Meet Alexandra Yadgaroff | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandra Yadgaroff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
That’s a great question. I want to share some back story first before I get there.

I started to think about what I wanted my life to look like this past year. I turned 30 in April and was about to graduate with my BA in Studio Art. I had been in college on and off for the past ten years. I remember deciding I wanted to be an art teacher when I was a senior in high school because my art teacher influenced my desire to pursue a career in the arts. I wanted to be a teacher just like her.

I went away to college in Orlando and I was just too young and disorganized to follow through with my dream. Life hit me and I doubted myself. I wasn’t in a place where I could trust my intuition. I sought out other people’s opinions of who I should be. I wanted everyone to think I was good enough to be successful and make a lot of money in a field that was acceptable to them. In their eyes, being a teacher (let alone an art teacher) was not a profession that was something to be proud of. I tried out different careers and after many failed attempts, I landed right back where I started.

Fast forward to today, I recently was hired to be a high school photography teacher at one of the top schools in the Nation. A dear friend and teacher of mine helped to facilitate my interview and still continues to mentor me. I am so excited to teach and see how they grow as photographers. I will be teaching black and white film photography, developing prints in the dark room, and digital photography.

I feel so unbelievable blessed to be who I am and to have been gifted this opportunity. I say all of that to say this: My end goal is not limited to what my mind thinks I want. I am perfectly content where I’m at presently and I don’t see myself wanting to be anywhere else. To me, this is enough and I think it’s so cool.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For me as an artist, I wasn’t ready for college to end. I felt safe in the container of being told what to do for assignments. It was easier for me to create, knowing that I had direction. Now that I’m out, I think it’s more of a struggle. One thing I learned is the importance of simply making work. You just have to keep going even if you think it sucks because you will surprise yourself every now and then.

One of the major advantages of being a teacher in the arts is that you’re constantly surrounded by other artists. The kids will make incredible work that inspires you too. It’s like a little community of like minded people and constantly being around it keeps you in the middle of your work too.

Another thing that is helpful to a working artist is the critique and feedback you get. When you’re on your own, you don’t have the opportunity to learn how you can improve or see another person’s perspective.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If someone was visiting me for a week some main spots I would take them to:

Perez Art Museum
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Lincoln Road
Walk down Las Olas Blvd
The Jetty’s on Fort Lauderdale Beach

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to Mike Dillow, the MVP of the photography teaching world. You are a very special person and I appreciate you so much.

www.michaeldillow.com

Website: www.alexandrayadgaroff.com

Instagram: alexandra_yadgaroff