We are so excited to welcome Alex Beadon to the Blog today! Take a moment to learn more about Alex, and visit her website Alex Beadon Photography. Alex is featured as our “Celebrity Mentor” in the Pretty Forum for the entire month of December, so come on over and ask her anything you like. Thank you so much Alex for taking the time to share your work with us today!
Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
My love affair with photography began as a child when I was on a cruise to Alaska. On one of our cruise excursions, we were given the chance to feed some moose. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a single moose that was separate from the rest of his group. He looked sad so I grabbed a carrot and ran to him, wanting to show him that I cared. We stared at each other while I fed him. For some reason the moment was magical to me. A few days later, an elderly couple on the cruise handed me a photograph. There we were – me and the moose in our own little world, forever remembered. They had captured the moment so beautifully. It was then that I realised how powerful photography is and my passion began.
How would you describe your photography style?
My photography has feminine, dreamy, surreal qualities and is constantly evolving and being refined but the one constant theme is self-love.
Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I actually studied Marketing at university, and never studied photography at all. I was so inspired and passionate about photography, though, that I did everything I could to teach myself. I was addicted to Google, always trying to discover more and more about photography. Through that I became enormously fascinated with the online world and the implications it has for creatives today.
Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, and what is your favorite lens?
I am a HUGE believer that it’s not about which camera you have, but how you use it. The best camera is whichever one is with you, I’ve seen it proven time and time again. BUT I must say that I am absolutely in love with my Canon 5d mark ii, and my all-time favourite lens has to be the 85mm f/1.2. The aperture on that lens is just phenomenal and perfect for bringing my concepts to life.
Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
When you’re on a shoot take your time. Find an area that has the kind of light you are looking for, and then move your model around while you focus on the way the light hits her face. Remember that you want the light to flatter her features and make her look her absolute best! Here’s a Chatty Tuesday I put together a while ago about how I use light: http://www.alexbeadonphotography.com/blog/2011/12/20/lets-talk-about-light-chatty-tuesdays/
What do you feel is the most challenging part about being a photographer?
The most challenging part about being a photographer is bringing together all of the right elements of an image to create a reality of what you have in mind. My goal while I’m shooting is to add as much life to my creative vision through the things that I couldn’t have planned or expected beforehand. What I mean by that is taking advantage of what I have available to me on location – the wind, the light, various elements etc… It’s a mixture of effort and luck
What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
This year I have learned the power of listening to your intuition when it comes to both your artwork and your business. It has led me the right way each and every time this year, and for that I am grateful.
If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
Always follow your passion. Don’t do the things in photography that you feel you should be doing. Do the things in photography that you want to be doing.
What do you love most about being a photographer?
I love the freedom that being a photographer gives me. I love that being a photographer has taught me so much more about myself than I ever knew before. I love that being a photographer means I live a life full of passion, creativity and inspiration.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years time I intend on making an incredible difference in the lives of creatives everywhere by inspiring them artistically as well as in the realm of business and social media. I want to continue living a life full of passion, creativity and inspiration.
About Alex: 
About the Author: Alex Beadon is a creative portrait photographer, blogger, and creator of The Inspired Store. Her number one mission is to inspire those around her to creatively live an inspired and passionate life. That means doing what you love and loving what you do every step of the way.
And don’t forget, you can “Ask Alex” anything you like in the Pretty Forum for the entire month of December!
Well done Alex. Great going. I don’t need to tell you to keep at it. You are lucky to have found your deep passion so young and know what you want to do.
G/pa, with all my love.
Love this article! She’s such an inspiration and deserves this recognition!