Meet Aleksandar Jason, a freelance sports and lifestyle photographer who shot the Socceroos from inside their camp at the 2022 World Cup and is back on the road capturing the World Game on its biggest stage.
But he didn't start there. Aleks cut his teeth in Melbourne's underground club and music scene, photographing for Vice, Sony Music and the Tumblr-era nightlife label he co-founded, before a single phone call, taken while at Bondi Beach, landed him at Melbourne City, where he's now shot for 10 seasons.
Since then, he's worked with Nike, Cricket Australia, New Balance, FC Porto, the A-Leagues and even got to shoot weddings for Socceroos stars, John Iredale and Jamie Maclaren.
Inside this episode, Aleks shares how he turned a nightlife side hustle into a sideline seat at FIFA World Cups and brands most people dream of working with, why \"just starting\" beats waiting for a clear plan, and the hard-won lesson of learning to say no, that took him a decade to figure out.
We cover:
(03:21) - Interview begins
(05:41) - Quick Fire Questions
(09:26) - Origin of Aleks' passion for photography
(12:38) - Early breaks that put Aleks' career on positive trajectory
(14:20) - How to work across a diverse genre of photography
(18:06) - BTS of running a freelance photography business
(19:16) - Aleks on working with the Socceroos at the 2022 FIFA World Cup
(23:04) - Favourite moment being at Melbourne City FC
(24:51) - Shooting the A-League Grand Final for Auckland FC
(27:41) How Aleks bonded with the Socceroos coaching staff
(33:39) - What does preparation look like for a tournament
(41:37) - Aleks' prediction for the Socceroos at the FIFA World Cup
(44:07) - Mentors who have supported Aleks on his journey
(45:12) - What is a mistake you have made and how did you come back from it?
(46:04) - Projects that were a catalyst for Aleks's career
(47:24) - Biggest Pinch me moment
(48:19) - What is a better way for sport to be more involved in social justice beyond what it is doing now?
(49:55) - Alek's question for next guest
If you liked this ep, give these a go next:
#232: How to be the Chief Photographer at the AFL with Michael Willson
#258: How to balance freelance work in sport and a regular 9-5 job with Chris MacPherson
#279: How to be a freelance videographer in sports with Michael Barker
Thanks for listening, much love!
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