Lexie Alley’s Music Photography is a Colorful Wonderland
Alongside photography, my other passion in life is music. So, whenever I get to consume both of them at the same time, it’s always a good day. The day gets even better when the music photography I’m viewing is unique, edgy, and full of color—this is where the photographer Lexie Alley enters the conversation.
Peeking through a colorful array of clothes was a young subject that offered as much vibrant energy as the environment she was immersed within. Naturally, being the photography lover that I am, my first reaction was, “who shot this?” After learning it was Lexie Alley, without hesitation I searched to find more of her work.
It quickly became apparent that Alley wasn’t your standard music photographer, this was an artist's approach to the genre. Her art felt as equally abstract as it did fine. What I loved the most is that Alley brought something fresh from her subjects, she pushed them and collaborated with them to create something much deeper than your typical portrait shoot.
Alley’s event photography continues the artistic trend. She does all the fundamentals; tells a story, captures emotion, shows off the crowds–and then she mixes it all up, goes deep into her artistic thoughts, and finally delivers something so inspiring that you just want to see more of her work. I love artistic photographers. Those who go beyond standard documentation and use their art to take you on such a trip that it almost feels psychedelic; Alley’s photographs are the magic.
Alley very kindly took the time to answer my questions. She shares her backstory and her inspirations, and offers some useful tips for anyone looking to embark on a career in music photography.
Them Frames: Hey Lexie! Please tell us your early inspiration to pick up a camera...
Lexie Alley: My dad got me a Barbie point-and-shoot for my 6th birthday, and I remember immediately taking it to the zoo with him and shooting everything in sight, and on many explorations after that. I also loved looking at documentary photos from National Geographic (we had what seemed like every issue growing up) Time, life--documentary photography was definitely the first genre of photography I had an interest in.
Them Frames: We love your Madeline The Person shoot. Can you tell us how that came about and how you developed the theme for the shoot?
Lexie Alley: I’d already been working with Madeline a bit from this point and got asked to shoot in her home for some upcoming releases. We made some videos and many photos on that day. These were taken in her room and her closet, so apart from maybe some rearranging and getting the lighting right, it was already perfect. She has such an expressive personality and is very much herself so I barely had to do anything here to make it look good.
Them Frames: If you’re doing a shoot for an album or single release, how do you ensure the image of the artist is in line with the style of music they make?
Lexie Alley: I always start with the person themselves - who they are, what they like, and what they are feeling currently at their core. I think everything good comes from a point of genuine expression, and then you can build from there.
Them Frames: You've certainly photographed some well-known people. Which has been a favorite shoot of yours and why?
Lexie Alley: It’s impossible to name a favorite. I always love when I get to be more involved more in-depth in an artist’s overall process definitely, as far as branding, art direction, artworks, etc. That is always very special.
Them Frames: What made you gravitate towards music and event photography?
Lexie Alley: I had always been creative growing up and especially loved music. I played a few instruments and sang, but I never thought of it as something that someone could do for work. In college, I started going to more shows and naturally always had my camera, and my friends’ projects/bands started asking for photos from their set and promotional pictures. It went from there!
Them Frames: In the world of live event photography: what’s your dream gig?
Lexie Alley: I would love to make a full documentary film for an artist at some point. Maybe for someone who hasn’t even been discovered yet.
Them Frames: What other parts of life are you connected to and how do they influence the way you create images?
Lexie Alley: I grew up in the middle of the woods with creeks and Disney-esque wildlife at times, and have always felt very connected to nature through that especially. My mom also had a very specific taste in art and interior decoration growing up, and we were always watching movies in all forms. I can see so many parallels through those things in everything I make.
Them Frames: Universal, Warner, Spinnin: how does it feel to be asked to work with such respected music brands?
Lexie Alley: It definitely brings some natural validation. Growing up big brands like that always seemed so out of reach.
Them Frames: For those thinking about going into music-based photography: please can you share how you started getting big-name clients and how your experience has been so far in the industry?
Lexie Alley: Shoot local first! Getting into your local scene is the best way to start out. I still have so many connections from when I first started. After that it’s a matter of being consistent doing it, making connections, and continuing to experiment and grow in your craft.
Them Frames: Finally, do you spend much time on personal photo projects? Anything you’re currently working on or would like to work on in the future?
Lexie Alley: I am always experimenting and working on something. Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of mixed media and collage art in my spare time. I am also working on a book with my brother who is a Conservation Ecologist. We started traveling around during the pandemic capturing a lot of different landscapes, fish, plants, etc. We plan on making the book scientific but with an art angle, maybe some shots you wouldn’t expect in this kind of book
