- Bridney C.
Q&A with Photographer, Alicia Edwards
By Bridney C.
It is a pleasure to interview Alicia Edwards for the Sweet Scoop.
Alicia is a 23-year-old photographer, originally from Groton, Connecticut. Now residing in Los Angeles, California, she drove across the country a year ago to the west coast.
Coming from a family of musicians, Alicia, also known as Leash, says she is the first photographer in her family. She was first introduced to photography in the 8th grade after her mother gifted her a small video camera that also took pictures.
"I still have a montage I took from middle school on Facebook I filmed on that hot pink camera," says Alicia. For some time, Alicia says she stopped doing photography and picked up the guitar.
She then returned to taking pictures after a few years, realizing photography is her "true passion" that makes her happy.
In this edition of Q&A, Alicia Edwards opened up about when she decided to pursue a career in photography, what type of camera and equipment she uses for her shoots, and which program she uses to edit her photos.
Bridney C: When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in photography?
Alicia Edwards: I was on and off with photography during my teenage years. I developed anxiety around meeting strangers and hoping I could meet their expectations for their images. However, later on in life, I gained confidence in my work the more I practiced. I also began to feel confident in my work and that I deserved everything that came my way. I had a few photography classes in high school, but I didn't pay much attention. It was not until after high school that I started to dive in to learn more about it. I am self-taught, and I am always learning as I go.
BC: How many places have you traveled to?
AE: I have traveled to many states on the road driving from Connecticut to California, I would have to say Chicago was one of my favorites, and Nebraska was one of my least favorites. I like places that have a lot of life in them. Nebraska didn't have much of that.
BC: What type of camera and equipment do you typically use for shoots? What do you use for lighting?
AE: My first camera I started using for photography work was a Canon Rebel t3i. I had to figure out what aspect of photography I wanted to go into, so I experimented for a long time with that camera. I taught myself how to use a DSLR camera, and now I use a Canon 5d Mark IV with a 24-70mm 2.8 mark II lens. I have been shadowing a beauty photographer based in Los Angeles, Leyla Stefani, who is showing me the ropes of beauty photography in which I aspire to do shortly. Right now, I use mainly outdoor lighting since I'm in the process of learning studio lighting and which kind of set up I'd like to use, and there are many different lighting setups.
BC: Which program do you use to edit your photos? In total, how many hours a week are you out working on photography?
AE: I use Lightroom 90% of the time, but if I need something edited out of the picture, then I will open up photoshop to get the job done. Editing is one of the most fun parts of photography, its where the image comes to life. I try to have at least 3 to 4 shoots per week, and it depends on how many pictures the client is expecting. It takes me about 30 minutes to an hour to edit an image properly.
BC: Which famous photographers, if any, has inspired you to be an independent, self-employed photographer?
AE: The first photographer that inspired me was Kim Geronimo, @thestreetsensei on Instagram. She's a fashion photographer based in New York. She influenced me because she captured the models so perfectly from various angles. Her work is astonishing. Another is @kihmberlie on Instagram, she challenges my creative mindset, and I'm obsessed with her work.
For updates on Alicia Edwards and her brand, be sure to follow her page on Instagram @shotsbyleash. Took book a shoot, visit her website shotsbyleash.com.