Meet Alexa Lepisto | Photographer & UX Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexa Lepisto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexa, what makes you happy? Why?
I’m the happiest when taking photos, spending time with loved ones, being active outside and traveling. As I’ve gotten older and my life has continued to shift and change, I’ve truly learned to value the simple joys such as being in the presence of friends over dinner or watching the sunset by the beach. My camera and using it to connect with others has always brought me a specific kind of joy that I believe will follow me throughout my life. It’s a gift that has allowed me to document moments, express myself artistically and has brought some of my favorite people into my life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Yes! My photography works stem from a love and desire to capture human connection, architecture, travel, and music. I’ve always struggled to express myself with words and photography allows me to communicate and gives me a vessel to connect with a variety of people.

I’m most excited to feel like I’m on the right track with my work and have a clearer vision of where I’d like to take my creativity. It’s not been the easiest road, I worked several 9-5s to support myself in the marketing industry and more recently moved into UX/UI design. I’ve enjoyed working a more technical job alongside photography; it feels like it satisfies my ADHD brain, allows me to work on a variety of projects and to always be learning. I lived in the PNW for years and my style evolved out of a rebellion from the work I was seeing from other photographers in that area. When Instagram first came to be, the photography style in Portland felt predictable and I was determined to find my aesthetic and stand out. Portland’s creative scene is smaller but a great place to learn and grow as an artist – I love the creative community there! I moved to LA in 2022 and it’s been a huge learning curve to put yourself out there constantly, be networking, and have a good belief in yourself and abilities. My relationship with failure and rejection has changed over the last year as I don’t take things as seriously and believe that God will open the right doors. Which doesn’t mean you don’t have to put in the work! Haha.

I’m most proud of having a billboard with my photograph featured in London last fall! That’s been one of my biggest bucket list items and to have it be international was huge. I feel very grateful for the opportunity. I plan to use my art to connect with others and continue to expand myself as an artist and storyteller.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ohh, love this question! I would start by taking them to Porto’s Bakery in Glendale, CA – this a Cuban spot with so many good pastries, sandwiches and gotta grab a Cortadito (the best Cuban coffee drink!). One of my favorite neighborhoods recently has been Larchmont so I’d take us here to shop, eat, and browse my favorite magazine stand. I would take us to the Griffith for sunset (hopefully this isn’t on a weekend lol!), Bacari for dinner and drinks, and Bar Lis for a jazz night! A beach day is an absolute must so I would hit the road and drive through Topanga Canyon and stop by Cafe on 27 for brunch. I would take us to Blue Bottle Coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up and then lay on the beach in Malibu and watch the sunset on the beach. A beach drive along the 101 at Blue Hour is unmatched. Another day planned for us would be coffee at Canyon Coffee and then a walk around Echo Park, and friends always love the swan boats so need to do that! I would hit up K-town for shopping and of course Hanu for Korean BBQ. End the night either doing karaoke in K-town or grabbing a drink near my home either at 4100 or Bar Stella. If we have a little more time, I think a weekend in Palm Springs or Joshua Tree would absolutely be on the agenda!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
One of the earliest examples of photography work that stood out to me was the work of Linda McCartney (Paul McCartney’s wife). She was a photojournalist in the 1960s capturing moments mainly in music with artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Beach Boys, and so many others. In her book, “Linda McCartney’s Sixties: Portrait of an Era”, she explains her organic and relational approach to capturing various artists that highlight the intimacy shown in her imagery. She talks about creating friendships with many of her subjects, where you can tell she values the person beyond her photography work. Within my art, I believe creating a relationship and making my subject feel comfortable is one of the most important parts of shooting and will help you create the best art. I believe seeing her work at an early age made me value the simplicity and importance of connection especially when shooting portraiture.

Website: https://www.alexajade.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexajade__/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexalepisto/

Image Credits
These all of my images – thanks!