When you think of the island of Barbados, you think hmm, its global ambassador Rihanna? Flying Fish? Maybe even the cornucopia of feathers, pulsating beats and copious amounts of alcohol in the national treasure that is Crop Over and its Grand Kadooment celebrations. All these things are helping to make the Caribbean isle and acts as fragments of its culture and heritage. But stop for a moment, as we are introduced to another embodiment of Caribbean diversity and Bajan resilience, Alex Jackson. A son of the isle, Alex Jackson has built a rather impressive repertoire as a photographer and talent manager for models across the seven seas. His frankly unbelievable catalog of clients and events coverage includes works with MAC Cosmetics, Hugo Boss, Milan Fashion Week, shoots with Winnie Harlow and of course, transitioning to his management agency, NEXT Models. Alex has a specific eye and ability to create magic through his lens, demonstratable with how his models are composed, a seeming penchant for the use of natural light, and allowing the models to feel more connectable to their emotions via portrait lens. But these are the ramblings of the initiated. To hear from Alex himself, we asked him a few questions to capture his thoughts on media, creativity, and where he goes from here.
Can you remember the specific moment in your life when you were first intrigued by photography?
Alex J: Most definitely. I grew up in the era of Rihanna and as her career began to blossom, that was when I first started paying attention to photography and the magazines that she would cover.
What was the first camera you owned?
Alex J: I first bought a Nikon D5100 to hone my skills, but eventually made the change to Canon, which I personally found much better for fashion and portraiture. Now, I own about 7 bodies.
Do you remember the first model you ever shot?
Alex J: Of course! Her name was Shannon Harris, one of my schoolmates. We would go on to become the best of friends and eventually work together as she became one of the top models in Barbados & Miss Universe Barbados. She was my muse who inspired me to enter the realm of talent management.
Barbados is arguably one of the most scenic and breathtakingly beautiful places in the Caribbean. where is your favorite place to shoot in your own country?
Alex J: Barbados is honestly a paradise. We have a wide variety of stunning locations but one of my personal favorites is The Hot Pot. It gives such a variety of options and is perfect for swim & luxury images.
How did you transition from photography to talent management at next?
Alex J: While I was working as a photographer, I also dabbled in the fields of PR & Marketing for luxury brands and in the music industry. One thing led to another and before I knew it, I was working with talent very organically. I began studying to become an entertainment lawyer, but my focus shifted and with my business degree, I thought it would be a good idea to dive deeper into the world of entertainment. I flew to LA & NYC for a few meetings, was offered a position at NEXT and accepted on the spot. I started about a week later.
Being a talent manager, you have the power to make or break the dreams of an upcoming model. how do you manage that power?
Alex J: I’ve been given an incredible opportunity and work in a culture of ethical and professional excellence. As a talent manager, I view myself as someone with the ability to identify the talent in others before they even recognize it themselves, and then help them unlock their full potential. My purpose is to serve the talent – it’s not about me, but about them. The power dynamic really does sit with the talent. I always ask: What do you want to accomplish? And we work together to realize those goals.
Obviously, the emphasis on beauty in your industry is undeniable but what are some of the “non-physical appearance” qualities that could facilitate a model being successful in the industry?
Alex J: The industry has changed dramatically over the past few years and it takes so much more than just beauty to succeed. Personality is key – when someone walks into a room and they own it, you can feel they are going to be a star and attain longevity in their career. It also takes extreme amounts of discipline, dedication and always staying humble. Treat others the way you would want to be treated and speak an authentic truth.
The fashion industry is often criticized for imposing its standards of beauty on young girls creating heightened insecurities in them. how would you respond to such criticism?
Alex J: As I said prior, the industry has changed so much over the past few years and is now one that is highly inclusive. We are seeing models of all different races, genders, heights, and sizes taking over fashion. Young girls these days are seeing themselves more highly represented in the media – a change for the better and something I will continue to promote.
Name a model you have always wanted to work with and not yet had the opportunity?
Alex J: Jasmine Sanders. We have met numerous times either at parties or fashion shows, but I haven’t yet had the pleasure of being able to work with her fully.
Alex’s success is a product of dedication, being a little bit eclectic and a belief in the product you bring to bear and the skillset you possess as a professional make you worthy of your own seat at the table. Alex here serves as a blueprint for success for all young creatives, especially photographers, talent agents and models alike, of what Barbados and the Caribbean as a whole are capable of.
