Luna Sweetheart: Alex Rose Lang on Embracing Solitude Through Photography
☆ By MOLLY SHARPLES ☆
AUTHENTICALLY SHOWCASING A PLETHORA OF DREAMY VISUALS — Born & raised in the Los Angeles area, Alex is celebratory of the powerful collaborative process often implicit in her work. Shot on film, Lang’s work is timeless yet reinventive in it’s revival of a “60’s/70’s dreamscape,” inspired by photographers such as Helmut Newton, film directors like Alfred Hitchcock, and pop songstress Kylie Minogue. In this sense, Lang draws inspiration from the most intimate and diverse aspects of her life.
Yet, apparent within her self-portrait series shot at the end of 2020, Lang notably embraces and encapsulates the power of finding peace in solitude. Whilst characteristic of the isolation experienced by many of us this past year, Lang’s mastery and acceptance of cathartic solitude is still equally as prevalent now as a powerful form of introspective art for herself & viewers alike. Read below to learn more about Lang’s advice for fellow artists within the industry and her upcoming projects for the year ahead.
LUNA: How have you been taking care of yourself these days?
LANG: I am someone that has always found peace in solitude (perhaps my sun in Cancer is to blame) so luckily, self-isolation has been quite manageable for me. I did adopt a wonderful dog on Halloween of this year and he has made me incredibly happy. He’s sleeping on my lap as I answer these questions! :)
LUNA: What made you want to make photography a career rather than just a side hobby?
LANG: I have always defined success as “making a living off of doing what you love.” Once I started getting into photography, I quickly knew it exemplified my own personal narrative of a successful life. It brings me great joy to make something beautiful with talented individuals in my community. It’s a collaborative effort.
LUNA: What do you like about film over digital?
LANG: I am a very old soul and early on in my foray into photography I began using it exclusively. It started for me as a natural gravitation to older technology but has since developed into a technical preference. The beauty of film can never be duplicated by modern technology. My “newest” camera I work with is from 1974.
LUNA: How has the style and vision of your work evolved since you first started?
LANG: It started as a very Tumblr-esque type of digital photography that quickly evolved into a more filmy aesthetic when I got my first 35mm camera. As I continued to get to know my film camera quite naturally, this vibrant, ’60’s/’70’s dreamscape came pouring out of me.
LUNA: Your photography always has such a fun retro glam feel to them. How did you come to find that style?
LANG: As previously mentioned, I am a very old soul. My love of film photography comes directly from my affinity for the aesthetics of times passed. Photography brings me great joy because it allows me to revisit the worlds of disco, mod, etc. any time I want to escape. What makes it even more fulfilling is that at the same time, those same worlds are my own.
LUNA: Are there any artists in particular who inspire your work?
LANG: Of course! I adore Helmut Newton, Slim Aarons and Man Ray as photographers, however I find most of my inspiration in music and classic films. Directors like Federico Fellini and Alfred Hitchcock — I could go on for days about. Growing up in pop music’s heyday has been particularly wonderful for me where inspiration is concerned. Don’t get me started on Kylie Minogue’s impact!
LUNA: If you could give any advice to fellow photographers within the industry, what would it be?
LANG: KEEP GOING. Although there will be times it may seem difficult, do not stop working for what you want. The only way I can guarantee you won’t get where you want to be in life is if you stop working for it. Above all advice I could give, that is the most important. In addition to that, if you’re ever feeling down about what you’re creating, please remember that we must make bad art to make good art. Don’t stop.
LUNA: What’s been your favorite shoot of 2020?
LANG: That’s difficult to answer, but my last shoot of 2020 felt the most special to me. I created a self portrait series spontaneously and the experience was intimate and personal, thus very all-encompassing of my 2020 experience. This year everyone has had to really rely on themselves for happiness. I’m so used to shooting others, turning the camera around on myself was a very cathartic experience.
LUNA: Any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
LANG: I have some KILLER Super 8 footage coming out that was shot in a gorgeous mid-century home for a client of mine. I think my work on Super 8 gets me the most excited about what I do.
LUNA: Lastly, as the year winds down, what do you hope 2021 brings you?
LANG: All I want is to continue creating art with groovy people. Bringing ideas to life with other talented individuals is why I chose to take this path for my career. Truly, it is all I need to be happy.
CONNECT WITH ALEX ROSE LANG
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