Alexander Jacob
Tell us how you got into photography?
I originally started shooting nightlife photography in San Francisco about five years ago. From there I moved to event photography right when electronic music started taking off and began to tour with (now) famous DJ’s. I got burned out on that and decided to pursue fashion photography because I felt it was the most respected and challenging.
How would you describe your work?
I hear that it’s edgy and sexy a lot.
What does a typical pre production photoshoot look like for you?
It depends. Sometimes I’ll have a full team with me and other times it will be just the model and me.
Do you work with the same team or mix it up on the type of shoot?
I typically like to mix things up because working with different people exposes you to new viewpoints.
How do you get your work out there to potential clients?
Email, social media or word of mouth.
Do you do test shoots and personal projects? How and when do those happen?
I don’t test too much anymore but I do a ton of personal shoots. If I’m not on a gig I’m thinking about the next concept.
What current personal projects are you working on?
I’m taking a boatload of Polaroid’s and I’m going to cover walls with them in a gallery showing coming up. I’d like to start doing some portraits with models also, simpler I guess.
What are some memorable shoots you've done in the past? What happened?
I’ve had some shoots I don’t even remember if that explains it, haha.
What is typically in your camera bag?
Canon 5d mk III and Sony A7S 24-70 and 70-200, a few Polaroid cameras. I’m not a huge gear nerd; I don’t think gear is that important.
Do you prefer digital or film? Why?
I like both. Polaroid’s are simply fun and digitals are great for professional work.
Who are some influences in photography/art?
To be honest I don’t follow too many photographers, I follow movies and directors more. Some photographers off the top of my head are Txema Yeste, Santiago + Mauricio, Koray Birand, Nikola Tamindzic, Alex Prager
What's your opinion on social media?
Social Media is the future and has completely changed how photographers work, especially in the modeling industry. That question is an entire discussion on its own.
What one piece of advice would you give a new photographer that you had to learn the hard way?
Don’t try and make a living off your photography without a financial cushion.
Where can we see more of your work?
Right now I am in New York learning a lot and getting schooled but I update my Instagram at least once a week. I’ll be coming back to Los Angeles in 2017, which should be an exciting time for me personally.
Website: www.alexanderjacob.me
Instagram: www.instagram.com/alexanderjacob