Fearless Narratives: Capturing Life’s Intimacies — An Inspiring Interview with Photographer Bexx Francois
In the world of photography, every snapshot tells a story, and every click of the camera captures a moment in time that can speak volumes. Bexx Francois, a talented photographer known for her captivating portraits and street photography, shares her journey, insights, and inspirations in this exclusive interview from the “Fearless Narratives” podcast, with Courtlyn Jones, the visionary founder and CEO of The Design Database, a prominent online community dedicated to empowering female and non-binary creatives.
From the streets of Los Angeles to the pages of prestigious magazines, Bexx takes us on a visual and emotional journey through her lens. Discover how she finds beauty in the mundane, the power of staying true to one’s aesthetic, and her aspirations for future projects.
Courtlyn (Host): Today, we’re joined by Bexx Francois, a talented photographer and director based in Los Angeles, known for her exceptional work in portrait, editorial, commercial, and still photography. Her artistic journey has been a fascinating one, influenced by her time in New York City and her deep connection with her subjects.
Bexx has had the privilege of working with renowned clients such as Nike, Adidas, Complex, and HBO, just to name a few.
With such an impressive portfolio, I’m truly thrilled to have her here today. Hi Bexx, how are you doing?
Bexx: I’m doing well, thank you. How about you?
Courtlyn (Host): Great! To start, could you share a bit about your background and how you initially ventured into the creative industry?
Bexx: It’s quite a journey, and I’m still figuring out how to condense it. My path into the creative industry took a significant turn toward the end of my first semester during my senior year in college. At that time, I was studying philosophy and had been on the pre-law track. I even took the LSAT after graduation and briefly worked on Wall Street. However, I realized that this path didn’t align with my true passions. So, I made a conscious decision to shift my career trajectory. That decision led me through various fields, from fashion to writing, digital media management, production, radio, TV, and even a surprising detour into politics with involvement in two presidential campaigns. Ultimately, it brought me to Los Angeles. So, in a nutshell, that’s my journey.
Courtlyn (Host): Fascinating! Moving on, how has your transition from New York to Los Angeles influenced your artistic style, personality, and overall inspiration?
Bexx: Adapting to Los Angeles was easier once I accepted that it’s fundamentally different from New York. While you might encounter some familiar faces and vibes, LA has its unique essence. I found that trying to make LA feel like New York was counterproductive. I had to embrace LA for what it is. Personally, I discovered that I don’t thrive in neat and sunny aesthetics. Instead, I have a deep affinity for Hollywood, the grandeur of award season, the legacies of great actors, and the rich storytelling of cinema. My work reflects this by incorporating textures, shadows, and an intimate atmosphere that contrasts with the stereotypical LA style. I find inspiration in the work of photographers like Helmut Newton, who masterfully uses darkness and shadows. In essence, my journey has been about knowing myself and my artistic preferences, which lean towards close, personal, and intimate compositions that fill the frame — a stark contrast to the spaciousness often associated with LA.
So, it’s been an intriguing journey, embracing my surroundings while staying true to my unique artistic vision.
Courtlyn (Host): Great, so how would you describe your artistic style? Given that it diverges from the typical LA aesthetic, can you provide some words to define it? To me, your work seems to have a darker and more profound quality, which sets it apart from the bright and sunny LA vibe.
Bexx: Absolutely, it’s not about being better or worse; it’s simply different. LA has its own unique charm. My style leans toward the darker, more textured, and intimate side of photography, which might not align with LA’s typical image. But that’s perfectly fine; it’s its own kind of beauty.
Courtlyn (Host): It’s indeed a unique perspective. LA can feel like a whole different world, especially for those of us from New York City. It’s like being in a cloud, almost surreal compared to our everyday experiences.
Bexx: Exactly, LA has its own distinct atmosphere.
Courtlyn (Host): So, where do you draw your inspiration from when creating your art?
Bexx: My main sources of inspiration come from film and music. When I listen to music, I often envision sequences of images, much like a music video. I focus on the emotions, tones, and instruments used in the music and translate them visually. Additionally, I draw from cinematography in films, particularly those with a grunge element. I appreciate how certain films embrace darkness, shadow, and natural light, forcing viewers to pay attention to details intentionally lit in a specific way. I’m all about evoking feelings and curiosity in my work. Film and storytelling play a significant role in my creative process.
Courtlyn (Host): Your connection to film and music is truly intriguing. Now, you’ve had the opportunity to work with many incredible individuals throughout your career. While I won’t name-drop, I’d love to know what your favorite project has been so far.
