Owned and operated by MJ Alexander, MJ Alexander Photography combines the vision of an artist with the skills of a storyteller.

What is your primary camera body?

Canon 30D

Two lenses you use the most:

Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di Canon EF-S 17-85 MM F/4-5.6 IS USM Zoom

Do you shoot RAW?

No. I’ve been inspired by some demos at PhotoPlus Expo NY, though, and will begin experimenting with RAW on my next project.

How would you describe your photography style?

Intuitive, collaborative.

Do you employ second shooters or assistants?

Rarely.

What do you remember about your first (or one of your first) commercial shoot?

One of my first jobs was photographing opening night of Mozart’s opera “Die Zauberflote.” This included dealing with 60-plus high-maintenance directors, assistants, and performers. A situation that could have degenerated into a disaster (they don’t call them divas for nothing – think wedding with multiple brides) became festive and buzzy as I worked the stage, focusing on small groups and individual portraits of the players in elaborate costume against spectacular sets and dramatic lighting. We were exhausted, but ended up as excited about the shoot as the performance itself.

What advice would you give to someone just beginning their career as a photographer?

Think different. Learn to see past the obvious. Develop a point of view, take chances, build your portfolio. Case in point: This past year, I decided to photograph Oklahomans born in or before 1907 for the state’s centennial. The project has opened eyes and doors, and taken on a life on its own (I’ve photographed more than a hundred elders aged 100 to 109, and have a waiting list just as long.) The exposure has been phenomenal: the project is the cover story in several regional magazines and newspapers and has been featured as the subject of public radio and television interviews. Galleries and book publishers are calling, and corporations are commissioning work.

My advice: set yourself apart by breaking the mold and investing time in a project that inspires you. Taking action will keep your creative juices pumping, help you carve out a professional identity, strengthen your credentials as an artist and, at the end of the day, allow you to set higher rates and work smarter.