This week OFFTHEPACIFIC, had the pleasure to interview Alex Stearns, a 17 year old photographer from San Diego, California. Alex focuses on a multitude of subjects from portraits to wildlife to scenic views of her travels. On her website you can see her breadth of photographs that all share her unique stylistic approach. In order to keep up to date on Alex's travels and photoshoots, you can check her Instagram for a constant stream of outfit inspo and travel diaries. Alex has a natural eye for taking photos, and it's evident that she has a "je ne sais quoi" element about her. Her pictures are uniquely special and simultaneously aesthetically pleasing. She incorporates movement into still photographs in a next-level way, and her subjects evoke emotions that add to the depth of the image. Additionally, she's inspired a lot by the Pacific Northwest and her hometown of San Diego, so she epitomizes the cool West Coast vibe. Below, we interviewed Alex to learn more about her and her creative process. Also, all photos from this post are by Alex of course, and be sure to check out her website for more great content and business inquiries!!
How did you get into photography?
By following inspiring photographers [from] around the world on Instagram! I never thought I could do this type of art medium, but with their help, it motivated me and I tried something new. Their posts make me want to buy a plane ticket to literally anywhere and just explore! What has attracted you to photography versus other art mediums?
I like photography better than other mediums because of the results it gave me in such a small amount of time. I started photography in December of 2015 and I already can see that I'm improving- or at least I hope so. What are your goals as a photographer/ what does your photography aim to accomplish/ what points do you try to convey?
To show the world what I am capable of; I know I have a small following but I hope that grows in the next year or so! I love expressing myself through photography/videography and to just be happy doing it is a goal in itself.
How do you plan to advance your photography career in the future?
Try and contact companies and other photographers around the country. I plan to go to school in Portland or New York so I'll
have a big difference in atmospheres! What are your favorite subjects to photograph?
Definitely people. I love the diversity and how everyone can show different emotions. What moods or vibes do you wish to encapsulate in your pictures?
Natural, Warm tones- and professional. Who are your favorite high fashion designers?
Saint Laurent, Tom Ford, Dior, and Burberry by far. What brand do you think embodies your style the most?
I absolutely adore YSL and what they promote. Very classy and contemporary. I think none of their pieces will ever go out of style. Who are your favorite high fashion photographers?
I wouldn't consider them high "fashion", but my favorite photographers would have to be: Andrew Kearns, Cole Sprouse, Allie Taylor & Rob Strok, and the whole H-influencer collective Team. What do you think makes a photographer good or bad?
I don't think there's such a thing [a bad photographer], but there's always room for improvement. Or, maybe they have a different eye than you and you don't see what they see. But a good photographer is someone who has their own aesthetic, a passion, and is dedicated.