Bexx: It’s probably my recent solo show, which debuted at the Line Hotel in November 2022. When I first moved to LA, I set ambitious goals for my first year, one of which was to have a solo photo exhibit. I happened to visit the Line Hotel and saw portraits in the lobby that left a lasting impression on me. They broke the rules, with intentional dark shadows and silhouettes in places. That stuck with me, and through networking and mutual friends, I developed a friendship with the hotel’s creative manager. I asked her how to make it happen, and she provided guidance and support. I couldn’t believe that expressing my desire to do it was all it took. I chose to showcase a concept I’d been brewing for a while about shedding skin and breaking out of comfort zones. We executed the entire project in just two weeks, from shooting to printing and framing. It was a rewarding crash course in trusting my instincts and taste, and seeing how it resonated with the audience was incredible. Also, within my first six months in LA, I got to photograph Jay Z, which was an unforgettable experience.
Courtlyn (Host): That’s incredible, and your journey to achieving your goals is truly inspiring.
Bexx: Yes, I had the opportunity to photograph Shawn Carter, thanks to Rob Alexander, a director on LeBron James’ show “The Shop,” produced under Uninterrupted and Spring Hill Co. What’s interesting is they don’t reveal who’s going to be on set until they just walk in. The call sheet doesn’t contain anyone’s name. Back then, it did, but not anymore. So, I got the call sheet the night before the shoot, around 11 pm, and it said, “Talent arrives: Jay Z.” I was in Los Angeles, and he’s from Brooklyn. It seemed surreal, but having been around celebrities while working at Hot 97 in New York and BET, I managed to keep my composure. I thought, “It’s Jay Z, but I’m fine. I can do the job.” Fortunately, I had the courage to ask him for a portrait as he was leaving, and he graciously agreed. I had enough time to position him in the right light, so it wasn’t just a picture of Jay Z; it was about how I captured it. I was thrilled with that moment, and it even became my phone background for four months. It reminded me why I came to LA, and it was a milestone I achieved within a year.
Courtlyn (Host): What an incredible story! Your courage and composure paid off.
Bexx: Thank you! There’s more to it, but I’m trying to keep it concise.
Courtlyn (Host): I can’t help but smile hearing about it. It’s such a great moment. Now, have you ever been starstruck by anyone else? I mean, you’ve photographed some remarkable individuals like Jada Pinkett Smith, LeBron James, Kamala Harris during her campaign, and Teyana Taylor. Who else have you had the privilege to photograph?
Bexx: I’ve had the privilege of photographing several people, but I don’t tend to emphasize it because I’ve always been around celebrities, so I see them as regular people. I’m more interested in observing how they interact with others, both in public and private settings. For me, it’s about conversations and understanding the social dynamics. However, I did have a moment when I met Erykah Badu. I was working at Hot 97, and she did an interview on the morning show. The host allowed a few of us from the digital team to join their recording, and I almost didn’t ask a question. But I mustered up the courage to ask her something that was on my mind, and her advice turned out to be evergreen. That was a rewarding celebrity interaction. Of course, there were also memorable moments with Jay Z and behind-the-scenes chats with Jada Pinkett Smith. I always aim to make people comfortable and create a safe space so that the intimacy I strive for in my work can happen naturally.
Courtlyn (Host): It’s clear that your approach to photography is not just about capturing images but also fostering meaningful connections with your subjects. That’s truly special. So, what’s the one thing you wish you had known before you started taking photos?
Bexx: That’s a great question. It’s like many thoughts are swirling around, but they all boil down to one idea that I’m trying to put into words. I guess it’s this: I wish I had known to keep the youthful spirit alive in my work. To retain the curiosity, the fun, the sense of adventure, and the willingness to ask questions about what I’m creating. It’s about following those creative rabbit holes and experimenting. Editing often feels like painting to me, and I used to paint when I was younger. When you start taking your work too seriously and treat it like a 9 to 5 job, you risk losing the artistry. The business aspect can be 9 to 5, but the creative process itself isn’t. If my younger self could advise me now, I’d say, remember that this is a playground. Have fun with what you’re doing, keep trying new things, and play around with it until you find something you love. Eventually, your style becomes consistent, but don’t forget the charm of experimenting.
Courtlyn (Host): That’s a fantastic insight. Finding joy in the journey is essential. Often, when we’re focused on reaching the destination, we miss the small wins along the way. It’s crucial to enjoy the process and not be too caught up in the struggle to get to the end. Life isn’t about working all the time.
Bexx: Absolutely, you hit the nail on the head. Enjoying the journey is vital. I remember at the HBO Show “Insecure” series finale event, I crossed paths with Jason Rembert, who I had worked with on his clothing line. We chatted, and then he asked me, “Are you having fun?” It was a profound question, and it made me pause. I realized that, yes, I am having fun. But sometimes, as you mentioned, we get wrapped up in the 9 to 5 mindset and forget about the fun aspect. That question has stuck with me, and it’s essential to remember to have fun in what you do.
Courtlyn (Host): Absolutely. It’s a question that can bring clarity and remind us of the joy in our pursuits. Now, in your opinion, what makes for a good photo?
