Q&A With Emerging Soda City Photographer, Alexis Schwallier

Alexis Schwallier is a photographer in Columbia, SC. She specializes in progressive weddings and creative portraits. She's also our photographer-of-choice here at Bonded! Most recently, her photos were recognized on Huffington Post. Check out her gorgeous, ethereal photo-feature here!

#1. What are two of your favorite photos you’ve taken recently?

This is so hard for me to pick! I’ve done a lot of work I’m excited about recently!

#2 How do you keep yourself inspired and your photography fresh?

Engaging with other photographers and seeing other people’s work pushes me in my own work and also gives me new technique ideas that keep my style fresh. Also, a lot of my inspiration comes from films, and I try to make note of color and framing when watching and thinking of ways I can apply that to how I shoot.

#3 Who is a photographer who influences you?

Ryan McGinley is my favorite photographer and has always influenced my work.

#4 What is the best part about being a photographer?

The best part is when I hear back from clients. Knowing I captured someone’s memories or helped them in feeling beautiful and confident about themselves is why I love this job.

#5 Mac or PC?!

Mac all the way!

#6 What kind of camera do you use? What’s your dream camera/equipment?

Currently I am using a Canon 5d Markii. My go to lens is a 50mm 1.4. I would like to upgrade to the Markiii (You can do in camera double exposure!). I would LOVE to own a LEICA someday or a Hasselblad with a digital back.

#7 What is the hardest part of your job?

The hardest part of my job is the everything else. Photography comes easy and naturally to me. The hard part comes in when I have to edit 8-10 hours worth of photos, write thank you notes, and deliver product.

#8 What is the easiest part of your job?

Documenting what’s going on around me! I love when clients are relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera. I enjoy capturing people as they are, and when they do that effortlessly, it really makes my job easy.

#9 Do you make time for personal photographic work? If so, what do you enjoy photographing?

Finding time for personal work has been a lot harder since focusing primarily on weddings. It’s something I’ve been meaning to do more of. A lot of times I collaborate with my clients on their sessions, so “work” is still creative and has a bit of a personal touch. I’ve been doing a lot of portrait sessions with friends which helps me try out new ideas and stay fresh and familiar with my camera. For completely personal work, I really like using Polaroid or Holga. Holga is a “toy” plastic camera where you manually advance the film. For those images, I mainly photograph landscapes.

#10 What is something you’re still learning?

I know my brand and my vision, but even that is growing and changing the more work I do and the more experiences I have. No wedding or session is ever the same and I come home from each having learned something I can either do differently or continue to do to ensure the best day for everyone involved.

#11 What is something you’re saving up for?

As of right now my branding and website are all self-made. I am saving up to be able to hire a web designer to make the website I’ve always dreamed of!

#12 Where can we find you on a Friday night at 9 p.m.?

If it’s a Friday before a wedding, I’m doing gear inventory and getting ready for bed! A normal night, I like to hang out at The Whig with friends!

#13 Do you have a muse?

Tori, my best friend and roommate is my muse. She is an up-and-coming beauty blogger. Whenever I want to try out a new idea or practice with new techniques, she’s always willing to pose. Or if she did a makeup look she likes, I’m able to document that for her.

#14 How do your girlfriends influence your work, if at all?

My friends are very supportive. They encourage me and send me photos they think I’d like or ideas for inspiration. Tori, like I said, is a muse right now. My friend Sarah, before she moved to China and then San Francisco, used to push me to try different editing techniques and always had great ideas during shoots. I’ve always had friends who have let me photograph them and I’m thankful for the practice when I was first starting, and now, to continuously make work so I’m always on top of my game.