Artist Spotlight: Alex Kemsley

A few questions for Alex:

The Advocate: Tell us the advantages and disadvantages of being your own model.
Alex Kemsley: Having worked with several models on different projects, I find that the greatest advantage of modeling is the connection with the art's concept. No matter how well you direct a model, the thought process behind the work can never truly be conveyed to them in the same way I experienced it. It's obviously much easier to create a certain expression or pose yourself if you have something specific in mind, but this often means a lot more trial and error. I usually end up taking twice the amount of photographs if I'm modeling, purely because of a wrong angle or being out of the frame.

Overall, it's a matter of choosing between practicality and artistic purpose. While a model can make a finished shot more aesthetically beautiful, is that what I want from my art? Do I want or need the polished and attractive alternative? Art is ultimately about a connection between the artist and viewer through the medium itself, and I find it easier if I'm connected with the photograph in every possible way, including the modeling aspect.