Alexandra Buxbaum
PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris 2024 – State of the World
Curatorial Selection – Gun Nation
Q: How has your personal background or life experiences influenced the global issues and stories you choose to capture through your photography?
My curiosity has always driven me to explore how the world works and to understand why people sometimes do the things they do. As someone who often feels like an outsider, I tend to see the world from the vantage point of an observer, questioning the status quo rather than simply accepting it. This perspective has led me to seek out and capture stories and subjects through photography that lie beyond my own realm of experiences. I aim to shine a light on these narratives, encouraging others to notice and appreciate them.
Q: What inspired you to submit your work to The State of the World competition, and how has receiving this recognition from PX3 impacted your journey as a photographer?
I submitted this body of work because it highlights a uniquely American narrative, one with many layers and complexities. For better or worse, gun culture plays a significant role in defining our cultural hegemony. The United States ranks as the 28th highest country for gun-related deaths globally, and as of March 31, 2025, there have already been 91 mass shootings. Despite these sobering statistics, the powerful gun lobby continues to obstruct meaningful efforts to address the issue, and there lacks a political will to do much to change it. I believed it was essential to offer others a ‘peek behind the curtains’ to understand one aspect of this pervasive and deeply rooted aspect of American society.
Q: Can you take us behind the scenes of your winning series? What was the story you aimed to tell, and did any unexpected moments shape the final result?
The series shines a spotlight on a particular group of gun rights advocates at an event that draws many individuals from far-right militias, white supremacist factions, and anti-government groups. The event’s sponsors, labeled by the Southern Poverty Law Center as an extremist anti-government organization, are known for promoting conspiracy theories about a so-called ‘new world order.’ My goal was to delve into the more extreme facets of gun culture and to explore how, for many, it has become deeply intertwined with their sense of identity.
Unexpected moments and candid interactions during the event shaped the final result, offering unfiltered insights into this subculture and adding layers to the narrative I aimed to tell.
Q: Your work highlights some of the most crucial and pressing issues in today’s world. How do you balance technical precision with the raw emotion needed to create a powerful, thought provoking image?
Technical precision becomes second nature when you’re thoroughly familiar with your camera settings, adept at shooting under various conditions, and always ready for the unexpected. Mastery of these technical elements ensures that they don’t distract from the cerebral and intuitive process of capturing a photograph. This allows me to fully focus on defining the moment and conveying raw emotion, seamlessly balancing both aspects with the end goal to create powerful, thought-provoking images.
Q: Photography has the ability to raise awareness, shift perspectives, and even inspire action. What role do you believe visual storytelling plays in addressing global challenges?
The saying ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ truly underscores the profound impact of visual storytelling. Photographs have a unique ability to evoke emotions that compel people to reflect, take action, and even reshape their perspectives. Throughout history, iconic images and documentary films have demonstrated this transformative power by bringing critical issues to light and driving societal change.
For example, during the Vietnam War, powerful photographs like the self-immolation of a Vietnamese monk and the heartbreaking image of a nine-year-old girl fleeing a napalm attack became enduring symbols of human suffering and resistance. Similarly, the haunting 9/11 photograph of a man falling from a high-rise encapsulated the devastation of that moment, while the image of a lone man standing before a row of tanks in Tiananmen Square conveyed the resilience of defiance and hope.
By distilling complex ideas into a single captured moment, visual storytelling has the power to craft compelling narratives that transcend boundaries and inspire action. Its emotional resonance makes it a vital tool for confronting global challenges and driving meaningful change.
Q: Your winning image is a reflection of an important moment or reality—how do you approach the responsibility of documenting such impactful stories?
Approaching the responsibility of documenting impactful stories requires maintaining as much openness and impartiality as possible, setting aside preconceived notions or biases. While this is easier said than done—since our lived experiences inevitably shape how we perceive the world—it’s crucial to strive for objectivity. Thorough research is also essential to understand the subject matter deeply, determine the most effective approach, and craft a message that resonates with viewers. Ultimately, creating a powerful image means connecting with people on an emotional level, which requires a heightened awareness of the emotions and experiences you aim to convey.
Q: Looking ahead, are there any social or environmental themes you feel compelled to explore further through your work?
I feel the need to explore the issue of water scarcity further, as water—often referred to as ‘blue gold’—is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most precious and limited resources. Climate change, poor water management practices, and population growth are accelerating this crisis.
Having spent considerable time in the Southwestern United States, I know firsthand the alarming decline of the Colorado River’s effect on the region. It is a crucial water source for seven states; this river is the lifeblood of the region, supporting water supply, hydropower, irrigation, and diverse wildlife habitats. Years of overuse, rising temperatures, population expansion, and prolonged droughts have severely reduced its flow, and looming cuts are expected to impact around 40 million people.
Water scarcity is not just a regional issue; it’s a critical global challenge. Through my work, I hope to shed light on this pressing matter and inspire discussions and actions that emphasise sustainable solutions.
Q: What motivates you to continue capturing the world through your lens, and where do you hope to take your work in the future?
Photography is at the very heart of who I am—it feels like what I was always meant to do. Through my work, I am driven to explore and shed light on issues that matter deeply to me, ones that I believe are crucial to address. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to pursue this craft, and with that privilege comes a profound sense of responsibility. I hope to use my talent to not only capture the world’s beauty and struggles but also to contribute in some small way to alleviating burdens and try to create positive change.