While last week’s interview was in riot-filled sunny LA, today’s subject makes his home in the riot-filled Great White North of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Scott Alexander earns his living at night, photographing rock concerts that pass through town. He’s caught some great musicians on film, including a few up close & personal shots of Snoop that I absolutely love. With his nights filled with ‘work’, what does he do with the days?
Shoot street.
In one brief statement, define street photography.
Street photography to me doesn’t have to be anything but otherwise un-recorded history. Look at some of the greats, Erwitt, Bresson, and to a photojournalistic degree Weegee, and tell me you cannot see what living in theie respective cities and times was like. Documenting the human experience, to draw on a common term.
How would you define your artistic style (I.e. What defines your visual ‘uniqueness’)?
I think I am still coming in to my artistic style. I shoot for photography’s sake 98% of the time, and art 2%.. I don’t know if that makes any sense, but I compose for the photograph, and make a photo. While I shoot I have an idea of the context and imagery behind the frame, but sometimes I am the only one who sees it.
How did you get into street photography?
Without a doubt due to Chris Weeks, who opened my eyes to the wonderment of public places. Before that, I have a lot of negatives without a purpose
What influences your work (can be anything)?
Music is a big influence. As is film (movies) Put the two together, and take Amelie for instance. One of my favorite flicks – it always makes me dream of Paris, and I find myself working towards the thought of shooting their, and I work harder, and inspire myself to get there. Also, friends play a HUGE part in inspiring me.. Relatively unknown, I admire them greatly (Jamie, Tyler, Stevie to mention a few)
Who are your top 5 street togs?
Severin Koller, Joel Meyerowitz, Meridith Kleiber, Felix Lupa and Chris Weeks. I picked living photographers who I have had some interaction with because of the continuing love they show to their craft
Many thanks to Scott for agreeing to take part in the PhotoJazz Five. You can find more of his street photography in his deviantArt gallery.
Brian
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