What do the words "Creative Community" bring to mind for you? How do you feel is the best way to utilize members in a Creative Community?
I would say the creative community is a group of people that enjoy what they do and are willing to help others. Being that everyone is busy with their day-to-day lives, it's always a treat when you get to talk with other creatives about what they are working on and to share advice. I try to stay in touch with as many photographers as I can.
How did you discover your creativity?
I started taking pictures of my friends skateboarding when I was 13. For the first seven years, all I cared about was photographing skateboarding until I went on to RIT to study photography. Studying photography opened my eyes to commercial, fine art , and editorial photographers. Going to RIT really opened my eyes to the commercial photography world and gave me something to strive for.
What are you working on these days?
Lately I've been shooting with Digitas LBi for American Express as well as work for Liberty Mutual, The Wall Street Journal,and Yankee Magazine. Beyond my commercial work, I have been shooting a personal project on the Rough N Rowdy boxing league, which is owned by Barstool Sports. I also started a photography podcast called "The Photo Banter" where I interview different photographers and photo industry professionals. You can check it out on iTunes and Soundcloud. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-photo-banter/id1315846850?mt=2
What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?
My first big break was getting my assisting job with photographer Tibor Nemeth. He taught me so much about how the business works and how to treat your clients.
What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?
Laptop, deodorant, Kit Kat, and a 2 terabyte hard drive.
Top 3 Tips you would give someone starting out in your creative profession:
Patience, persistence, and be open to any opportunities that present themselves to you.
Who are you following right now on Instagram for inspiration and why?
Jamie Bissonette for all the tasty eats, Frank Ockenfels because he's constantly shooting fun photography, and Barstool Sports because they're funny!
What is your MOTTO in life?
Drink a lot of water
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
The Cheesecake Factory.
If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring?
Canon 5D Mark 4, Macbook, and Cheez-its.
What do your parents think you do?
Take pictures of people.
What would be your Networking Do's & Dont's.:
Just be yourself and don't go to networking events expecting something from someone. Just go and talk to people and have fun. If you have good work it will sell itself.
Full Name: Alex Gagne
Profession: Commercial Photographer
Industry: Photography
Website: www.alexgagnephoto.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006074628078&ref=bookmarks
Instagram: @alexgagnephoto
Twitter: @alexgagnephoto
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-gagne-1984b311/
Blog: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-photo-banter/id1315846850?mt=2