With his mix in editorial fashion and wedding photography, 17-year-old Alexander Wong has created quite a name for himself at such a young age. He’s had the opportunity to shoot personalities such as Mrs. Kaci Fennell Shirley and pulse model D’Kay Northover as well as work alongside with some of our great young fashion stylists and designers such as Jordan Anderson and Tiaclothesgirl respectively.TA: What was it about the world of fashion that made you want focus your photography on it?AW: Fashion photography forces a photographer to be different and original. The fashion industry requires originality for one to stand out. Of course, to some, this originality comes naturally but still I admire this as it creates a challenge in some cases. The goal is to produce something that hasn’t been conceptualised already. I appreciate and tackle this challenge each time I go out to shoot. TA: Tell us a little bit about your first fashion shoot. Who was it with? What was it like? AW: My first real fashion shoot was with the most beautiful, Kaci Fennell, Miss Jamaica Universe 2014 for her blog. I was very privileged to be approached to do this shoot. Honestly, it was beyond nerve racking to be tasked to shoot and meet the expectations to such a high profile job.

Alex is currently in the process of enrolling at the University of Technology, Jamaica pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. His love for aviation, technology, history and visual arts has resulted in his driven passion for commercial aviation and professional photography. His inspiration stems from literally any and everything, as his ultimate goal is to be “happy and content wherever I am in life”.

TA: What kind of equipment do you use?AW: I currently shoot with a Canon EOS 70D, along with a few prime lenses, including the essential 50mm and 85mm. These are also companies by a few speedlites and light modifiers.TA: When doing fashion photography what is it that you wish to highlight? What is the best camera setting for doing fashion photography?TA: What’s the role that black and white plays in fashion photography? What’s the purpose of using black and white versus colour?TA: What do you consider ‘good’ photography?AW: In my opinion, ‘good photography’, relating to fashion, would be any work that one would be able to qualify for the a cover for a major fashion outlet, whether it be a cover page for Vogue, GQ or V, or for a billboard add for Armani or Calvin Klein. TA: What are some of your tips for getting started in the world of photography?AW: Getting started in photography? Well, apart from the endless equipment list, it all comes down to the raw talent, who you know and who knows you. Photography is one of those fields that require endless networking, socialization and self marketing. Always be polite and professional. Always strive to be able to have choices, to have the ability to pick, choose and refuse.  TA: What has been your greatest accomplishment, and challenge so far?AW: I believe my greatest accomplishment so far has is being able to say that I am one of the youngest notable photographers in the country. My greatest challenge so far has been finding more time to invest in photography. TA: Which local Jamaican photographers do you look up to? Why?AW: I look up to a few Jamaican photographers. I not only am interested in fashion photography but also wedding photography. A lot of the established professional photographers in Jamaica are well rounded. However, to name a few, I can gladly mention Wade Rhoden, Courtney Chen, Anna-Lisa Guthrie and Adrian McDonald. TA: Is photography just a hobby for you or do you plan on majoring in it?AW: Overall, photography is one of the few options I have to pursue as a career.

AW: When on a fashion shoot, I mainly highlight on the concept or general idea for the shoot. This usually is aided by of course the wardrobe, makeup and model. I appreciate details. It’s usually the finer things that’s we don’t notice but appreciate the most.

There is no specific camera setting for anything really. It’s all in what the photographer’s vision is and what they can get out of the gear they possess.

AW: Presenting monochrome (black and white) images in fashion photography usually creates more dramatic, cinematic images with the different tones of blacks and whites. If done correctly, it will create a visually stunning and appealing image for the viewer to appreciate, sometimes even more so to its coloured counterpart.