Aleksandar Jason
ISAAC QUANOR
Melbourne photographer Aleksandar Jason recently worked with Collingwood Magpies, AFL Football player, Isaac Quaynor on a shoot styled in pieces from URAHARA
Known for his instinct-led approach and ability to capture movement and character in a natural way, Aleksandar has built a reputation for images that feel lived-in, honest, and quietly powerful.
His work spans commercial campaigns, elite sport, and portraiture, always with a focus on energy and authenticity over polish.
We sat down with Aleksandar to talk about his early beginnings, his creative philosophy, and what it was like photographing Isaac Quaynor in a setting that allowed both the athlete and the clothing to exist without distraction.
Interview :
You’ve mentioned that early on you were told your style “would never work in the scene.” What was that style at the time, and how did you stay committed to it? – It was a very “you need to follow the line” comment from a higher up, and to be honest – from a very young age, my parents always taught me to question everything and everyone. Follow my own path, and be a bit of a trail blazer if and whenever possible. I think its easier in today’s world to be more than who you dream to be, we have so many possibilities. Commitment is to bring your dream to life.
Was there a moment in your early career when you realised your approach was resonating with people? – Lucky enough to graduate the same time the social world entered our lives, Instagram and graduation in 2009 meant the world is ready for something, and from day dot I had the longing to try whatever was new, however or whatever I can; early on it got me a few gigs across Australia.
RMIT is known for producing some big creative names. How did your time there shape the way you see and make images?
Whilst there, it was always good to be amongst so many chasing their dreams – but to be honest, once you leave that place, its almost as if you dont matter – I wish more Aussie universities and educational services kept a relationship with their former students!
How would you describe your visual language today? What are the elements you return to again and again?
Its very hard to describe but for myself, its never something I settle on and always question – and the advice I give every young creative is “dont worry too much about your work, itll speak for itself” and with that theres no actual answer what the style will ever be.
You work across campaign, commercial, sports, and documentary—how do you shift your mindset between those worlds?
I’d love to add more to that list, very insipired and always thinking what i can do on the next job – theres no real explanation, but always just enjoying the job itself is key
What does a good photograph feel like to you? Is it technical, emotional, instinctive?
Most definitely emotional, If we speak in ” live sports ” as a reference, its always something that you look back at and think “yeah that moment, that game, that day”
You’ve built a strong presence online. How has Instagram shaped your creative identity rather than just acting as a portfolio?
Like i said, the second the app went live I jumped on, gained a few 100k followers over time and it opened up doors. Although the world of influencers was alot safer and different back then, today I use it as a free folio!
What drew you to the concept behind this shoot with Isaac?– I really hoped for a more “pick up” american truck vibe with the car (Bronco, Red and or leather) but we settled with a little Miami Vice BMW and together with a forward thinker, game changer and AFL icon like Isaac – it all fit together. The main idea was to have a clean location and let Isaac himself be the main focus.
How do you approach photographing athletes differently from other subjects? – Athletes also are human, and with ANDMORE – I hope to break this mold and bring them together – they too are like us and I see no difference in them, us and others (apart from the fact he can run, score, win a premiership and I cant do neither of those…)
When you first saw the URAHARA pieces for the shoot, what ideas or moods came to mind? – As someone who walks past the store after a coffee at Terror Twilight, there were plenty of options – the two outfits spoke for themselves and set us in a pathway of success. Two altenrative personalities! the RATS zip was beyond amaazing and the Radio City shirt is something I personally need to add to my collection.
Isaac has a distinctive presence. What were you trying to capture about him beyond the football persona?
Calmness, and allowing him to have fun – I also love encouraging athletes to bring their ideas to the table as well! which Isaac is very much the best at!
Was there a specific moment or frame from the shoot that felt like the one?
Low angle, Luna Park going crazy in the back!
Your work has a recognisable energy and clarity. How much of that comes from planning vs. improvisation? – improvisation is a key skill, if things go to …. you need to be ready!
Do you have a piece of gear or a lighting approach that you feel most at home with?– 50mm is my go to, but dark moody and cloudy Melbourne days (hence why Ive never left Melbourne)
You travel often for work. How does being in a new environment affect your process? – I have been fortunate to Portugal, NZ, USA, Kenya and with the Socceroos to places such as Bangaldesh, Japan and more!No process, but just being ready for anything to happen!
You’ve worked with major global brands and at the highest level of sport. What have those experiences taught you about collaboration?
Always be level minded, proud and grounded!
Do you see photography changing with the rise of AI, short-form content, and new digital platforms?
The need to be “more than just a photograher” is something I remind myself and many others – AI is here to assist you, and not for you too fear or blame!
What kind of work do you still feel hungry to explore?
Id love to direct a film, or more so work on a film/movie – sci fi preferably! call me anytime Hollywood!
How do your family and your everyday life influence your perspective as a photographer?
My wife is also a photographer, and people think our kids must have the best photos (0.5 angle iphone…close up) but being away for more then 100+ days in 2022 whilst wifey was pregnant, the job does challenge every aspect – how does it influence? id say the want to protect and provide.
and finally, what keeps you excited to pick up the camera each day?
The prospect of a new challenge!
Check out more of Aleksandar’s work
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