Alex Mooney
Alex Mooney
alexandra.mooney@hotmail.co.uk
@alexandra.mooney
http://alexandramooney.london
Country
United Kingdom
State / Region
London
Photographer
ABOUT
I guess the fact I'm me? I was born without my left forearm which I suppose makes me physically different to a lot of photographers and has presented a few challenges. I also hate being in front of the lens, behind it all the way...but I'm sure doesn't make me unique!
Alex, what are your passion and aspiration in life? How did you start as a Photographer?
To continue to feel creatively fulfilled through the work, I create and make a living from it. I started late in life with photography, although I have always drawn and painted portraits, I also studied textiles at university so in many ways see it has an extension of these art forms...just through pixels instead of a paintbrush or needle!
Who is your inspiration in life Alex? How do you keep inspired?
I take inspiration from many things day to day. I'll see a colour combination as I walk past a wall for example and stop to take a photo for my inspo bank. Or some moulding fruit in the fruit bowl, it's that random! I'm always visually taking in my surroundings. My partner thinks I'm mad. I'm constantly online and reading magazines to take inspiration from others work and to feed my creative ideas. On a human level, it's got to be my family and partner who provide endless support and encouragement.
We all make mistakes Alex; we wish we could take back. Please tell us about time being a Photographer; you wish you’d handled a situation differently with a colleague.
I've been fortunate enough not to have too many bad hiccups. One of my first shoots the client picked the venue and I hadn't checked it out in advance - it was a penthouse with floor to ceiling glass walls on a very sunny day. Being a novice the stark changing light caused me all sorts of issues with the camera. I didn't want to admit this to the client so carried on regardless - I must have taken hundreds of shots, but only a handful was any good to use. Thank god for Lightroom's exposure adjustments. It was a huge learning curve for me.
Alex, when you’re working with a large number of clients, it’s tricky to deliver excellent service to them all. As a Photographer, how do you go about prioritising your clients’ needs?
Having worked in agencies for the best part of ten years, I've come to learn good client etiquette, which is something I pride myself on now with my clients. Getting a good understanding of the brief from the get-go and understanding client's timelines is very important and allows you to manage yours across multiple projects. For me communication is key, I always keep a very open and honest line with clients throughout the process. Also being organised about your work so you can anticipate accurate delivery times is very useful.
Please tell us, Alex, about a time you had to be very strategic in order to meet all your top priorities as a Photographer?
I had a couple of fashion clients which both wanted the studio shots within a two day turn around. I was very transparent with each about the other project delivery to help manage their expectations; I worked across the two projects simultaneously delivering the work to both in batches. It was a hard slog but worth it to have happy clients and hopefully repeat business.
Alex, please give us an example of a time when you were able to persuade someone to see things your way at work successfully.
I always create a mood board to help clients visualise the style and type of shots I think they are after; it's also easier for me to sell in new ideas this way. Although it can be a bit more work, it means there is never any confusion, and the client knows exactly what they are getting.
Alex, please tell us about your proudest professional accomplishment as a Photographer. There might be many, but there is always this proudest moment that you want to share to everyone. What is it and why?
There are many, but I guess the first time I shared some images of my work on Facebook to friends, and I got such a positive reaction, it made me feel I could do this. I didn't share any work for a long time initially as I'm a pretty tough critic of my work.
Alex, please give us an example of a time you were able to be creative with your work. What was exciting or difficult about it?
Every shoot I am creative as much as I can be within the limits of the brief. For me, it's a large part of the job and what sets you apart from the crowd. I can sometimes get over excited and suggest things that may or may not work...but if you don't try you never know! I love playing with light and shadow and have been known to get into all sorts of random positions and places to get the perfect shot.
What advice would you give to the people who want to be successful as a Photographer?
Lots of practice and networking with everyone you meet, it's amazing how one opportunity can lead to another. And be likeable!
Are you looking for collaboration with fashion talents, brands and creatives? If yes, please state below what type of collaboration you are looking for?
Yes always. Fashion in particular, but I'm open to discussing all collaborative opportunities.
Photo Credits:
Photographer: Alexandra Mooney Website: Alexandra Mooney.london Instagram: alexandra.mooney
HELP THIS POST REACH 10,000 READS IN ONE WEEK TO SECURE THE FRONT OR BACK COVER OF MODEL CITIZEN MAGAZINE.
