Alexandra Votsis, the rightness of movement

Alexandra Votsis is a timeless fashion photographer.  She captures gestures and looks that flirt with elegance while imposing sensuality as a mean of expression. Born in Canada, she found her passion for photography very early on. In high school, she discovered the work of fashion photographer Mario Testino, and the art of photography became self-evident to her. Her signature is both delicate and full of modesty. Movement becomes a strong focus to better express feelings and lay emotions bare. She looks for singularity in her models to reveal their strength and stare directly into the eye of their emotions.

Maison Sensey: How did it all begin?

Alexandra Votsis: Had you asked me what I wanted to do a few years ago, I would have replied business owner or teacher. But during my second year of high school I did some research on fashion photographer Mario Testino and that was a game changer. I admired his work. I loved his artistic style, the way he photographed his models and transcended them even just in mere commercials. Sublimation through photography immediately resonated with me.

Not long after, I saw a billboard ad for a jewelry house featuring model Daria Werbowy. That’s when it hit me: I wanted to work with the art of photography. That’s how I decided to become a fashion photographer and director at the age of 14. My family and I lived in a small town in Canada. At the end of that school year, we moved back to a larger city – Toronto, my birth town – to make my dream come true.

I had only attended two photography classes during my four years of high school! I carried on studying at OCAD University, where I got a bachelor’s degree in photography. In the beginning, I took self-portrait photographs with a tripod and a self-timer. Shortly after, I broadened my scope by taking pictures of my sister and friends. In 2011, during my first year at university, I contacted modeling agencies and that’s when I started working with famous models.

I always wanted to learn by myself and keep evolving as a photographer. Today, my dream has come true: I am an independent photographer and a photography teacher. I’ve come full circle.

What is your photographic style?

I always find it hard to reply to this question as I’m not looking for a specific style, but rather for flow and intuition in the way I carry out each photo shoot. I’d rather listen to what others have to say about my work, it is more interesting!

Your photos convey some sort of fragility and subtle movement, is that your signature?

I do play with a subtle movement in my work. I’m glad you can see it.

What are your inspirations?

I’m inspired by everything! Photography, painting, sculpture, a place, a color palette, a piece of clothing or a personal experience. Inspiration comes to me in many different shapes.

You portray women with much elegance. How would you define elegance?

To me, elegance for a woman means she’s at one with her sensuality. It’s about being self-confident, classy, well-balanced.

How does Paris inspire you?

Oh, Paris, the city of love! I went to Paris twice, and each time I left with the intention of coming back. Paris is an incredible source of inspiration: the people, the architecture, fashion, art… Everything calls for dreaming bigger, with infinite possibilities.

What is your best photo shoot memory?

It is hard to pick one, but what comes to my mind is a fashion photo shoot I made in Milan. The team was absolutely incredible, and we were shooting in a breath-taking castle. Even though there were many people, I was fascinated by the story we were creating. Gathering all the small details was very exhilarating and I will always cherish the pictures I took on that day. But the best is yet to come. Stay tuned!

Interview by Barbara Sensey 
Paris