Fact: If you’re a fan of a singer-songwriter, chances are, photographer Alex Thompson has captured their image. With a distinct style that is hard to replicate, Alex has established himself as the go-to photographer for the indie music scene. As a fellow songwriter, I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Alex for nearly five years. His humor and humility stand in stark contrast to his remarkable success, leaving me curious about his journey. Last week, I met Alex at his favorite spot, Doughnut Haven in Manhattan. We shared a delightful assortment of five doughnuts and I got to the heart of the matter.
Finding Passion in Photography
“What’s your favorite thing right now?” I asked.
“In the world? That’s a tough one! Honestly, it’s a feeling,” he replied. “It’s that rush I get when an artist tells me I’ve perfectly captured what they needed. Nothing compares to that, except maybe the fried mac ‘n’ cheese at Cheesecake Factory… now that’s a similar vibe.”
“Would you stop working if you could take a photo that satisfied fried mac ‘n’ cheese?”
“Well, that dish has so many demands, it might be impossible! It’s like trying to please an indifferent parent. You just keep going back, hoping for satisfaction, and end up feeling unwell,” he joked, revealing a common thread in his experiences.
Capturing the Essence of Artists
“I find this idea of fulfilling an artist’s vision fascinating. You have a knack for capturing their essence. Do you have a strategy?”
“Sometimes, I really don’t,” he admitted. “If the person I’m shooting is closed off or nervous, it won’t translate. No backdrop or lighting can change that. The artists I work with allow me to see them, and that’s crucial. It’s their choice to be open.”
“Speaking of which, what’s your favorite doughnut?”
“Oh, definitely the crème brûlée! But some might say it’s a bit pretentious.”
“Can a doughnut be pretentious?”
“Absolutely! Just look at it—acting like it’s above the rest. I prefer the simpler ones; the ones that say, ‘I’m just a doughnut, nothing fancy.’”
Keeping Up with the Music Scene
“Have you been keeping up with my work while you’re on tour?”
“Of course! The more I see you shooting artists I love, the happier I get. I was blown away seeing My Brightest Diamond live in Stockholm and was thrilled when I found out you photographed her. Her single ‘Pressure’ is incredible!”
“Exactly! I recently reflected on that. When I shoot well-known artists, I try not to form preconceived notions. I aim to capture them authentically without too much discussion beforehand. It’s better when it’s just the artist and me.”
He shared a memorable experience: “When I shot Cat Power for a publication, I had only five minutes with her in a tiny dressing room. She cleared everyone else out, and in that brief window, I took twenty shots. That was all I needed because she created a space that felt genuine.”
The Journey to Becoming a Photographer
As we laughed, Alex mentioned, “I know this might be the most boring question, but how did you get started?”
“It’s all good! Context is important,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to be involved in music but had no desire to perform or write. I began by selling merchandise for a college singer and followed her around. One day, she asked me to take photos of her. They turned out well, and I was hooked. I kept shooting musicians for free, learning as I went along.”
“It’s interesting that your first photo utilized contrast, which remains a hallmark of your work. Do you have a specific approach?”
“It stems from my lack of formal training. I only use a few functions in Photoshop, focusing on color balance and saturation. I think not knowing too much keeps me grounded.”
“I get that! I’m directing videos now, and I feel lost with cameras too. It’s more about storytelling,” I added.
“Absolutely. Composition is a language unto itself. Understanding how to frame a shot is essential, and it’s the discipline to see your ideas through that defines you as an artist.”
Future Aspirations
“Anyone on your bucket list that you haven’t shot yet?” I asked.
“Actually, aside from Mitt Romney, I’d love to photograph Lykke Li, Björk, and Cyndi Lauper. I grew up loving ’80s music, and capturing someone from that era would be a dream.”
As our conversation wrapped up, Alex shared, “I don’t keep a mental list of dream artists. I focus on improving every year, aiming for quality over quantity. This year, I attended the Grammys and realized I prefer the indie scene. I want to shoot artists I admire rather than chase big names.”
“Well, what’s a typical day for you?”
“Four doughnuts, almond milk—you know the drill! I wake up at exactly 10 AM every day.”
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In summary, Alex Thompson’s journey in photography is not just about the technical aspects but about connecting with artists and capturing their essence. His passion for music over photography drives his work, and he finds fulfillment in the emotional resonance of his images.