Bexx: It’s challenging to answer that objectively because it’s such a personal thing. What I consider a good photo might not be the same for someone else. Photography is subjective. I often capture photos of my nephews that might be blurry or not perfectly centered, but they convey the energy of the moment. To me, they are fantastic because they tell a story. You can see them in diapers, playing outside, holding stuffed toys, one chasing the other. I remember the entire day and the essence of them just being themselves. My favorite photograph is one of them from that day because it captures their innocence and intentionality. I hope that anyone who looks at it can feel the same way. So, for me, a good photo is all about intentionality.
Courtlyn (Host): Now, where do you capture your best photos, and why do you consider them your best?
Bexx: My best photos can be taken anywhere, to be honest. The why behind them being the best constantly changes based on my mood and groove at the time. Right now, I’m really into street photography, especially in black and white. Black and white photography, for me, has a unique quality that lets you see the raw story without the influence of color. It’s about composition and narrative. It’s not that black and white is superior to color; they each have their place. But there’s something about capturing life as it is, especially the quiet moments, in black and white that fascinates me. Even when I visited Basquiat’s exhibit in Los Angeles and observed how he tied ropes in the corners of his canvas, those small artist decisions were just as meaningful to me as the actual artwork. It’s these subtle moments and choices that intrigue me. Street photography captures those quiet, unnoticed moments that require you to pause and pay attention.
Courtlyn (Host): Absolutely. So, what stands out as the most memorable moment in your career so far?
Bexx: It’s not necessarily something I’ve created, but rather something I’ve discovered about myself. When I first came to LA, I found that photography, especially the editing process, was profoundly therapeutic for me. Creating the right atmosphere with dimmed lights, a great playlist, scents, and a burning candle made it feel like painting, a deeply therapeutic experience. Through photography, I’ve found that I get to know myself better. What’s truly rewarding is not just what I create but what I consistently find myself drawn to: shadows, textures, and intimacy. Intimacy is a thread that runs through many aspects of my life, whether it’s in my relationships with people or my daily activities. Spending an intimate day with myself, like going on an art date with classical music, gallery hopping, and capturing street photography in between, is something I cherish. The most rewarding part of my work is how it reflects my natural inclinations, what I’m comfortable with, what I desire. That self-discovery has been the highlight.
Courtlyn (Host): That’s beautiful. Looking ahead, where do you see yourself a year from now?
Bexx: A year from now, I envision myself traveling more, particularly for documentary, photography, and photojournalism. I have a desire to create a coffee table book that heavily focuses on portraiture, capturing the world as I naturally see it. I regret not doing something similar in my first year in Los Angeles; it would have been perfect for a book titled “Year One.” Currently, I’m drawn to capturing quiet moments in street photography, in black and white, highlighting the way the world operates and moves.
Courtlyn (Host): So, what would be your dream project or client?
Bexx: My dream client would be GQ magazine. I’ve been a subscriber since around 2011. Over the years, I’ve been drawn to their witty writers, the way stories flow from the front page into their photo spreads, and how their subjects come to life through photos. Other dream publications include Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Hollywood Reporter, Essence, Ebony — magazines that I used to obsessively pore over when I was deeply into journalism. As for a dream project, it would involve traveling the world and creating a street photography book or series based on that experience.
Courtlyn (Host): That sounds exciting!
Bexx: Thank you. I’m saying it with hope, manifesting it.
Courtlyn (Host): Absolutely. Okay, do you have any advice for those in our audience who are just starting out?
Bexx: Absolutely. My advice is simple: Do it. Don’t get caught up in comparisons; just keep doing it. Don’t stop, repeat, and keep pushing yourself. Seek out influences and mentors along the way, but remember this industry comes with a lot of rejection and varying opinions. You’re opening yourself up to mass criticism, so while it’s important to listen to numbers and strategy to some extent, trust your own aesthetic and what genuinely interests and captivates you. Your style will emerge from that. Trust your instincts, your gut reactions, and what charms you. Double down on what you genuinely enjoy, explore, and get comfortable with rejection. The “nos” don’t matter; your own satisfaction does. Keep doing what you love. Look at other photographers who draw inspiration from unique sources, like one who was influenced by throwback Looney Tunes colors or another who had a distinct, albeit controversial style. Trust your instincts, consume information to elevate your taste, not to copy, and remember to expose yourself to content that aligns with your taste.
Courtlyn (Host): Well said! Finally, how can our audience find you?
Bexx: You can find me on social media as @BexxFrancois on Instagram and Twitter. My website, BexxFrancois.com, is another place to connect with me.
Courtlyn (Host): Thank you so much for joining me today!
Bexx: Of course. It’s been a pleasure. Thank you for having me.
Listen to the full interviews of our female creatives from The Design Database community on our “Fearless Narratives” podcast available everywhere podcasts are distributed.
