Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Grand.
Hi Alex, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Talk a bit about my journey in photography. I started as a self-taught photographer at the age of 17 with a film camera, and over the years I’ve become a passionate and award-winning photographer with more than 20 years of experience across various areas of photography, including sports, social events, weddings, portraits, and photojournalism.
With a degree in Law, I transitioned into the creative industry, earning a degree in Graphic Design and working in design studios and television production. Photography has been part of my life since high school, evolving from film cameras into a thriving career capturing human connection through images.
For over a decade, I’ve also been a dedicated photography educator, with a strong commitment to teaching underprivileged children and inspiring them through the power of photography. In 2024, I was honored with the Portrait Photographer of the Year award by Inspiration Photographers.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Choosing what we love to do as a profession is very difficult. The paths are complicated, especially because I was raised in a way that taught me to accept things as they were. Because of that, I didn’t even know who I was—let alone what I wanted to be or do with my life.
I ended up studying Law and graduated, but I gradually realized how unhappy I was. At 26, I left the legal field and went on to study Graphic Design. On that journey, I began to understand myself better and started to see more clearly what I truly wanted.
I worked in design studios and TV production companies as a graphic designer. Then, in 2008, I had my first opportunity to do professional photography work, photographing concerts. That’s when I realized I could make a living as both a designer and a photographer.
Over time, photography gradually took over my professional life, and that’s how I became a photographer. I often say that photography found me—I didn’t choose to be a photographer.
I love what I do!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Over more than 20 years of my photography career, I’ve photographed a bit of everything. These days, I focus mostly on weddings, portraits, and family photography. I truly enjoy creating and producing my own images — a need that comes from my deep influence by cinema. I’m heavily inspired by the things I love. I’m passionate about music, films, and fashion from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. I also love art, and my favorite painters are Caravaggio and Van Gogh.
That said, whenever I have the freedom, I try to incorporate all this cultural background into my photography. I love meeting new people and discovering new cultures, and photography has already allowed me to visit places and connect with people I never imagined I would.
I’m also a photography teacher, and I love teaching my students how to create their own images. It’s a beautiful — and at the same time, challenging — process, because it requires looking inward to truly express oneself through photography.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I started my passion for photography with film cameras, and back in Rio de Janeiro — where I’m from — there were no photography schools, YouTube tutorials, or specialized magazines at that time. I began by teaching myself, and I overcame the challenges simply because I truly love photography.
Today, my advice for those who are just starting out is: study, attend workshops, and practice a lot. Get close to photographers you admire, and try to attend photography festivals. It might sound obvious, but there’s no magic formula — only study and practice will lead you to success.
I myself took a workshop last year with a great photographer I’ve always admired, and it was a dream come true. I study every single day!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alexgrandphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houston_portrait_photographer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexandre.grand.ale
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agrand/
- Other: http://www.alegrandretratosfemininos.com.br/
