About Butter

My Approach:

Short:

Ultimately, my photographic process is the symbiosis of careful planning and being open to capturing raw, unscripted moments. By incorporating storytelling, beautiful composition, and genuine emotion into my work, I aim to create photographs that capture a moment, evoke emotion, and tell a meaningful story.

Long:

Alexander Butterfield, known as Butter to his closest friends, is an accomplished portrait photographer and creative director based in the Twin Cities. His work has appeared in various editorial magazines and advertising campaigns and was featured at the Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam. 

Past clients include Motion Tech Automation, GT Artistry, Steller Hair Company, MCTC School of Art & Design, Cold North, and more. Industry Partners include Caryn Models & Arquette Agency. 

Alexander Butterfield apprenticed under Jonathan Chapman after graduating from Minneapolis College with an A.A. in Photography. 

As an artist, Alexander is inspired by masters such as Peter Linberg, Richard Avadon, and Irving Penn. He enjoys using his skills to explore the gritty expressions of humanity highlighted during the Ashcan School Movement. 

Prior to his life as a photographer, Alexander Butterfield was a competitive cycler. He draws many parallels between racing and photography and still carries the same determination and ability to choose the right tools for the job. 

“I love shooting now like I loved racing. I'm still pushing myself, performing, and making something from everything I've done up until the gun goes off. The tools are different now but they do the same job. I needed a bike and now I need a camera. The crowds remain. People are depending on me. We start the shoot, preparation becomes performance and winning means making art.” 

Through his photography, Alexander seeks to elevate his subjects by bringing them together and composing photos that honor the collaborative nature of editorial and fashion photography. 

“Something that has followed me from cycling is that you're only as strong as your team. I have been privileged to work on amazing teams of individuals who are the best at what they do. I was lucky enough to be there with a camera when it happened.”