Meet Janik Alexander | Freelance Photographer & Graduate Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janik Alexander and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janik, why did you pursue a creative career?
I tore my ACL, MCL and meniscus going into my junior year playing basketball. I knew that I had to come up with a backup plan. Basketball wasn’t going to be my end goal anymore. I’ve always liked taking pictures of my family during the holidays, so I started to take it more seriously. I joined yearbook in high school then joined in college. When others started to see my work they told me that I should start charging people. They felt as though I would make money for my hard work, but I just liked to see their reactions when they see the pictures I took of them. What’s a better way than making money for something that you love to do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a freelance photographer located in Houston and San Antonio. I started my business back in 2017 when I was a sophomore in college. How I got to the level I am in today is by networking and perfecting my craft. Learning different editing styles, taking more pictures, and forming to my client’s needs when it comes down to capturing memories. Getting here was not easy due to making enough money to upgrade or purchase new equipment for better quality results. The challenge I had to overcome was balancing my professional and personal life. I am a full-time teacher’s assistant during the week and then I work on my photography as a side hustle. I am also working to receive my teaching certification. What I want the world to know about my brand and what sets me apart from others is making my clients feel confident in their skin. Creating memories that they can cherish for the rest of their lives. Helping my clients get out of their comfort zone and seeing them happy is what makes the work worth it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am from San Antonio and moved to Houston in 2016 when I started my freshman year of college at Texas Southern University. Since I do live in the heart of Houston there are many great places to visit. I do love to eat and have fun, so my favorite restaurants are Lost & Found and Island 1515. The food and atmosphere are definitely unmatched.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The people who deserve a shoutout would be my family for helping start my business. Especially my mom. She bought my first camera which was a Canon Rebel T6. Another person would be my yearbook teacher Terri Real and also my college mentor Quincy Green. They really taught me the fundamentals of taking pictures and capturing moments. I’ve been told I have the eye but without them I wouldn’t know how to capture what I was seeing.

Website: www,uniquetouchphotos.com

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