Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to a friend to Chris Avery Bennet and talented photographer Alex Sweeney. A talented Connecticut photographer Alex continues to build her career one snapshot at a time. Please enjoy the following interview with the one and only Alex Sweeney.
A: Ever since I was about the age of 10 I realized I saw the world differently than others, I wanted to preserve moments and have physical evidence of memories I had collected throughout my life. As I grew up I realized I sucked at math, wasn't good at chemistry, hated writing for long periods of time, history is interesting but not a wise career choice. Art and photography to me was the only way that made sense to my brain, the only thing that I had passion for and along the way I discovered more clearly that fashion and photography are my muses. I have ADHD and the environment of being a photographer and working in fashion really help and utilize my unique qualities that I was given. I love the chaos, the beauty, the insanity, and the uncertainty of photography, and I love that I can control that chaos with a click of a shutter.
Q: What’s your favorite pass time?
A:Yes, I enjoy what I
do because it makes me happy not once has my job ever felt like a job it feels
like fun because it’s what I enjoy in life.
A: Ah
this question always makes me think! I think when I was little I was drawn to
the fact that I could see pictures in books, television, and whenever my mom
got the disposable camera developed. The idea of preserving memories was so
important to me because growing up with ADHD I had a tendency to forget things
and photographs were a reminder of things that I probably would have forgotten
about had I not captured the moment in film or on my digital camera.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: Besides
photography? I like to read, currently I'm reading a book called "Bowie on
Bowie" by Sean Edwards, David Bowie was a huge influence growing up so
it's a great read! He's a fantastic character! Also, I like to draw (though I'm
not very good at it), binge watch Netflix and drink lots of bubble tea.
Q: What are some of your favorite things to take pictures of?
A: I
like to photograph a lot of self-portraiture, not because I'm a narcissist or
anything but because I think the hardest critic is yourself and photographing
yourself and liking it is such a challenge and I find a great thrill in that
challenge. Another thing I enjoy photographing is fashion editorials because
fashion is such a huge part of my life and one of the focuses of my career
because my ultimate goal is to be the next Richard Avedon (I know cocky
right?). I'm not a huge fan of natural landscapes but more recently I have been
doing a lot of architectural photography, there's something beautiful about all
the buildings in New York City with their unique cracks and patterns, it
fascinates me.
Q: What kind of shots peek your interest more
nature, people, or art?
A: Most
of the time I tend to stick to models and people, because the human connection
is what makes photography to me so special. The interaction of the viewer and
the camera, and the subject and the camera, that conversation that goes on when
viewing photographs is magical to me.
Q: What draws you to being a photographer?
A: Ever since I was about the age of 10 I realized I saw the world differently than others, I wanted to preserve moments and have physical evidence of memories I had collected throughout my life. As I grew up I realized I sucked at math, wasn't good at chemistry, hated writing for long periods of time, history is interesting but not a wise career choice. Art and photography to me was the only way that made sense to my brain, the only thing that I had passion for and along the way I discovered more clearly that fashion and photography are my muses. I have ADHD and the environment of being a photographer and working in fashion really help and utilize my unique qualities that I was given. I love the chaos, the beauty, the insanity, and the uncertainty of photography, and I love that I can control that chaos with a click of a shutter.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: Right
now I'm planning on moving to Manhattan and continuing to work for the fashion
house I work for, I have an amazing job and I wouldn't trade it for the world,
it's helped me grow so much as a person and as an artist.
Q: Do you have anything planned or in planning right now?
A: Recently
I just shot my first maternity shoot, it was an interesting experience. Next
I'm doing a shoot for an actor who needs his head shot done; I never usually
turn down anyone who asks me to help them out.
Q: What’s your favorite pass time?
A: Favorite
pastime? Probably eating Ben and Jerry's and binge watching Bobs Burgers on TV.
Q: What is your favorite event to go to?
A: My
favorite event to go to to photograph is a fashion show. My favorite types of
events to go to in general are concerts, and I'm attending the Blaqk Audio
concert in May.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asweeeneyphotography/?pnref=about.overview
Twitter: asweeneyphoto
Instagram: asweeneyphoto
Interview by Tim Joseph
-Chris Avery Bennet