Alexsey Reyes is a nineteen year-old photographer and multimedia artist who has worked with Converse, Netflix, Instagram, Tiktok, Condé Nast, and the Biden-Harris campaign. Based out of Texas, Alexsey incorporates dynamic and youthful narratives that are representative of his distinct and dream-like style. His work has graced the pages of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen and he has photographed Billie Eilish, Snoh Aalegra, Ricky Thompson, Johanna Toruño, Noah Centineo, and many more.
Alexsey first picked up a camera at the age of thirteen and he began taking photographs of everything and everyone, slowly building his style and working on his craft. His artistry and career began to take flight when he started booking professional photoshoots for brands at just sixteen. From the beginning, Alexsey aimed to ensure his career and style were aligned with his values and mission: to put people of color and those not typically represented in mainstream media at the forefront of his creative endeavors.
SHEESH! had the pleasure of interviewing Alexsey Reyes about his love for photography, collaborating with friends, what representation means to him, and how to begin pursuing your own creative ventures. Take a moment to feel inspired and read our interview below.
On Photography
What makes a great photograph stand out from the average? For Alexsey, it’s when the photo captures a powerful message and amplifies its subject. “When a photo makes you feel something either towards the person, its concept, or direction, that is what makes it stand out for me.” These photographs take on extra meaning when Alexsey is able to collaborate with a subject he chooses. “When I look for people to photograph, I try to find someone who I can work and collaborate with. If we are both really passionate about the concepts of the photo and on how we should heighten their appearance it always turns out ten times better.”
On Identity
“My identity as a person of color, as a Mexican, as plus-sized, and coming from a low-income family heavily influences my perspective on how I want to be perceived and how people like me want to be perceived.” As a photographer and multimedia artist, Alexsey creates vividly in order to counteract the negativity often directed towards the Hispanic community or plus-sized individuals in mainstream media.” I came to America when I was six so photography was always a form for me to express myself without speaking. It’s an escape and a form of therapy.”
On Representation
How we choose to view ourselves and look at others is heavily influenced by the lack of or apparent likeness found within magazines, films, books, and television. Alexsey’s photography successfully aims to capture individuals, regardless of how they look or where they come from. “As photographers or directors it is our job to dictate how our visuals are going to look and who is there to support us from behind. This all ties back to ensuring more photographers and creatives behind the scenes who are people of color are hired.”
On Inspiration
Alexsey Reyes turns to the lyrics from some of his favorite musicians and artists for inspiration in developing the thought and optics behind his photoshoots. “I think of a visual for [the lyric(s)] and make sure the subject can relate to it in order to ensure it feels natural.” Alexsey’s ability to establish an organic relationship between his art and his audience motivates and inspires him to pursue his medium. “Over the years, I’ve gotten messages from people telling me that they are inspired by my work, my photography is the reason why they started pursuing it, or that they love a certain photograph. It has really meant a lot to me and assured me that I am doing something right.”
On Advice
When starting out with a creative endeavor we are often bogged down by the thought of how to perform or cater to others. This can lead to crippling doubt and fear that prevents us from even taking the necessary first step in fulfilling our imagination and artistry. In order to avoid this, heed Alexsey’s advice: “Make sure you are creating for you and creating stuff that you’re passionate about. Focus on personal anecdotes that will enable people to relate more to you and have people appreciate you more as an artist. Being more vulnerable through your work and what you are creating is more meaningful than following and participating in trends.”
On The Future
As for future plans and goals we can expect from Alexsey, watch out for several video projects that are in the works. “I’m getting into directing, so I’m turning my photography into a video format which is exciting. I’m excited to share more of that at the end of the year and to hopefully work on a movie or series with a cast that is very inclusive and diverse one day.”
Stay up to date on the latest from Alexsey Reyes and some behind the scenes footage by following him on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
