We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alex Culbreth a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alex , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
Although I wouldn’t consider myself particularly happier than people who work “regular jobs” and I do work “regular jobs” still, I think that my photography has brought me a lot of opportunities that have made me happy and would not have happened without it. Solely through my pursuit of photography I have met and connected with so many more people than I normally would, I’ve gotten to collaborate with so many creative people, I’ve traveled to more places, and I’ve seen so many more concerts. All of these things I just mentioned stick out to me as some of the happiest moments of my life and it can all be attributed to my photography. I love how when I go out in public or to a concert to take photos I end up having so many positive interactions with the people around me that I feel a greater appreciation for human connection and the people on this planet, which is a happiness that is truly incomparable. So, does it make me a happier person? I don’t think so, but it has provided me with a lot of happiness and opportunity that fulfills me and I am extremely grateful for.
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 am a 19 year old, Atlanta based film and digital photographer. I love taking portraits with analog cameras for creatives such as musicians and models, I love taking photos of concerts and bands, and I will always love capturing the beauty and ambiance that surrounds us through my street photography. I’ve been taking photos since I was very young, around 12, and started taking it more seriously my senior year of high school. Around this time Covid happened and quarantine boredom drove me to trying out film photographer where I learned how to shoot, develop, and scan analog photos at home. When I eventually started college in Atlanta at Georgia State, I worked hard at building my portfolio and began to work with more creatives doing analog portraits. Since then I have been improving my skills and growing my connections, my proudest accomplishment has been my most recent photobook, American Dream. American Dream is a photo book telling the story of my most recent road trip where I traveled to five states to see seven Grateful Dead shows over the summer. The book features both film and digital photos from the shows, my thoughts throughout the tour, and even an interview with a 19 year old fan who was traveled all across the U.S. by himself. I designed and printed the book myself and have since been selling them to friends and fans of the band. I can also provide my clients with a wide variety of professional work from event photography to senior portraits, but my main passion with photography comes from delivering creative work that interests people and to hopefully one day use the medium of photography to create more profound pieces and series that could be displayed in books and galleries.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I have a few goals with my photography that are constantly driving me. I think that could be one of my biggest flaws when it comes to photography is that I cannot commit to one goal. I would love to become a full time photographer for a touring band so I could do what I love, be surrounded by the music and culture I love, while also getting to travel. I also already mentioned that I want to create more profound pieces that can be displayed in books and galleries. Work that provokes emotion and changes your perspective on life, which is very difficult and I have not gotten there yet. For instance, I saw this photographic series in a gallery that captured the life of impoverished communities and Louisiana that were heavily impacted by the hurricane and after viewing the series I was provided with the same feeling you get when you watch a documentary. Almost like a greater understanding of life and a wider perspective on humanity. I would really like to create something like that.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
People. It seems obvious and it doesn’t cost any money, but making connections with people can provide you with so much opportunity. Even if you don’t posses a lot of resources, chances are that if you put yourself out there, show people you are passionate and hard working about what you do, then I feel like certain people are more than happy to help on your creative journey and provide you with the resources you need. Humans can always accomplish more together and you make friends with so many amazing people along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alexculbreth.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: alex.13.pictures
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-culbreth-31905b256/