Alexis Wolfe Photography

Often we focus on the subject.
What happens when you pay attention to everything around them first?
What’s in the way.
What adds beauty?
What’s helps to tell the story?
Sometimes the portrait isn’t only about the person
It’s about how you choose to see them.
When you slow down to notice,
The image is already there.
©AlexisWolfePhotography with Val V-Colón and & Throttle

Oh wow! I just found this clip. I keep uncovering little Shock G moments that didn’t make it in the book, and they stop me in my tracks. Here he is with Mun’s dad pre Tupac birthday celebration- talking about how “Same Song” came to be…. And you can see how he did what he did so often: take a silly spark of something that made him laugh - and then create something real and lasting from it. #shockg #digitalunderground #samesong #danakroyd #nothingbuttrouble #hiphophistory #newshockbookinbio;)

Most people think being photographed is about performing - and that being a photographer is about directing.
I look at it different.
In my experience the best images happen when all of that drops. When both photographer and subject let go of their ego lower their guard.
Watch for the energy that naturally shows up.
Listen more than you talk.
What do you notice when you aren’t trying to be “on”.
That is the magic.
©Alexis Wolfe Photography with for

These were test shots.
I was checking the light before photographing a client. My mom sat down on the stage at the Lee Center for the Arts - a place that means the world to her.
We weren’t planning a shoot.
I wasn’t directing.
We were just there.
The Lee Center is scheduled to be demolished this summer.
And somehow these images feel even more important because of that.
If we’d known, I would have worked with the light more. I would have directed more.
But I don’t think that would have made a better photograph.
This is her in her element.
And this is what happens when you stop trying to be “on”.
You let something true show up.

These were test shots.
I was checking the light before photographing a client. My mom sat down on the stage at the Lee Center for the Arts - a place that means the world to her.
We weren’t planning a shoot.
I wasn’t directing.
We were just there.
The Lee Center is scheduled to be demolished this summer.
And somehow these images feel even more important because of that.
If we’d known, I would have worked with the light more. I would have directed more.
But I don’t think that would have made a better photograph.
This is her in her element.
And this is what happens when you stop trying to be “on”
You let something true show up.

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Coming up in the music industry in 2026? Hear what advice L.V. has for you.

This just became real in a whole new way!
KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL: Inside the Funkiverse of Shock G & Digital Underground is officially available for pre-order!!!!
This book has been years in the making - created from conversations, memories, artwork, and years of storytelling with Shock G. I’m deeply grateful and beyond excited to finally share it with the world. - Alexis Wolfe Mbassa
Pre-order HERE: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738825/keep-it-beautiful-by-alexis-wolfe-mbassa-and-gregory-e-jacobs/
Publication date: August 25, 2026

Keep It Beautiful by Alexis Wolfe Mbassa, Gregory E. Jacobs: 9780593796320 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books Visionary rapper of the groundbreaking "The Humpty Dance," producer of Tupac Shakur's iconic "I Get Around," and driving force of legendary hip-hop group Digital Underground, Shock G shares his story in...

Oh Snap! I had no idea - you can preorder my new book right now!!!: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738825/keep-it-beautiful-by-alexis-wolfe-mbassa-and-gregory-e-jacobs/

Too much fun photographing and !!! These girls ROCK! Check them out: and

https://alexiswolfephotography.kit.com/e1bcd8ccf3

BACKSTAGE IS OPEN!!!!

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