Daily Inspiration: Meet Alexis Ziemski

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Ziemski. 

Hi Alexis, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I was a child, I had an obsession with disposable film cameras. Eventually, I started collecting vintage film cameras which led me into learning how to develop film. From there it just kept evolving. I didn’t really make the realization that I was into photography until I was about 13 years old, before that I just enjoyed capturing photos and didn’t think too much into it. I shot on my little Kodak point & shoot camera until I got my first DSLR around 15. It was then I ventured into the world of becoming a professional photographer for a living. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh definitely not. I came from a hectic home life growing up so that along presented its challenges. It took me a few years to save up for my first DSLR and 80% of the time I couldn’t really afford to develop my film so it just sat in a box full of other film waiting to be developed. As I got older and grew in my photography journey, I was very limited on what I could do with what tools I had available to me, but I was always inspired to make it work because I truly loved what I was doing & I just wanted to learn more. I taught myself through YouTube videos or library resources. I stumbled across a website called Flickr where I unlocked a whole world of people with imaginations and creativity I related to but quickly learned how I needed access to better equipment and resources to achieve what I imagined & at the time it just wasn’t available to me because I didn’t have the funds for it. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in fine art/conceptual portraits, but I’m more widely known for my dance photography. Portraits have always been my favorite. 

In 2014 I reached out to a what I thought was a ballet school to photograph ballet dancers for a series I wanted to try. I knew nothing about ballet, but photographing dancers quickly became a new obsession of mine. I ended up becoming more involved with the nonprofit organization & became their staff photographer where I’ve had the opportunity of photographing professional dancers across the world. 

I would say what sets me apart from others is my ability to capture movement in photographs and my ability to work with whatever surroundings I’m given. Some of my favorite images are mistaken for exotic locations when they’re often ordinary places. 

Who else deserves credit in your story?
Yes 100x! 

My late Aunt Barb was an important role model growing up who gave me my first point and shoot camera. She pushed me to save for my first DSLR camera. She was my biggest cheerleader to pursing my dreams of becoming an artist when I was younger. I would also like to recognize my grandmother Annetta for also being an advocate in my artistic journey for without her support, I wouldn’t be where I am today. 

Ballet in the City is the nonprofit I’ve had the pleasure of working with for almost the last decade with some incredible opportunities. 

Cleveland Curiosities is a huge supporter of my business. They have opened up doors for some of the most unique opportunities I’ve have been a part of like photographing human skulls collections for the newly released book SKULLS by Paul Gambino. 

My biggest inspiration in my photography journey has been Sarah Ann Loreth who inspired me with her conceptual portraits. I attended a workshop called The Wild Ones where I had to opportunity to work alongside her as well as some other talented creatives. It was a turning point in my journey for I was struggling to keep up but I was motivated to keep trying desire the challenges. 

Contact Info:

• Email: alexisziemski@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lenscapkid/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lenscapkid

Image Credits
Veronica Mihalus
Jessica Binggeli
Kitty Johanni
Liz Davis
Aubri Parker
McKenna Ulbrick
Gabriel Smith
Mary Faith
Ashley Engstrom