If you enjoy the work of a particular singer-songwriter, chances are that Alex Reynolds has captured their essence through his lens. Renowned for his distinctive style that others struggle to replicate, Alex has become the go-to photographer in the indie music world. As a fellow songwriter, I’ve collaborated with him for nearly five years. His humor and humility contrast sharply with his remarkable success, leaving me curious about his journey. Recently, I met him at his favorite spot, a popular doughnut shop in Manhattan. Over five doughnuts, we delved into his experiences.
What’s your current favorite thing?
In the entire world? That’s a unique question. Honestly, and not just because we’re discussing photography, my favorite feeling is knowing I’ve done a great job for someone’s project. It’s that incredible moment when an artist tells you that your photo is precisely what they needed. The only other thing that brings me that level of satisfaction is this fried mac ‘n’ cheese from a popular chain restaurant—it’s surprisingly comparable. Perhaps that indicates how limited my life is, but that’s my favorite thing, I suppose.
If you could take a photo that satisfied fried mac ‘n’ cheese’s desires, would you stop working?
Well, fried mac ‘n’ cheese has so many desires that satisfying it might be impossible. It’s like a distant parent who doesn’t care. You keep indulging, hoping for more, and end up feeling sick afterwards. That’s a recurring theme in my life, really.
I find the idea of fulfilling an artist’s vision fascinating. You excel at capturing their essence. Do you have a strategy for that?
I’ve pondered this recently. Sometimes, I don’t have a plan. If the person I’m photographing is hesitant or closed off, it simply won’t work. Even with the perfect background or lighting, it doesn’t matter. The magic happens because artists allow me to capture their true selves. It’s their choice. I don’t believe my artistic talent can compensate for that.
What’s the best doughnut?
Without a doubt, the crème brûlée!
Really? That seems like the most pretentious choice.
Can a doughnut be pretentious? Absolutely! Just look at it! It’s like, “I’m smaller than the rest of you.” While it may be delicious, it definitely has an attitude. I prefer the more grounded ones that say, “I’m just a doughnut.”
Have you been following my work while on tour?
I have! Seeing you shoot all the artists I adore makes me so happy. It’s funny—I attended a My Brightest Diamond concert in Stockholm, and it was life-changing. I was thrilled to see you photographed her. Then I thought, “Of course Alex shot her!”
Her latest single is one of my favorites. She’s so unique and has a strong identity.
Absolutely! I just wrote about that. When working with well-known artists, do you come with any preconceived notions about them or the shoot? Do you approach each session differently? My main aim is to capture each subject authentically. I prefer not to discuss too much beforehand, and I like to shoot just the artist.
Once, I was photographing a musician in a cramped dressing room with only five minutes to spare. She cleared out the entire space, and in that short time, I snapped twenty photos. That was all I needed because she created an environment that allowed authenticity. A similar scenario occurred when I shot another artist. Much of my work involves not overthinking and creating a distraction-free space, even if it’s just for a moment, allowing the artist to be themselves.
I can already envision how beautiful this article will turn out.
Maybe you should include a tasteful black-and-white nude of me. Not full-frontal, though—just a nice curve.
I remember when we first worked together—you were so young!
We were! When did our first shoot take place? You should include a photo from that initial session to show how young we both were.
Yes, back in 2009. I was surprised by how down-to-earth you were when I first met you. So, how did you begin your journey?
It’s fine; context is essential! I’ve always wanted to be involved in music but had no desire to perform or write. I started selling merchandise for a musician I met in college and followed her around. One day, when I was about 21, she asked if I could take some photos of her. I did, and they turned out well. For the next several years, I photographed musicians for free, teaching myself the art of photography. I thought if I kept practicing, I would improve. Eventually, I moved to New York City to continue my work.
That’s when I received one of your emails!
Yes! I reached out to everyone, asking, “Can I photograph you? Please?” I was fortunate that many musicians I respect helped spread the word about my work.
Your unique vision and editing style are apparent in your photography. Do you have a method for that?
It stems from my lack of formal training. I still only use a handful of Photoshop functions, focusing on color balance, saturation, contrast, and curves.
That’s interesting—it’s almost like an extension of Microsoft Paint!
Exactly! I think my ignorance works in my favor. While many can manipulate images to create something unrealistic, I focus on the strength of the photo itself. I don’t love photography. I see it merely as a tool to express my artistic vision. Music is what I truly wish to be a part of, not photography. I’ve realized I’m not meant to delve into technical aspects like aperture settings. My strength lies in capturing images that evoke a response.
I’ve been reflecting similarly while directing videos. I’m not well-versed with cameras either. It’s about storytelling, and that has worked well for me.
Exactly! Composition is a language, and understanding it allows us to manifest our vision, which is what matters. Transitioning from hobbyist to artist requires discipline and commitment to seeing your ideas through.
Aside from Mitt Romney, who are the dream subjects you haven’t photographed?
How did you know? You’re insightful! Mitt Romney and Oprah are on my bucket list. Beyond that, I’d love to photograph artists like Lykke Li, Björk, and Cyndi Lauper.
You would capture Cyndi perfectly!
I know! She embodies color and a dreamy vibe. I’ve always been a fan of ’80s music, so capturing someone from that era would be incredible.
However, I don’t actively think about who I want to shoot next. My focus is on improving each year, even if that means fewer shoots.
That makes sense! Quality over quantity is crucial. This past year, I shot around 300 times, which was exhausting. The ultimate success for me is reaching a stage where I can choose fewer, more meaningful projects.
I can relate. After this tour, I definitely need some rest.
It’s a whirlwind! But those experiences are invaluable. I bet when you’re on the road, there are moments when exhaustion hits, right?
Absolutely—this tour has been intense.
For me, this year, I’ve tried to slow down and focus on quality. I attended the Grammys with a friend and realized that the competitive nature of the industry isn’t for me. I want to keep my work indie and focus on artists I admire.
So, what does a typical day look like for you?
Four doughnuts and almond milk! I wake up at exactly 10 a.m. every day.
In summary, Alex Reynolds has made a name for himself in the indie music scene through his unique approach to photography. Rather than focusing on technical skills, he emphasizes capturing the emotional essence of artists. His journey began with a passion for music, leading to opportunities in photography that allowed him to connect with musicians he admires. Whether discussing doughnuts or dream shoots, his candid insights reveal a genuine love for his craft and the artists he works with.