We sat down with photographer James Alexander to talk about his love for 35mm film, passion and the essence of a good picture.

Where does your passion for photography come from?

I love everything about cinema. I have been obsessed with films since I can remember and I believe this is my main inspiration for taking photographs. It was while I was attending Film School that I started to study the work of the director and cinematographer. The works of Lynch, Wenders, Malick, Copplola would have a big impact on me and it made me dive deep into studying the way the film was put together. I often save images from films that stand out and strike a chord with me and I use these for inspiration for any future work.

I used to be a cinema projectionist before everything sadly turned digital. Projecting 35mm film to sell out screenings was an experience I will never forget. To learn about the craft of cinema projection was truly magical and it intensified my love for photography and the moving image.

What is the essence of a good picture?

That is both a really good question and a really hard one to answer. I think that if a photograph makes you feel something and forces you to go back to it more than once or to hang it on your wall then I would probably call it a good picture.

“Projecting 35mm film to sell out screenings was an experience I will never forget.”

Browsing your images you have a very nostalgic and documentary style. Is that what you want to capture in your pictures? And how would you describe your own work?

A lot of people have told me that my work has a nostalgic feel, this isn’t something I try to capture but maybe it happens subconsciously, I really don’t know. I love capturing moments, that’s something I love about photography and filmmaking. It is as if you can actually keep a record of time and go back to it whenever you feel like. To me, that’s magic.

Planned vs spontaneous?

I certainly started out with spontaneous photography and I will always love this way of shooting. But most recently I have had the urge to plan my shoots the way I plan my films. I would like to progress in doing more planned shoots and experimenting with lighting set-ups. I want to be able to use light better. I have a photo series called ‘Blue Motel’ which will be a collection of photographs shot on medium format film in roadside motels across America and I am planning to incorporate staged lighting into this series.

“Success to me is to do things you love everyday.”

What advice would you give a younger you?

Try to shoot more and care less about what people think.

What, besides photography draws your interest?

Cinema is one of my biggest passions, so when I’m not taking photographs I’m usually going to see a film or writing my own scripts. I i’m working on several film projects right now.

What means success to you?

Success to me is to do things you love everyday. To be able to travel and work from anywhere in the world is something I’m aiming for. And to have a house in the Desert.

The most important thing in life?

I think to me cherishing the ones you love and those moments you have with them is most important.