Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexa Jae. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Alexa, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I know many artists say this and it might sound quite cliche but I truly believe I was made to be an artist in some way. My kindergarten teacher described me to my parents as a child that makes a “prolific amount of art.” I would always be in charge of the disposable cameras on family vacations and would beg my parents to spend the extra money on the underwater ones so that I could take them in the pool with me. I took my first photography class in the seventh grade and have yet to stop.
I photographed my first concert towards the end of my sophomore year of highschool. A friend of mine knew that I was starting to grow a stronger passion for photography and suggested I come photograph his upcoming concert (thanks Spencer). Safe to say the rest is history. I was always a prolific music listener but never had a musical bone in my body so this was the perfect way to combine two of my strongest passions.
Vision Video
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a music and fashion photographer born and raised in Cleveland, OH. I went to school at Savannah College of Art and Design and moved to New York City immediately after graduation where I currently reside and work.
I am constantly inspired by people from all walks of life and enjoy documenting others’ stories. This is why I have formed such a strong passion for both the music and fashion industries. I love finding the beauty in the chaos, the quiet moments in the eye of the storm, the raw emotion that artists display in their work, and telling a story that the people in my photos will cherish forever.
Nothing More
Dauphinette
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
This may sound like a cliche at this point but I cannot emphasize this enough… SHOP LOCAL AND SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS! If you see a piece that inspires you and you want to display it in your home or wear it on your person, BUY IT! One. purchase goes a long way for a small artist and you thoroughly enjoying their work might just be the difference in them continuing or giving up on their dream.
Additionally, don’t tell kids they cannot be a certain thing that they aspire to be growing up. I once had a teacher in high school ask my mother if she was okay with me wanting to go to school for and be a photographer. Her answer was of course a resounding yes but that question shouldn’t have even been asked in the first place. Let kids follow their dreams and create art! So many schools are pulling funding from their art programs and it is heartbreaking to see. I truly would not be the artist or person I am today without my high school photo teacher (thanks Sklad).
Christian Cowan
Christian Siriano for Katy Sullivan
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being a photographer is capturing people at the height of their extremely emotional life moments. Regardless of if thats a singer screaming into a microphone on stage, a fashion designer watching their first collection walk down the runway at New York Fashion Week, a fan crying because their favorite singer whose music saved their life just walked out on stage, or someone wearing their favorite dress getting new headshots taken. If I am able to make people feel something when they have seen my photos, then I have done my job. 
Dauphinette
Machine Gun Kelly
Twenty One Pilots
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alexajaephoto.com/work
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexajaephoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexajaephoto/
- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexajaephoto
Image Credits
Photo of myself by Shawna B Photography