We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ali Waxman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ali, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
people often talk about “finding their purpose” as a personal journey—one that usually involves exploring their interests, reflecting on their values, and figuring out what brings them fulfillment.
As a survivor of a near death experience. My purpose has been one of growing a legacy. Visually through photographs, Spiritually, through reading, Financially through working hard, and emotionally, by reflection.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My photography explores the relationship between acquired synesthesia and romance tourism. With influences as diverse as Rousseau and Frida Kahlo, new variations are manufactured from both opaque and transparent meanings.
Ever since I was a teenager I have been fascinated by the unrelenting divergence of the mind. What starts out as vision soon becomes finessed into a cacophony of defeat, leaving only a sense of what could have been and the dawn of a new understanding.
As shifting replicas become clarified through diligent and academic practice, the viewer is left with a testament to the outposts of our future.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Shoot as much as you can.
The best way to improve is to practice. Shoot every day, even with your phone. Pay attention to what catches your eye and why.
Learn the basics of exposure.
Understand how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO work together. Practice shooting in manual mode to get full control over your photos.
Study composition.
Look into techniques like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing. But also experiment—rules are meant to be broken creatively!
Seek feedback.
Share your work with friends or join photography communities (online or in person). Constructive criticism is gold for improvement.
Master light.
Photography is literally “drawing with light.” Learn to see and work with natural light, and experiment with artificial lighting too.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Remember, feeling overwhelmed happens to everyone. Progress—even small steps—counts.
It’s a subjective answer. Keep pushing forward and never give up. You have one life. Live it
Contact Info:
- Website: http://waxmanphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ig_foodphotographer/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-waxman-36351bb8/
Image Credits
waxman photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
