Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexander Hernandez
Hi Alexander, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Lubbock, Texas, the hometown of Buddy Holly, and was mostly raised there, though I also spent part of my youth in a smaller Texas Panhandle town called Pampa. I am of Mexican and Native American descent, which represents just part of my personal identity. I am currently 28 years old and have been living in Saint Louis since August 2023.
I chose Saint Louis because I wanted a fresh start and the chance to build a life I intentionally shaped, with a focus on my photography. I also wanted to attend school with the goal of becoming the first person in my immediate family to earn a college degree. Saint Louis, with its affordability and burgeoning art scene, seemed like the perfect place to do so.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not. Within three months of moving here, my significant other and I broke up and mutually decided to part ways, leaving me alone in a city where I knew absolutely no one. While I do have my dog, Clementine, I was truly alone and unknown for the first time in my life.
Though it’s still an ongoing process, I’ve managed to discover parts of myself along the way—who I truly am—and have found a small sense of community.
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a photographer. I like to think of my work as Still Films rather than film stills—if that makes sense. My focus is primarily on street, architecture, and travel photography. I strive to capture the moments that make a city or place feel authentically itself, as well as the essence of the city itself, so my viewers can experience its culture and character as if they were there—just through my eyes and lenses.
When approaching a scene, I ask myself, Am I trying to show the city (in an architectural photography sense), or am I showing the city (in a more personal and candid way)? I also enjoy creating “slice of life” video edits paired with carefully chosen songs that act as soundtracks to my photos and videos, enhancing the experience of the places I visit.
I’m currently working on a project titled Off the Record—a photo zine series documenting my time in Amsterdam, London, and Dublin in 2024. The series incorporates my photography, personal writing, and select music to create a complete sensory experience. My plan is to present it in three phases: first through social media (which has its limitations), then as a printed zine, and finally in a gallery space here in Saint Louis. Time will tell how it all comes together.
What matters most to you? Why?
Honesty and intention.
If you aren’t honest, you can’t be trusted—plain and simple. That applies not only to being truthful with others but also to being honest with yourself about who you are, what you do, and what you say.
As for intention, I’m reminded of the Daft Punk song and Latin phrase Veridis Quo, which loosely translates to “Where are you going?” But beyond that, its deeper meaning is “To what purpose?” or “To what end are you doing this?” If you can’t be honest with yourself and answer that question, then what are you even doing?
Contact Info:
Image Credits
All photos are by me, Alexander Hernandez
