Today, we’d like to introduce you to Alan Mercer.
Hi Alan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been involved with portraits for over 30 years.
I started as a painter and sketch artist, endorsed by Andy Warhol. In 1997, I decided to concentrate on celebrity photography, and in a move that was pretty cutting edge at the time, I launched my website in the hopes that I would be discovered, and it worked.
It wasn’t long before director James Moll found my website and hired me to photograph his portrait for the DVD The Last Days. From there, I was tapped for a special project to assemble and photograph Steven Spielberg and six other great directors. After that, I was called upon by the biggest names in music, film, and television.
I became the go-to photographer for Hollywood veterans like Julie Newmar, Paul Williams, Lalo Schifrin, Ruta Lee, Rona Barrett, Jean Simmons, Linda Gray, Britt Ekland, Jackée Harry, Sean Young, Ruth Buzzi, Carol Channing, Audrey Landers. I became well known for his multiple portraits of people like Mamie Van Doren, Gilles Marini, Danny Trejo, Sally Kellerman, Freda Payne, Leslie Jordan, and Jane Lynch.
For as many actors as I have photographed, I have photographed even more legendary musicians, including George Jones, Bebe Buell, Gregg Allman, Thelma Houston, Melba Moore, Arturo Sandoval, Smokey Robinson, and Etta James.
Since moving to Texas in 2013, I have stayed busy photographing local actors and musicians.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I am not sure the road is smooth for anyone wanting to rise above their present station in life. The struggles are immense for someone in a creative field. There is always the sense that the world can get along without your contribution with no problem.
You must have a strong belief in yourself to keep moving forward when it all seems difficult to make any inroads. Moving to Los Angeles in 2001 to pursue celebrity photography was filled with enormous challenges. Finding a place to live, meeting the right people, and developing a unique approach to one’s art are paramount to success.
Also, you have to be 100% professional in your attitude and behavior. This field is full of no’s, and you have to have stamina to find the yeses! It’s always a challenge to find someone who believes in your talent and skill.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
I’m known for photographing some of the most popular musical artists and actors.
I specialize in high-end portraits that can be used for publicity and prestige. I am proud of the fact that I did end up photographing hundreds of celebrities and artists. I did so relatively effortlessly and fast. I was known for my ability to quickly get the shot.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I have learned is to treat people with respect and dignity. Being photographed can be an emotional and terrifying experience for many people.
I learned to handle people as individuals and respond to each and every one in a unique and special manner. Also, I have learned that not everyone will approve of the result of any creative project and that it is all right. We all have a right to our opinions. I certainly don’t like every magazine or book cover I see.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alanmercer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amphotos11/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.mercer.75/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw2DyAA18UNzfFPpETn7BTQ
