Conversations with Alexis Backus

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

Hi Alexis, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
January 2017 was the first time I ever picked up a DSLR camera. At the time, I found myself as an avid concertgoer, and thought “What better way to go to more shows than learn how to photograph them?” I knew a couple photographers in the Detroit music scene, Rolando Ybarra and Kailey Howell, and they were the backbone to myself taught photography journey. They helped me develop my style, network, and move up in the music industry fairly quickly. That same year I photographed Warped Tour, Mo Pop, large-scale concerts, and started collaborating with Resurget Magazine. 

At that time, I was just having fun and trying to photograph as many artists as possible. I naturally burnt out after a bit and decided to start shooting more portraits for fun with friends, which eventually leading to paying gigs. Once I started frequently booking weddings and portrait sessions is when the realization hit that I really loved storytelling through photography and that maybe I could do this as a career. One thing led to another and I started investing more in my freelance business as a portrait and event photographer. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey to freelancing a job can be a challenging one. There’s a natural progression of responsibility and workload but there are so many small challenges along the way. Luckily, I am also a hairstylist which has allowed to support and supplement income while on my photography journey. 

Being your own boss has its ups and downs. I’ve struggled most with balancing both jobs while still maintaining time off to myself. it’s so easy to get consumed in projects when your computer is sitting a few feet away on your day off, which for me in the past has lead to overworking myself. I’ve since shifted my schedule to a healthier work-life balance and it has made the world of a difference. Setting boundaries and goals within a freelance lifestyle is key to avoiding burnout and making sure you’re still taking care of yourself along the way. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in portraits and weddings, but when I have the opportunity, I love landscape photography during my travels. Some of my personal favorite photos for fun were taken in Ireland May 2022 and my first abroad wedding was in Valencia, Spain in Nov 2022. 

Offering a well-rounded photography portfolio is something I strive for. Outside of weddings I also offer boudoir, family, conceptual, and branding sessions. I still love to dabble with concert photography here and there too. 

Kailey Howell Photography and I also team up for an array of mini days too. In the past, we’ve offered headshots, holiday, and boudoir studio days. We will rent out a studio or have a location with time slots for clients to choose from. It’s all around a fun time and we love hosting everyone, we can’t wait to add a few new themed days like to the 2023 calendar. 

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
As far as the wedding industry goes, I have met some amazing vendors from all over Michigan. It feels really nice to attend a wedding and recognize people I have worked well with at past events. It makes recommending vendors to couples effortless when I know they will be a great fit, or if I’m unavailable there are so many talented photographers, I can send their way. It’s been really nice to feel welcomed into the community. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acbackusphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acbackusphotography 

Image Credits
Featured photo: Kailey Howell Photography
Alexis Backus