Midsouth Gravel 2020
After SXSW 2020 was cancelled, I knew it would be feast or famine for the unforeseeable future for this freelancer. Then the word of CV starting to spread in the US did not calm my nerves either. When I got an opportunity to photograph Midsouth Gravel race (formally the Landrun 100) for CyclingNews in the UK, I jumped on the chance. Up to this point in my life, I have never traveled domestically for a race out of Texas, let alone one I wouldn’t be actually racing!
The Oklahoma race went off as planned, with 100% chance of rain at the start of the race, and basically a race of attrition with broken bikes and broken spirits littering the course from the start to very finish of the 100 mile race. Even the pro racers were apt to slower race times due to the wet, slick course and thick, red clay mud. You can view my photos from the race here:https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/the-mid-south-2020/ and below you can view portraits I took of various racers as they crossed the finish, which to me shows the human spirit and how nothing will ever break that.
Congrats to all participants, staff and racers, whether you finished or not. Please credit “Jessica Alexander/jealexphoto.com” if you download a photo for yourself and tag @jealexphoto on all social media. If you really enjoyed an image, please consider donating $5 or more to https://venmo.com/jealex3 as photography is how I make a living and in this troubled time in history, work opportunities are few and far in between.
Rubber side down and see ya’ll there next year! ❤
Memorial Day Olympics at the ABGB
Model Micheladas at the Austin Taco Libre!
AARP in Action in Austin, TX
World Beard Championships in Austin, TX
Prince’s Birthday at the ABGB
Utopia Fest
Chad’s Suitcase Project, Austin, TX
Vivi’s Party Featuring Maggie Louise Confections, Austin, TX
Day for Night Music and Arts Festival, Houston, TX
Shot for QRO Magazine.
Austin City Limit Festival, Austin, TX
Float Fest, Martindale/San Marcos, TX
ZNTH band Photo Shoot, Austin, TX
The Nobelity Project Dinner and Concert Gala, Austin, TX
Captain Morgan Cannon Blast Launch, Austin, TX
Austin Beer Garden Brewery (ABGB) “Urban Cowboy 35th Anniversary,” Austin, TX
Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), San Antonio, TX
People For Bikes, Austin, TX
I had an opportunity through my cycling colleague and old friend, Christopher Stanton, to take some photos of an amazing senior-focused cycling program that is taking place on the Eastside of Austin. The program consists of partnering seniors with an adult-trike and giving each rider all the tools they need to succeed as an independent bike-riding member of the community. The look of joy on their faces is something I will never forget-some of the cyclists had never ridden a bike in their life!
I hope other communities throughout the United States and beyond will adopt programs such as this one-it’s great to make a difference if even for a small group of individuals. It’s even more inspiring when we empower members of our communities that otherwise wouldn’t be able to be active voices in our neighborhoods!
Dinner Lab, Austin, TX
I have known the great chefs and Front of House staff with Dinner Lab for several years now; In fact, I will usually cook with the team a few times of year. (Yes, it’s a little known fact that I have several years experience of cooking in professional kitchens!) We always have a great time making amazing dinners for people throughout Austin in random locations such as engine shops, music venues and even rooftops!
Traveling Chef Markus Carter asked me recently to join the team, yet again, but as an event photographer. It was a pretty incredible experience to take photos of my fellow cooks in an intimate Eastside setting. In this case, we arrived at a performance hall! Check out the photos for my views of a great night and amazing food by Chef Stephen from the upcoming Boiler 9, coming to the Seaholm Development early in 2016!