Personal one - Lucy Alcorn interview
How are you today?
I’m great, thanks for asking!
Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your journey as a photographer?
I’m Lucy Alcorn - beauty photography specialist, lighting nerd and swatch queen. I’ve been shooting since high-school and full time freelance for the last 9 years. I work with commercial clients on both model and product based beauty campaigns, and absolutely love what I do!
How would you describe your style or approach to photography?
My work is clean, crisp and radiant with a colour-coordinated palette. My approach is verrrry studio-based, with a controlled and deliberate lighting strategy, to get the best glow from my models skin or to make a product punch its way out of an image. I don’t think I shoot like anyone else I know!
“ I don’t think I shoot like anyone else I know!
When did you first hear about this exhibition? I’ve been coming to this exhibition since I was a baby photographer, I’ve always found it immensely inspiring seeing different sides of photographers new and known, and always loved that the proceeds went to charity!
Is this your first time participating, or have you been part of it before?
This is my first time being up on the walls alongside the artists I respect so deeply. I cannot tell you how ridiculously excited I am to be a part of this!
If you’ve attended in past years, what’s your strongest memory of the exhibition?
This is THE social event of the year for photographers! It’s kind of like freelancer’s Xmas or something! I never miss it because I get to catch up with all my favourite humans, say hello to internet friends IRL, and also make new industry connections. I look forward to it every year!
How did it feel to see all the works displayed together on the wall in past editions? It’s always an exciting scavenger hunt, wondering what work belongs to who, discovering new artists, and appreciating different sides of all the exhibitors. There is always so much to take in and it’s so refreshing.
What does it mean to you personally to be part of this collective exhibition?
This feels like an enormous milestone - I always admired the people who had their work on the wall! It’s a huge honour to be up there too this time.
What do you hope audiences will take away from experiencing your work here?
I hope they appreciate the detail that you don’t get to see from your phone screen! And for people who have never seen my work before I hope they enjoy the celebration of unique beauty that runs through all of my images.
How do you see the photography scene today, especially with younger generations coming through? I’m really thrilled that I see more women working in the commercial space these days, it’s really great to watch that pool expand every year. The other big difference I see for younger photographers (well for all of us now really) is the need to build an online presence and brand for yourself, that maybe wasn’t so critical 10-20 years ago.
“ I’m really thrilled that I see more women working in the commercial space these days, it’s really great to watch that pool expand every year
Has the exhibition influenced or inspired your perspective on photography in any way? I always feel creatively refreshed after the exhibition, and excited to find ways to weave this back into my own projects.
What projects have you been working on recently (If you can tell)? I have some really exciting projects that won’t be out for a while, so they need to stay top secret! I’ve been shooting some gorgeous tests and editorials recently that I’ll get to share soon, as long as working with some wonderful new and returning clients ♥️
Is there a future project you’re particularly excited about and would like to share?
I’m keen to shoot some weird and wonderful flowers next!
Looking back, is there a past project you consider a milestone or turning point in your career? There are a few extra special ones! Recently I was flown overseas to shoot a global campaign for Sunsilk - that was a huge pinch me experience and beautiful adventure. The other one that stands out was seeing my work for Estée Lauder printed as a huge display, right in the entry of the Myer in the city (plus it was in David Jones stores too, all across Australia!). Having my work up in what was one of the fanciest shops when I was a little girl visiting Sydney from Newcastle, felt like I’d really “made it.” I definitely shed a little tear that day!
How has your photography evolved from when you first started until today? I think literally every possible skill has grown enormously, from lighting to retouching to directing and planning. I don’t really get nervous anymore which is nice. I really love learning and growing, and I’m happy there is still so much more for me to explore.
What inspires you right now—whether in photography or beyond? The unique spirit of each model I shoot with is forever my inspo. I’m always wondering “how can I make this look the best,” which applies to products too, so I guess my subject is my ultimate muse. I’m also always drawn to colour, that’s my starting point for most shoots, and I’ll often clock someone’s handbag or a good sunset tone combo and decide I want to recreate that.
What equipment are you currently using, and why? I’m a die-hard Canon girlie, they just render the most beautiful skin tones of all, and capturing the skin well is so critical in beauty. I shoot on an R5, and mostly use my 24-70 RF, but sometimes my 100mm macro too. For lighting I use Godox, it’s been really solid equipment for the 8 years I’ve been punishing it for! I’ve also loved using Harlowe for constant lights, they are gorgeous.
How does your gear shape your process or the kind of results you aim for? I know my equipment so well now that it’s become second nature, I don’t have to think through technical details while I’m trying to be creative, and I think that’s a huge advantage in being able to pull off the look I want.
Is there a photographer, work, or experience that has been especially influential in your path? A female photographer I assisted and still look up to, took me aside when I was younger and told me to double my rates immediately. It felt crazy at the time but I did it, my clients basically didn’t notice, and suddenly I was finally able to breathe a little easier and know I could pay my rent. I’ll be forever grateful to her! The women at Agender collective also enormously inspire me, it’s been important for me to see women in the industry being able to have successful careers to know that could be possible one day for me too.
What advice would you give to amateur photographers visiting the exhibition?
Soak it all in, take photos of the ones that speak to you most, and see if you can use them to reference your next creation (respectfully - don’t straight up copy!). Note the names of all the photographers you like best and see if they have room for you to come and assist. As general life advice I would say - keep going. This industry is a stayers game and it is hard when you’re starting. But if you refuse to give up I promise it will become worth it.
Anything you want to add?
Don’t be shy if you see me at the exhibition, come say hello! ♥️
