Meet Lexi, a 23-year-old music photographer and videographer based in Los Angeles and head of Punkaganda Press. With a unique style, Lexi has been capturing the DIY music scene since she was 15. In this interview, Lexi discusses her journey, creative process, and the evolution of her editing style. Dive in to learn more about her passion for music photography and her unique approach to capturing live performances.
Hey Lexi, can you please give our readers a brief introduction of yourself?
Hi Everyone! My name is lexi also known as cemeterywedding, which contrary to popular belief some people do call me haha! I am a 23 year old Los Angeles based music photographer and videographer just trying to make it in the hardcore scene, but have dabbled in every genre of music.
What inspired the name "Cemetery Wedding", and how does it reflect your photography / aesthetic?
The name comes from a Save Face song called “Bury Me Tonight”. Although they are good friends now, I was a massive fan of them back when the song was released and it kind of just stuck. I am also into horror movies and stories and how they go from happy to dark quickly which is why I feel like it fits me very well. While I have dark and eerie vibes, my photography is very much bright and happy.
How and when did you get into music photography?
I got into music photography at the age of 15 years old and fell in love ever since. Back in the day I used to be a part of stan twitter (*shivers*) and I would just find smaller bands to listen to. I was into portrait photography at the time but wanted to branch out. I became friends with this LA band and they let me come out and take pictures of their show. The rest is history!
With which camera(s) and lens(es) do you shoot?
I shoot with a Sony A7iii, a Sigma 35mm f1.4 lens, and occasionally a Samyang 8mm lens. I’m a wide angle girly at heart, so i’m working on getting a Sigma 15mm f1.4! Sigma sponsor me!
How would you describe your photography / editing style, and what makes it so unique compared to other visual artists?
This is a tough question because I just edit how I feel when I see a band. For instance, when the lights are going with cool colors and the band is really vibey I have a more glowy look to my photos. If I’m in a dive bar or a lower lit venue and the band is grungy I have a more textured and dark look. I feel like I can be very versatile in terms of my photos which I think makes me unique! However, art is subjective and I think that everyone is talented and unique in their own way :)
How has your editing style evolved over time? Were there any pivotal moments or influences that led to significant changes?
I have definitely been through my fair share of editing styles. I used to edit with really high clarity and black and white because I wasn’t too sure on how to color correct back in the day or just had lack of editing resources. However, now I edit more soft which is a big change from the early Lexi days. There wasn’t a direct moment I can pinpoint because I think it’s more so about exploring to find your style, but I realized that I could make a hardcore band still look aggressive and cool while simultaneously making my pictures look soft and airy.
What inspired you to develop this particular style? Are there any artists, or movements that significantly influenced your approach?
The hardcore scene and their photographers are major influences to me. In particular, Kat Nijmeddin is a big inspiration to me. Her photos just have this glow and appeal to them that I haven’t seen many capture. The way she captures hardcore bands is solely based on passion and you can see that radiating through her photos. I’m a Kat stan through and through. As you can tell I would do anything to work with her and just be in the hardcore scene. It’s so cool i’m gushing and kicking my feet right now.
What editing software or tools do you use to create your unique visual style?
Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom! Gotta keep it classic.
Can you walk us through a typical photo editing session? How do you decide on the final look of an image? And what does the rough step-by-step process look like?
I usually take a look at the presets I’ve created because there is usually one that has the colors I want to achieve in my photos. Then I’ll mask my photo and mess with the individual settings until I think it’s just right. Sometimes I have to take a break when it comes to editing because I’ll get frustrated with one photo and then I’ll come back and realize I hate it and start from scratch. If I had one piece of advice I would say please mask your photos. Even if you don’t think it needs it, please do because it just brings your photos on a whole new level.
Could you share a before-and-after comparison of one of your photos to illustrate the transformation through editing?
Going against the rule of do not share your raw files, but for SHOWGRAPHERS I will!
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in maintaining and developing your unique style?
I think it would just be not feeling good enough about my photos. I see all these people actively touring and I’m not getting any offers outside my first tour. It makes me feel like my photos are not worth it for someone to hire me to go on the road with them. My friends tell me my photos are amazing and on a new level and often question why I’m not touring so I guess that’s a little validating. Anyways, take me on tour I am fun and will make you look slay.
Your photos are often flagged as AI-generated images. How do you feel about this misconception, and what do you think contributes to it?
It’s horrible! I learned that if social media detects that it has masking done to it or content aware editing, it will flag it. I guess in some sick way it’s flattering they think my photos look good enough that it could be fake haha!
What advice would you give to other photographers looking to develop a distinctive style?
Your style doesn’t come overnight, it takes practice and that’s okay. Opportunities don’t come fast and aren’t based on what expensive gear you have. It’s based off talent and drive, and if you have that passion you will make it far.
What's the best purchase you ever made (can be gear, software or whatever)? Or what’s the best workflow hack you discovered?
Investing in my Sony was the best thing ever. As much as it hurt my bank account, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Is there anything you wish you had known earlier?
That it’s okay to cold email about touring or one off jobs, the worst they could say is no. Also, don’t be afraid to say your rates! Know your worth!