stressful at times. However, I feel that for most (if not all) of my images my ideas and inspirations are very specific to my aesthetic and I need to execute them. It’s also very hard for me to explain to most people who don't think like me what I want. Whenever I try to explain my ideas I usually get that "you’re crazy” look. I also never map out the makeup prior to, I know what colors and effects I want to play with but the design of the look is almost always organic and improvised.
How did you decide to create this look on Sergia?
Well when BT told me they were interested in a bridal image that reflects my aesthetic it didn't take more than a second for me to think Swarovski (I had been in a crystal period for a couple of months). Right now I'm in a black and white period. I also like to blend reality with fantasy, roughness with the delicate, so Washington Square Park in the dead of winter fit perfectly.
Like any other makeup look the fantasy bride can go from subtle to the extreme; which is your favorite type?
EXTREME! As much as I enjoy creating a soft beautiful image, there is just something about diving headfirst into a world of extremes; extreme themes, locations, colors, textures and even special effects. I think the best images are the ones that cause you to look twice and discover something new every time you look at them. Right now I'm working on a look involving flying fireballs and six-foot flying sparks.
Where can brides of color see more of your photo designs? And what are the future career plans of Alex G in the photography industry?
Anyone interested in seeing more can find me on Facebook at "Alex G Photography" and join the page to receive updates about my website which is currently under construction and my Blog which will be up and running on Friday, April 2. I am currently focusing on a couple of things: creating a larger body of work for my first photo exhibition, going back to college, and of course changing the world and the way people perceive beauty....one picture at a time.
