Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alex Grosse. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alex, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
It took a number of years for me to discover the types of projects I enjoy working on. Shortly after graduating college in 2014, I moved to Los Angeles I began working as a production assistant on various projects. Everything from home renovation shows and commercials to live event broadcasts and feature films. One day I’m on a beautiful beach for a clothing brand shoot and the next day I’m a production assistant sweeping a massive sound stage during an overnight shift. While these opportunities taught me the process and scope of projects, I realized my career path was constantly shifting. I always found myself gravitating back to photography which is where my passion originated. I primarily focused on assisting photographers to learn their approach to lighting, discussing workflows with retouchers, and learning how to handle potential obstacles along the way.
I’ve been very fortunate to work under very talented people who were willing to answer my questions and give feedback for my own work. Finding these individuals and building relationships with them has opened many doors for me. In addition to have great mentors and leaders, experimenting with the camera and subjects has always been the most efficient way to grow as a creative. I’m grateful for my college education but the numerous resources available online I don’t think it’s necessary. That being said, I wouldn’t trade the memories and relationships that were created in those four years at the University of South Carolina.
Alex, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Alex Grosse, a photographer based in Charlotte, North Carolina, specializing in automotive, product, and dog photography. My interest in photography and media production began in 2008 as YouTube took over the Internet. I spent all the money I made in a summer on a Panasonic DVX100B and haven’t looked back. After graduating from University of South Carolina in 2014, I headed west and spent 6 years in Los Angeles working in media production. In 2021 I returned to the South and my focus is photo production. When working with a new client I emphasize communication. If all parties are aware of the creative and technical goals, we’ve set ourselves up to capture impactful images. Returning clients appreciate my ability to work in different settings and maximizing efficiency when we only have a brief window with our subject or available light.
I also work with some animal shelters and foster groups in North Carolina. Capturing a dog’s personality and improving their adoption profile is easily the best content I can create.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I felt like I really started to hit my stride in my career in 2019 with a solid rotation of productions in Los Angeles, but 2020 threw everyone a curveball. In 2021 I moved back to the South and started to rebuild my network. Luckily I had some connections from college and west coast companies that made the transition less painful. The Carolinas have so many talented individuals and I love being able to continue my career while being close to my family in a city that’s much more affordable compared to Los Angeles.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My goal and mission has changed numerous times over the course of my creative journey. There was a time where it shifted weekly when I was in California due to the spectrum of projects I was a part of. Now that I’ve found my footing in Charlotte, NC and my work is firmly rooted in photo production, my goal is to have a healthy work/life balance and help some animals along the way. That’s not to say I’m a strange to the hustle. At this point, it’s in my DNA. But there’s something to be said about finding time to enjoy the hobbies I love where I don’t feel the need to have a camera attached to my hip.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alexgrosse.com
- Instagram: @acgrosse
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-grosse-95566972/
