Meet Alex Mayes | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Mayes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Growing up in WNC it was difficult at times, regardless of if it was financially or emotionally. My whole life I searched for outlets to cope with things happening inside my home or within the walls of the schools I attended and the only things that ever brought me peace were things I could escape reality with, things I had control over in portraying the outside world. Naturally I stuck to things like music, reading, writing and taking pictures of my friends or of things I saw. As I got older my curiosity of photography and videography grew stronger which helped me make the decision to take tech classes in high-school to learn the ins and outs of adobe programs in order to receive certificates and push myself toward a life of constantly being able to express myself and the struggles I faced.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others is that I am open about my struggles and disabilities in life regardless if it is emotionally, physically or mentally. I treat all my clients like old friends who I haven’t seen in forever, I believe that it helps when building relationships and bonds with lasting clients. This career path is not as easy or smooth sailing as people would like to believe. it takes a lot of sweat, blood and tears. I know of people and are also friends with that specialize in other areas than I do and love to see the growth that they bring to our friendship and the advice they bring as well. I’ve learned overtime that in this field that you kind of have to take things with a grain of salt in a way, your art isn’t going to be for everyone and sometimes the reality of that can hurt but you have to take the time to soak in the criticism and notes from others and be able to apply that to your work in order to expand skills and improve the quality of work you produce. My brand is very inclusive and accepting, as a queer woman who grew up in the Bible Belt south it can be difficult to find people who are willing to work with diverse couples, professionals or individual clients. Which also helped me push to make this a reality for myself, I love bringing joy to others and making others feel cared for as well as accepted in the way I didn’t growing up.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since moving to the triad in July of 2023 from WNC, I have discovered a handful of places that I love to take friends, family and my partner to. The first bar I ever discovered here is called “ruby deluxe” which is in Raleigh, my favorite restaurant is located about 5 minutes from where I reside and it is called “the verdict” right in the downtown area of Graham. I am a hardcore lover of thrifting (especially for vinyl and trinkets) so I visit “granddaddy’s” in Burlington and “The Purple Fence” in Roxboro. When I’m feeling lost and need to reconnect with nature I love to go to the Duke Gardens in Durham or the NC botanical garden in Chapel Hill. I also frequent book stores such as “Persnickety books” (Burlington) and indie music stores such as HiFi records (downtown Graham) and Main Street vinyl (Burlington).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who have been such an important part of my journey through life especially since I decided to start photography. But my immediate family , friends and significant other have all pushed me and praised me when I couldn’t do it myself and reminded me no matter how hard I am on myself that at the end of the day they always remind me of how talented I am and how hard I work.

Website: https://alexmayesphotography.myportfolio.com/work

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hey.itsalexm?igsh=eWQ0YmYxbTF2c3Nz&utm_source=qr

Twitter: https://x.com/hey_itsalexm?s=21

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Other: Blue sky:

https://bsky.app/profile/heyitsalexm.bsky.social