Today we’d like to introduce you to Alan Mercer.
Hi Alan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have been involved with portraits for over 40 years. Starting out as a painter and sketch artist, endorsed by Andy Warhol, I decided to concentrate on celebrity photography in 1997, 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 release of ‘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 and he 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 that I have photographed, I photographed even more legendary musicians that include George Jones, Bebe Buell, Gregg Allman, Thelma Houston, Melba Moore, Arturo Sandoval, Smokey Robinson and Etta James.
I moved to Texas in 2013 and stayed busy photographing local actors, musicians and models. Now in 2026 I have done a full circle and returned to art with all the new technology, and I am focusing on graphic illustrations.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been half and half. There were definitely times when things felt meant to be and smooth and other times when life just got difficult and complicated. Any creative field is full of struggles. It is inherent in the process. Proving oneself over and over again becomes a challenge. Even with decades of experience it’s always a new audition and showing that I am able to do what is needed creatively.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am laser focused on learning to get better with technology in creating the art of the future. I specialize in creating powerful and iconic images of people. I am most proud of the fact that I’ve been doing this for many decades now. I think what sets e apart from others is my long time devotion to my craft. I have never varied. I have stayed true to my calling.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson is how to treat others with respect and dignity. Especially those people who don’t think the same way or have opposite beliefs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alanmercer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amphotos11/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.mercer.75/
