Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Young.
Hi Alexis, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been a creative person and I like to dabble into different areas and learn new things. That’s what lead me to Howard University. When I started, I was a film production major and that’s when I really started using and learning my camera, my goal was to become a music video director. I loved the work of directors Hype Williams, Colin Tilley, Anthony Mandler, Dave Meyers, etc., so I wanted to go in that direction. My photography journey kind of happened by accident, I just liked taking pictures of my friends on The Yard and other very candid shots of just HBCU life. I didn’t think much would come of it other than me having fun, but from there I started networking with other photographers on campus. That’s how I got involved in Howard Homecoming and was able to build my portfolio with artists such as Common, Faith Evans, and Lil Uzi. From those connections and just networking on campus, I was able to get my first two placements in TeenVogue covering the Women’s March and doing a piece about HBCU life for Black History Month. After that, I realized that this was not only something I liked to do but wanted to do and expand on. From there, I started taking pictures and developing my own concepts and really building my brand and aesthetic. Howard was a big part of getting me to where I am today with my craft.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Being one of the few girls where I’m at doing photography isn’t easy. A lot of the time, you have to prove yourself and work a little harder than everybody else in order to get respect. Then it’s the constant battle of doing work that’s gonna get you clout, the work that’s gonna get you paid, and the work you actually want to put out. Because in order to grow, you have to the money invest in yourself, whether it’s marketing materials or equipment and passion projects don’t usually fund that. Finding the balance between all three is definitely a challenge but that’s honestly where I’m aiming to be.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
LexLanez Studios in essence is a photography and creative direction studio. I focus mostly on fashion and concept photography because I love to push myself creatively and that’s the avenue that allows me to do that the best. I’m most of the work I’ve been able to do in my journey and just how far I’ve grown in not only as an artist but as a person. From taking pictures on The Yard to owning my own business, it’s a very rewarding feeling. What sets me apart from other photographers is the experience that you have when we shoot. I’m a very fun, friendly, and collaborative person and I always aim to not only bring the best of me but the best out of the people I work with.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Don’t give up on something just because of the time it’s gonna take to happen, because the time will pass anyway. Whether you do it or you don’t, the time is going to go by so you might as well just take that chance. Just take it. Even if’s it’s in the wrong direction, you know you can fix it by just going the other way.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: lexlanez.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexlanezstudios/
Image Credits:
Personal Photo (Photo by: Seneca Williams @BySeneca) Work Examples: @LexLanezStudios
