Life & Work with Alexandra Sczudlo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Sczudlo.

Hi Alexandra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today. 
I have loved cars since I was a child. I was that weird kid growing up who would rather play with their Hot Wheels and plastic dinosaurs than a Barbie. Growing up, I lived in a series of small towns. The only time I saw exotic cars was on the pages of my magazines. I moved out to Arizona on my own at the age of 17 to start university. I attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona.

I soon learned of car shows taking place in Scottsdale, a 2-hour drive away. I began driving myself down to Scottsdale every weekend just to be around the cars and attend the car shows. I never had a normal college weekend. Every Saturday I was up before 4 AM to get ready and drive down to Scottsdale for the Saturday morning, cars and coffees.

I soon found that life was expensive; my scholarships only covered the necessities and didn’t leave room for fun. I started picking up odd part-time jobs to afford the gas for my weekend trips. I worked as a barista, a nanny, a waitress, and a special ed tutor, balancing 2 to 3 jobs at a time and my college classes.

While attending car shows, I started to notice automotive photographers and the opportunities they had to be around and experience some of the more elusive exotic cars. I realize starting an automotive photography business would get me access to cars that I had only dreamed of. I went online and bought myself a Coolpix Nikon B500 and started advertising myself as an automotive photographer.

For my 19th birthday, my Dad gave me a used Nikon DSLR. With the confidence of having a more professional camera, I reached out to a local magazine, offering my services. To my surprise, they said yes, and I received my first paid publication only a month later. From that moment, I knew that I wanted automotive photography to be more than just a way to pay for gas to go to car shows, and be around cool cars. With my new gear and opportunities, I fell in love with photography.

I started Automotive Alex LLC. For my 21st birthday with the money, I made from photography. I bought my first mirrorless full-frame camera and a new laptop that could better support Lightroom. I graduated from university, and then the world shut down. Covid had closed the country, and the job market was slim. I took this time to develop and grow my business. I moved to Scottsdale to be closer to my clients. Slowly, my business grew. I began to study social media and use it as a tool for growth.

Today, I have almost 90,000 followers on my photography page and have publications in prestigious magazines such as DuPont Registry. I also have a publication in Forbes. I was recognized by Porsche as a top content creator of 2023. My business has blossomed and brought me so many amazing opportunities, memories, and friendships.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road was never smooth; it was always an uphill battle. However, every trial and tribulation only strengthened my business and allowed it along with me to grow. From the get-go being a woman in a male-dominated industry has been a constant struggle. You have to work twice as hard for the same recognition and are constantly doubted.

I was also not a naturally gifted photographer; I had to work hard to develop my craft. I sacrificed the typical college experience to start a business. Nothing came easily or naturally; it was all force of will to grow my business and earn the opportunities I’ve had.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an automotive photographer. While I love all cars, my specialty is high-end exotic vehicles. I work with a variety of companies and private individuals. I am known for providing high-quality deliverables. My photos are known for being bright and natural looking while still capturing the essence of the vehicle.

I have also become known for what’s called a “ Roller” which is a photo taken from a moving vehicle of another moving vehicle using a slow shutter speed to capture movement of the wheels and background while keeping the car in focus. In 2022 I had a roller go viral of a teddy bear on the back of a liberty walk Supra for Valentine’s Day.

Something that sets me apart from others is my maturity and professionalism. One of the things I am most proud of is not only the growth I’ve achieved buy the respect I’ve earned as a woman in the automotive space.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Not especially; most of my motivation for what I do stems from a passion for what I do, not an external factor. However, there is one podcast that comes to mind as it’s a great representation of the car community. Tormenting Tarmac is a local podcast I’ve had the privilege to be featured on a number of times. I would highly recommend giving it a listen as it encompasses what the Car community means to the community.

Pricing:

• Full Shoot – $350
• Half Shoot – $175
• Rollers only – $150
• Stills only – $300
• Mini Shoots – $75/$100

Contact Info:

• Website: https://automotivealex5.wixsite.com/mysite
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/automotive_alex?igsh=MXBiZWlycWs0MGhpNg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100092045469276/ 

Image Credits
@automotive_alex