This week’s Hot Seat is a special one. If you have been Out N About, chances are you've have met our wonderful photographer, Claudette Alexander. Always with a camera in hand, a smile on her face, and fun jewellery around her neck, Claudette has been responsible for capturing the beautiful faces on our pic pages for many years. As yesterday was her birthday, it’s the perfect timing to put her in the spotlight for a change. Happy belated birthday, Claudette!
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Claudette Alexander and I turned 58 years old yesterday, Wednesday, August 28.
How did you get into photography?
I started taking photos at 21 years old, in 1998. This is when I also started working as a mechanic and got into boxing – the three things I still do to this day.
How long have you worked for The Daily Herald? And how long have you been taking photos for the “Out N About”?
Around that same time, a friend of mine worked at The Daily Herald. When she left the island, she gave me her camera and introduced me to the company. I started taking pics for the “Out N About” right away – I really did not know anything about photography, but I learned along the way.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
To be honest, I do not really consider myself a real photographer. To me, it’s more about taking photos for people – and capturing good memories. Both locals and tourists, who have been coming to the island for many years, recognise me as the bling bling photographer. It’s also about keeping St. Maarten alive, and on the map, showcasing activities that make us the friendly island.
I always meet new people, who are often happy to hear the photos will end up in the newspaper. This is what motivates me to go out to take photos.
What is your favourite hot spot for photos for the “Out N About”?
My spots are places where you get treated like you’re home. For me, Rendez Vous Lounge is number one for that. Their jazz lunches are always very fun and people enjoy the dynamic photos. It’s both young and old, and lots of singing and dancing. Pineapple Pete is always a very fun place; Soggy Dollar Bar has good vibes with music and dancing; and The Palms feels like home. But I also like going to classy restaurants like Sale & Pepe and Naruto, because these places provide beautiful backdrops for photos.
What else can we expect from you this year?
I have no idea where life is going. I will continue with the mechanic work, because I love working with my hands and the challenge that comes with working on engines. Right now, I am focusing on my own boxing training, but if anyone is interested in personal boxing lessons, they can always ask.
Do you have any birthday plans?
I don’t really celebrate my birthday. To me, it’s just a normal day. I am grateful to be alive every day – to be alive is a blessing and a gift. I just wish everybody love.
What would you advise your younger self, or other people looking to get into a similar profession?
Fight to go forward in life, not backwards. Never give up, and believe in what you want to achieve – whatever it is that you desire. I myself have experienced it: though there’s still much more to do, I have achieved my goals, all because I never gave up on my dreams.
