Life & Work with Alectra Busey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alectra Busey.

Hi Alectra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Malibu, California. Growing up, the majority of my family was and still is in the film industry (Motion Picture Film / Stunts), so since day one, I have always been around it, but I was always interested in the “behind the scenes,” “behind the camera,” “the making” of said sets. At age 13, I was gifted my first DSLR camera, Canon Rebel. I had no idea what I was doing setting-wise with it, but I had a creative eye & loved being behind the lens. I was self-taught, had my favorite photographers and influences of photography, and family and friends gave me advice here and there till I was 18. When my grandmother was on her deathbed with w/cancer, she told me her last wish was for me to finish school but with something I love (I had dropped out of high school in the first month of 10th grade); that day, I applied for my GED Test as well as BROOKS Photography school in Santa Barbara, CA and Hallmark Institute of Photography, Massachusetts. I passed my GED, got accepted to both, & decided on Hallmark, MA; that same day, I found out/decided I went and told my grandma; she was over the moon. Little did I know that was going to be the last moment spent with her because she passed hours later.

I graduated from Hallmark Institute of Photography – class of 2013. Hallmark is where I found my “niche” in my craft, my stamp in my images, and the control of my OCF lighting. That said, while in New England, I also had the privilege of learning in real-time, assisting Jeremy Saffer and Clay McBride (separately), outstanding photographers. I had been looking up to the photographers outside and before Hallmark Institute of Photography. Right out of college (2013), I was more familiar with the “alternative” models and magazine companies’ photography of the “heavier” music scene—freelance and whatnot. (2018) Jumped on Yelawolf’sTrunkM3 tour as a photographer for StruggleJennings and Jelly Roll ( Waylon and Willie). From there, I became part of Angels and Outlaws, Struggle Jennings, team & relocated to Nashville, TN & have been here since.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Haha, smooth is not the word I would use. Becoming a professional photographer is challenging and unpredictable, with ups and downs, Expensive AF, and all of the above. There are days when you feel like you’ve hit a wall, and your creative flame is MIA when suddenly you capture a shot that makes all your creative sparks relight. There is no “Big Break” in the world of photography I am in. It is a “Yay/ Celebration” when you get that big project, but things are constantly developing/changing / upgrading / etc., “dog eat dog world, in my opinion. So, what I do myself is grow with it (or at least try to). Whether feeling defeated or thriving, I stay focused on my passion & get through the bumpy road. “You’re only as good as your worst photograph.”

My Top Struggles:
-Rate sheets, made and ready but second guess constantly.
-Pulling the trigger on the website layout.
-A million social media drafts because I am great at overthinking everything.

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a photographer, and I’m interested in human subjects: portraits, bands/artists, commercials, and ECT. I specialize in / known for / what sets me apart from other photographers is my light shaping with OCF and capturing all finals in camera.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
I met the Spice Girls at age 5, and Baby Spice gave me rose-shaped barrettes.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alectrabusey.com
• Instagram: alectrabuseyphoto
• Other: alectraa

Image Credits
All images taken and owned by Alectra Busey Photography