Mercedes Alisa Interview: To me, photography is a way to express my creativity
Swanky Magazine Interviews the wonderfully talented photographer - Mercedes Alisa
PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT | Mercedes Alisa from California, USA & Toronto, Canada
Q1.Swanky Mag: Hello, can you introduce yourself to Swanky Magazine's readers? Can you tell us a little about you?
Hello! My name is Mercedes and I'm a photographer in both Toronto, Canada, and California, USA. I am 24 years. I love to be creative, and my hobbies include drawing, designing, and reading. I have a very outgoing and bubbly personality with a side of sarcasm. As much as I love to hang out with friends, I also enjoy my alone time. You can usually find me near the water, in the gym, or taking a photograph!
Q2. How, and when did you get into photography?
I started photography when I was 14 (10 years ago). My father came home with a camera one day and gave it to me to figure out. It quickly became a passion of mine as I realized there were endless possibilities with photography. It wasn't until 5 years ago that I started photographing people and models. When I transitioned into this genre it really opened up my eyes to the photography world and what can be achieved.
Model: Ellie Alex
IG: @ellieealex
Photographer: Mercedes Alisa
IG: @snapsbymercedes
WB: http://www.mercedeschircop.com
Q3.What does photography mean to you?
To me, photography is a way to express my creativity. The fact that I can think of a concept in my head and execute it within a photograph is so surreal and truly brings me joy. Being able to express me and my style with photographs is a blessing in disguise.
Q4.Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
My photography style is very modern. I like to keep my photos sharp and fresh. I shoot the majority of fashion editorials (both men and women) where I get to work with models. Then my secondary I work with influencers and help them generate professional content for their brand deals etc.
Q5.Where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspiration usually comes from what I see on social media, my everyday life, etc. If I see a trend or a theme that I really like, I'll generally try to create something inspired by it with a twist which allows me to do something that is not really seen a lot.
Q6. Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?
Yes! 100% yes! Before each shot, I'll create a 'shot list' with different poses that I want to achieve for that shoot
Model: Ellie Alex
IG: @ellieealex
Photographer: Mercedes Alisa
IG: @snapsbymercedes
WB: http://www.mercedeschircop.com
Q7.Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
I would say I'm not a hobbyist but definitely wouldn't consider myself a professional JUST YET. I'd say I'm in the middle of the two so let's call myself a professional amateur
Q8. What has been your most memorable session, and why?
My most memorable session was one of my very first fashion shoots simply because to this day, the photos are my absolute favorite! I teamed up with 2 people that I used to go to school with and we spent all day in the city and it flowed so smoothly, the photos were just turning out so great, we had the best time, and it was in that shoot that I realized this is what I want to do the rest of my life.
Q9. Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Neither! I shoot Panasonic Lumix and Sony. My favourite lens however would be the LUMIX 42.5mm portrait lens. Some of the clearest shots you will ever take I swear!
Q10. What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
My advice would be to 1. make sure you have a solid portfolio. Ask friends and family for help and create a portfolio for your target audience, 2. get on social media and just post! 3. Word of mouth marketing is the best marketing! 4. Just start! theres never a perfect time to start so just do it! You won't regret it!
Model: Ellie Alex
IG: @ellieealex
Photographer: Mercedes Alisa
IG: @snapsbymercedes
WB: http://www.mercedeschircop.com
Q11. What do you think of our new magazine?
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!