Alex Massek
“You can find inspiration in everyday life and the people you interact with on a daily basis”
Intercru: Where are you from? Where do you live and work now?
Alex: I was born in Berlin, Germany but grew up in the U.S. Currently I live and work in London.
How did you get started in photography? How long have you been taking photos?
I started taking photos on my phone to pass the time, about seven years ago, while recovering from an injury. Soon after that I found an old DSLR camera in my house (I think it was one of the first Canon Rebel models) and started to learn the basics of photography.
For me it was a fun way to explore and capture the things around me. I would post them on social media and get an opportunity to show my perspective of the world.
What kind of emotions do you look for in your photos?
I try to portray a mixed range of emotions in my photos. However, at the moment I am exploring more somber/reflective aesthetics in my photos. I think this is due to the current state of the world. We are all facing difficult times and I try to channel some of this energy in my work.
How would you describe your style as a photographer?
My photos are a mixture of fantasy and reality with some elements of nostalgia.
I place a strong focus on color palate and merge them with a vintage film aesthetic to bring the projects to life.
What do you do to find inspiration for your photography?
You can find inspiration in everyday life and the people you interact with on a daily basis. However, when I’m looking for something different I’ll spend time looking at art or vintage photography. Some of my favorite photographers at the moment are Richard Avedon, Sarah Moon, and Henri Cartier-Bresson.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to become a photographer?
In terms of advice, the best thing you can do is to spend 30 minutes everyday taking photos. No matter what the subject or camera, that time will help you improve and grow.
Look for opportunities to network, especially on social media, with other creatives. A DM can go a long way in progressing your career and connecting you with your dream shoot.
Alex Massek is a London-based portrait photographer. To see more of his photography, visit his website riversidebluesphoto.com or follow his work on Instagram @riversideblues.
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