We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alex Coghe a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alex, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Italian photographer based in Mexico since 2010. I have a full time career as photographer, writer and photo coach.

Alex, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Alex Coghe, a photographer specializing in street photography, portraits, and documentary photography. My journey into photography began when I was a teenager, fueled by a passion for capturing the raw essence of life in urban environments.

I provide various products and services to my clients, including portraits and professional books for private clients, advertising campaigns for brands, photography workshops, books, prints, and commissioned documentary projects. Through my documentary work, I aim to shed light on the beauty, struggles, and everyday moments of people living in diverse communities around the world.

One of the main problems I solve for my clients is helping them develop their own unique vision and style in photography. Through my workshops and educational materials, I strive to empower aspiring photographers to find their voice and express themselves authentically through their work.

What sets me apart from others in my field is my commitment to authenticity and storytelling. I believe in capturing real-life moments with honesty and respect, rather than staging or manipulating scenes. This approach allows me to create images that resonate deeply with viewers and evoke a sense of connection to the subjects and environments portrayed.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with the communities I photograph. By immersing myself in their lives and earning their trust, I’ve been able to tell their stories in a way that is both respectful and impactful.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my work is driven by a passion for storytelling and a deep appreciation for the beauty of everyday life, even the basic portrait set is fueled by the idea to make a piece of art any shot . Whether you’re interested in learning from my experiences through workshops and books or supporting my ongoing documentary projects, I invite you to join me on this journey of discovery and exploration through the lens of photography.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In 2013, I had the opportunity to work on a special assignment for Leica, the renowned camera manufacturer known for its precision engineering and commitment to photography as an art form. The assignment was initially focused on creating a series of images showcasing the unique character and atmosphere of Chapultepec park in Mexico City.

However, shortly accepting the assignment, I encountered unexpected challenges that forced me to pivot my idea about the project. The customs in Mexico delayed the delivery of the camera I should use to wor for a month so I had planned to photograph with many of its distinct features and landmarks being replaced by a different approach in order to respect the deadline imposed by the client. This rapid transformation posed a dilemma for me as a photographer focused on capturing the authenticity of life. By having more time I could dedicate myself better in the project and creating more spontaneous photos. With only few days available before to send them the work, I should think different and creatin a project where the approach was more street portraits and not street photography.

Rather than abandoning the project or compromising my artistic vision, I decided to adapt the assignment and finding a new way to tell the story of Mexico City’s park through my lens. We have to consider also the fact that I shot with a Leica camera for the first time, and Leica has a higher learning curve respect to other cameras, especially if you don’t know their system and you approach it first ime.

Through this process of adaptation, I discovered hidden gems and unexpected moments that added depth and richness to the narrative of the huge park. I captured portraits and everyday moments of human connection, each frame serving as a testament to the positive energy and vibrancy of Mexico City’s Chapultepec park.

In the end, the pivot in my approach not only allowed me to fulfill the requirements of the Leica assignment but also deepened my appreciation for the dynamic nature of photography as a medium. It taught me the importance of flexibility and creativity in the face of challenges, reminding me that the most compelling stories often emerge from unexpected detours along the way. After that I have seen how I felt more sure of myself as a portrait photographer. It turned out useful for my editorial projects after.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely. My creative journey is driven by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to documenting the human condition in all its complexity and beauty. Through my photography, I aim to capture the essence of everyday life, to shine a light on the stories and moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.

I believe in the power of images to transcend language and cultural barriers, to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and foster understanding between people from different walks of life. Whether I’m photographing street scenes, documenting social issues, or exploring the cultural landscape of a community, my goal is always to create images that resonate on a deep, human level.

Beyond simply creating aesthetically pleasing photographs, my mission is to use my work as a tool for social change and advocacy. I strive to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, to shed light on injustices, and to inspire action towards a more just and compassionate world.

Ultimately, my creative journey is a quest for connection – connection between photographer and subject, between image and viewer, and between individuals across the globe. It’s a journey fueled by curiosity, empathy, and a deep-seated belief in the power of photography to change hearts and minds.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alexcoghe.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex_street_photographer/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexcogheofficial/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessiocoghe/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexStreet75
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AlexCoghe