ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE
beauty standards were also wiped away, so women can be themselves and celebrate who they are. “In my early twenties, there was literally one type of woman being shown – and this wasn’t that long ago,” she continues. “The impact of the body positivity movement is absolutely massive. Photography is an artistic format that can really push that message forward.” Her subjects now include everyone from Fearne Cotton to Dolly Alderton, and among her first was Russell Brand. “There was a chunk of people that I admired, so I tweeted them to see if anything happened,” Alexandra says. “I messaged Russell Brand and said, ‘You’re doing a gig in Cambridge on my birthday. Let me take your portrait.’ Everything’s worth a go – you’re not losing anything by trying.” Portraiture has evolved in the age of Instagram and body positivity. “When I think of the form, it’s about capturing important or inspiring people in history and how powerful they can be,” Alexandra explains. “They show how imagery can stay in your mind.” Alexandra’s soft, sensual aesthetic is created by shooting in her boyfriend’s parents’ shed. It’s a relaxed, informal environment, which translates to the images. “I don’t want to over-direct,” she says. “I often feel bad about bringing people into my garden, but lots of them say it’s a calming, unintimidating place. It’s about creating a space where people can naturally be themselves – then you’re creating magic.” The landscapes of Cambridge and its natural world are important facets of her photography. “I’ve explored every inch of Cambridgeshire and Saffron Walden,” Alexandra says. “I know which flowers are going to bloom in different fields, where the bluebells are coming out and where there might be poppies.” With a studio under construction, there’s every likelihood her work will continue to blossom.
IN THE FRAME Based in rural Cambridgeshire, Alexandra has taken portraits of First Aid Kit (above), Dolly Alderton, Fearne Cotton and many more
38 AUGUST 2022 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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