Alex Falconer
Q What do you do?
“I’m an artist who uses photography, tarot, and writing to self-express and connect with others.”
I shoot a variety of subjects, including nature, design, and architecture. I also offer portrait sessions, which I combine with tarot to offer this holistic experience of being seen and feeling connected to someone and something greater than ourselves. I think it’s so beautiful to feel confidence and acceptance in who you are in this moment, and it’s a privilege to help reflect that back to others through photography and tarot. I also love writing and spend my spare time working on short, non-fiction essays.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
Most of how I got to this point has been a result of doing inner work. Once I was able to get in touch with my inner child and open up space for creativity and play, I was intuitively drawn to photography, tarot, and writing. For photography, I spent a lot of time learning through trial, error, and online research. My past career in creative direction also was a wonderful way of working with other photographers before I knew it was something I wanted to pursue—I developed an understanding of how things work from a business POV—as well as what goes into “concept” for a shoot and seeing that vision through. For tarot, I just started pulling cards for myself every day when I didn’t know WTF was going on in my life, and started to learn the meanings by working with it consistently and reading books. I’ve also spent time working with a coach to hone my intuitive intelligence, which has helped in all 3 artistic mediums.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I think the intuitive aspect of my work helps me stand out. If you follow Human Design at all, my energy type is a “Reflector”—we are only 1% of the population! But essentially it means I am a very open person energetically, which helps me a lot in my work. When I’m reading tarot for someone or capturing them or even shooting nature, I am very receptive in the moment to “what is” and can act as a channel for bringing that to light. I think people really just want to understand and know themselves better, and I think the combination of what I offer through tarot and photography is a unique way for people to experience that.
Q What are you working on right now?
Right now I’m working on growing my tarot business, submitting my photos to galleries, and getting a print shop set up on my site!
Q What’s your style?
My photography style is clean, natural, and authentic. I don’t feel inclined to stray into these extreme edits; I really love to represent what already exists. For tarot, I have a warm, gentle approach. I totally get the skepticism around tarot, so I never impose anything on clients if they have doubts going into the process. I acknowledge we all have parts that can show up in a reading—and that maybe they are not all on board with the “woo woo.” I’m very open and accepting of all these parts, which I hope creates a safe space for authentic communication and connection.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
More creative writing actually! It lives on the back burner for now, but I’d like to explore submitting some micro fiction pieces to literary journals this year.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Hmmm. Maybe having inconsistent energy. Some days I feel really motivated and others I feel drained. But I also know this is part of how I work as a Reflector, so I’m trying to ride the waves with grace.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
It would be fun to have someone to share ideas with—someone to help reflect back what’s going on in my head.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I think a consistent set of things I tell myself are: it’s okay to take a break; there is no rush, trust the timing. I can easily get caught up in wanting to push things forward and force, and I am always surprised and delighted by what happens when I surrender and relax.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
NFTs :)
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’d love to do more in-person tarot readings, especially in an events context where there’s an aspect of community. I also do written tarot readings and would be excited to be doing that more frequently. From a photography POV, it’s a goal of mine one day to have an art exhibit and break into the art world, so I’m looking for opportunities to connect with other artists, showcase my work, and create new art.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
An ideal job for me would be one where there’s a strong feeling of co-creation, connection, and laughter. I’d also love to collaborate with more artists (again, perhaps in an exhibition context). And of course, travel is also always a draw for me when it comes to projects.
Q: What is your rate?
Shoots start at $300. Tarot readings start at $45.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Slide into my DMs! Email me! Write me a letter!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
There are so many! For photographers, Julia Astok and Santiago de Hoyos are both incredible artists with really gentle energies. Tori Swanson is an intuitive visual artist and coach who is so wonderful, supportive, and fun to work with. Lucia Dami is a tarot reader and illustrator with a beautiful heart.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
By putting down my camera and being present in between the work. Getting out into nature. Not taking life too seriously. Also intuitive art—my inner child loves to paint and sketch with no agenda.
This member profile was originally published in January 2022.