CREDITS – All images sourced from Dirk Alexander’s Instagram
Dirk Alexander is a renowned photographer who has captured some of the highly revered personas of Hollywood, Bollywood, and beyond. A true master of his craft—he has an impeccable eye for detail, and every frame he shoots radiates precision and perfection—making his work truly picture-perfect! In our conversation with Dirk, he shared insights into his journey–from how he carved his path in photography to where he envisions the future of the art, after coming so far in his career.
What were your growing-up years like?
Dirk Alexander (DA): I was born and raised in Antwerp, Belgium. Most of my time was spent in school and gymnastics. I did competitive gymnastics from the age of 10-18. So, after school, I would go to training almost every day. It was a great time, and I had an amazing group of friends there.
When and how did you find yourself interested in fashion photography?
DA: It was because of my sport that I got in contact with photography. One of my best friends studied photography so I decided to try it when I was 16. Before photography, I studied science and mathematics but when I knew I could study photography, I thought it must be fun so I gave it a chance.
How does the location of the shoot inspire the photographer in you?
DA: Location is everything. I find myself so lucky to be able to see the most amazing locations because of my work. I haven’t had a real holiday in the last 10 years because I find it difficult to be in a beautiful place without taking pictures.
You’re a photographer and a creative visualiser. Where does your love for multimedia stem from?
DA: I love digital photography. When I studied photography, we had to learn how to develop our pictures in a photography darkroom but I was—since the beginning—drawn to digital photography. I loved how fast digital photography was!
How did you prepare for your shoots?
DA: To be honest, I prefer to go with the flow and I don’t plan too much. Sometimes the best shots happen by chance. There are so many unpredictable factors in making photographs that it’s sometimes hard to prepare too much—especially outdoor shoots—the light is changing all the time.
Do you stick to the concept you had in your mind or do you improvise?
DA: Improvise, for sure. Like I answered to the previous question, there are so many unpredictable things on a shoot. I like to keep an open vision and change things if it’s not working.
Where or in whom do you find your photography muse?
DA: I guess online—on Instagram or YouTube or from a movie. It happened multiple times that I saw someone online and thought I would love working with this person. I don’t have any one muse—there are so many amazing people in this world.
What sets your mood for photographing?
DA: The people on set, music and sometimes, the good food on shoots.
How do you prepare yourself before any shoot?
DA: I don’t like to plan too much but I do check the weather prediction. If I don’t know the location I would search on Google or Instagram to check the place and surroundings. I make sure I have enough space on my laptop and memory cards, and check if all my batteries are charged. I also do some research on who I’m shooting that day.
What has been your most coveted project so far?
DA: I’ve had the opportunity to shoot for Nicki Minaj during Paris Fashion Week.
Which of your personal shoots was challenging?
DA: I think there is always a challenge in every picture. I can’t really think of one specific such instance. A challenge that I usually face in India is that my camera gets foggy because of the air conditioner inside and the humid climate outside.
Which photograph of yours is your personal favourite?
DA: It’s a picture I took in Kenya from the big migration. Hundreds of wildebeests trying to cross a river. I love nature documentaries, so to see this happen in real life was incredible.
Which has been your most favourite shoot in your journey till now?
DA: One of my favourites is a shoot I did last year in Saudi Arabia. I’ve been dreaming of visiting Saudi for a long time so being able to shoot there was a dream come true.
One person who is on the top of your bucket list to shoot?
DA: Zendaya.
Who are your biggest influencers/mentors?
DA: The people I work with.
What is the first thing you notice when seeing other photographer’s work?
DA: Light and colours. The first thing I always think about is how they set up the light or how I would set up the light to get this mood/result.
Who are your favourite photographers? Why?
DA: Greg Swales—I love his work. The way he uses light, colours, locations or sets–also, Frederik Heyman—who creates the most incredible visuals.
What makes an image a photograph?
DA: The team, for sure! For most jobs I do, I’m nothing without the incredible people who help build an image.
What are some of the things you are obsessed about as a photographer?
DA: So many things! I can be obsessed with a peaceful amazing location in nature but also with the rush and excitement of shooting a big event or a celebrity. I’m also obsessed with disturbing elements in a picture, I think, because I was a gymnast and I’m a Virgo—I love perfection. So, maybe I’m obsessed with perfection in a way. The smallest detail that other people wouldn’t even notice could ruin the whole image for me.
If you could choose just one person to photograph you, who would it be?
DA: I hate being in front of a camera, so preferably no one (laughs). But if I had to choose, it would be someone from my family.
One celebrity who’s your favourite to shoot with?
DA: Zendaya.
Who is Dirk when not a photographer?
DA: Now that’s a difficult question! You should ask my family or friends. (laughs) I love spending time at home, visiting family, going to the gym and eating healthy.
What passion do you harbour apart from photography?
DA: This isn’t the most interesting answer but I love watching TV or YouTube. I love nature—I live close to a zoo and a big forest, so I often go there to walk and enjoy the beauty. Also, I like going to home decor shops or plant shops—I’m not the best at keeping my plants alive but I love buying them and making my home a bit greener.
What are some of your favourite photography tools?
DA: I’m not so much into gadgets. I use my basic photography tools over and over. My camera (Canon), 2 lenses and a flash (Profoto) are the most important ones. Also, when I travel I like to travel as light as I can. One of my favourite tools is a stabilizer for filming but I don’t use it as often since most of my work is photography.
What are your future plans?
DA: There are some people on my list that I would love to shoot with, so I’m trying to make this happen. I hope I get the chance to keep on travelling for my work and see the world. The plan for the future is definitely to spend more time in India!