We had the good fortune of connecting with Blaxz Alexander and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Blaxz, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
Thank you for taking the time out to read my perspective.
One of the most important decisions I’ve made that continues to contribute to my success is always following my inner voice when faced with a project, potential client, or life decision.
Many times, we as business owners or creators tend to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way regardless of our internal feelings. I’ve learned that the best work I produce comes when my inner world is in alignment with the actions that I’m taking. My clients know that they are getting the highest level of photography possible simply because I want to be there, and their vision aligns with my goals.
If I have any doubts or reservations about a project, I’ve learned that helping the client find someone that aligns with their vision is more beneficial than forcing myself to take the work simply because it comes my way. This ensures my quality of work remains high, as well as providing a client base that understands that they are truly part of a personalized creative journey.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My photography is something that evolved from a simple camera purchase to a deep understanding of the intricacies of visual arts and the life of a creative being. What sets my work apart from others is the attention to detail in the moment. The vibe can only be captured once, never to be duplicated again. It’s my job to present that moment in the most uniquely beautiful way possible.
I came to this understanding throughout many trials and errors, many travels and triumphs. One of my most notable was having my Nikon D600 shutter break during a trip to California’s ComplexCon that was surely going to enhance my career trajectory . I learned the lesson that even though you can do all of the work, and do it well, it may not be your time and we as creators need to use that energy and advance on our path. I got the shutter replaced for free by Nikon, and the camera has been used to capture so many breathtaking moments and create amazing concepts in the years since. I want the world to know that photography to me is truly a lifestyle. I’ve ventured through many remote places, braved a countless variety of elements, and captured some truly transcendent souls. The camera saved my life and brought so much joy to my outlook on it. There’s a purpose, something that is mine and I have full confidence in the work I produce because of it. I hone that energy in every shoot and show that in my work. If you’re reading this we’re connected through art and love, and I’d like to thank you for being on this journey with me.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love Los Angeles because of the drastic variety of landscapes the area provides. You can start the morning off with a hike, wander Koreatown or Santa Monica for some great food, visit a museum, and then hit the beach at sunset with plenty of travel time in between to really see what gems LA has to offer. I’m more of a visual adventurous soul, so sun rises and sunsets, skyline views, or panoramic views of the area are my weakness. I’m going to share some of my favorite gems that I’ve found during my adventures in LA.
Griffith Park and the observatory is one of my favorite places to touch the sky, realign with Mother Earth, and take in a sunset. Plenty of trails to hike with a good picnic spot when you’re able to beat the crowds. The trek to the Hollywood Sign is a great hike if you’re up for the challenge.
The area around Loyola Marymount University and the campus itself is beautiful, and has great trails for a more peaceful and greener hike. There are lookout points for panoramic views of the DTLA skyline and Hollywood Hills. Plenty of parks in the area for different activities.
Crenshaw & View Park-Windsor Hills have the best urban views of the DTLA skyline. The neighborhoods are clean, quiet and there’s a huge park with plenty of walking trails at the peak of the area.
Some of my favorite restaurants in the city are as follows.
Anarkali – The best Indian cuisine on the west coast. This family cares about what they put on your plate, it’s delicious and affordable. Right on Melrose, it’s the perfect location to do some shopping before or after your visit.
Jinya Ramen – Amazing ramen, able to add and customize to your tastes. Close to Santa Monica pier, so you can place your order and take in the vibes from the beach.
Dave’s Hot Chicken – During my first few months in LA, Dave’s was a staple in my nightly cuisine. They have plenty of locations to choose from to try out any of their heat levels.
Some popular hangouts for me are The Grove, 7th & Fig, & Downtown Santa Monica . Los Angeles has something for everyone that is bold enough to venture in the land.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There have been so many reaffirming moments in life and along my creative journey. What may have started out as a favor to a friend can manifest itself into a very valuable client relationship in the future. I pride myself on believing that I can relate to everyone on a human level, and that adaptability has been integral to my successes. That being said my shoutout goes to my parents, Mary & Roland. I can definitely say that I’ve been raised with a belief that I’m able to accomplish anything that I put my effort towards. I was able to explore my creative interests whenever they came about, and I was granted the freedom to explore many places around the globe at a younger age than most of my peers. From 14 years old, I was traveling and experiencing the variety of cultures that this planet has to offer. My core values are in place and I know that people can look at me as a person with integrity because of their guidance. They’ve been married for 30+ years and have shown me what possibilities can be accomplished with unwavering consistency.
Website: Eyeofblaxz.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/Blaxzalexander
Twitter: Twitter.com/BlaxzAlexander
Youtube: BlaxzAlexander