We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alexis Atkins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alexis below.

Alexis, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Is there a historical figure you look up to? Who are they and what lessons or values have you learned from them?

Theres a plethora of artists, that I would name as historical figures. But as a Black woman, I really enjoy the Aint Jokin’ and The Kitchen Table project from Carrie M. Weems. It’s taught me that, if your family ain’t sitting at the kitchen table, then we ain’t talking, we’re not sharing. I so vividly remember loving being at my grandparents house bc we always sat at the table; talking, eating, joking, crying, spades etc. It’s where some of the most beautiful things happen in a Black household.

Im influenced to tell the story, create the feeling. I want to get so great at it that you can almost smell the scents in the room.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Ah, so. Im a self taught photographer. Right now I do more gigs, you know. I got into photography around the age of 13/14? 7th grade for sure. My great grandma started buying me disposables for my field trips and last days of school. I thought that was awesome. She’s no longer with me but I asked for a new camera for Xmas one year, I believe it was just a P&S, found my 2nd one when I was 22 at a pawn shop and I have been working at it ever since. Im 32.

There’s always more to see, more to show. Observe and admire. I hope and pray for 50 more years to see what all I can see and show to the world.

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

I want an exhibit and I want to see my art, not only in advertisements but museums, books, hotels in peoples homes. Ive accomplished 1 or 2.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The client from any gig or the love from another photographer, recognizing or admiring whats a great picture, the point or story I was telling. The moment being captured.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lightscamerasakans.smugmug.com/
• Instagram: dwntoearth_

Image Credits
The photo of me By: Cortland Hunter