Photographing AOC for The New Yorker

So a few years ago, I had this amazing opportunity to work for The New Yorker. They hired me to photograph Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for their piece "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the 2020 Presidential Race and Trump's Crisis at the Border."

For any photographer, working with a publication like The New Yorker is a moment that stands out. It’s a challenge that pushes you to bring your best, and that’s exactly how I approached it.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Portrait by David Pexton 2020.

From London to Brooklyn, One Shot at a Time

I’m David Pexton, a British photographer who’s found a home in Brooklyn. My work is rooted in creating authentic imagery that connects—whether it’s through branding, lifestyle, or headshots. I’ve worked across North America and the UK with a variety of clients, from creative agencies to brands, always aiming to capture what’s real and impactful. Photography, for me, is about trust and collaboration—working together to tell a story that resonates.

The Day of the Shoot

When The New Yorker reached out, I knew it was a unique opportunity. I’ve long admired AOC for her determination and commitment to driving meaningful change, so this assignment was not only a great opportunity to work with The New Yorker but also to meet someone I genuinely respect. The portraits were to accompany an interview for the WNYC Radio Hour. The topic was serious, and the images needed to reflect both her passion and the gravity of the conversation. I accepted the assignment without hesitation, prepared to work under tight timelines and deliver something special.

On the day of the shoot, I knew we had to move quickly with AOC’s tight schedule. Having scouted the location the day before, I had noticed David Remnick's office had a great view and plenty of natural light from a large window. I asked if we could use it, knowing that with just a large reflector, I could keep the setup minimal and still capture the right mood. This simple approach allowed me to work efficiently and make the most of the few minutes we had.

Making the Connection

As we started, I guided her to the spot I’d set up. We chatted briefly, sghe told me she had less than 5 minutes. She asked me about my accent, me mentioning my life in New York. It wasn’t a long conversation, but it was enough to break the ice and create a comfortable atmosphere. She was present and engaged, which translated beautifully into the photos.

The World's Fastest Photo Shoot

With a short window, every second counted. Click, ‘turn toward me slightly’ adjust. Click. In those few minutes, we captured what we needed. The shoot wrapped up as quickly as it started, but we had the portraits that told the story The New Yorker was looking for.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ave Carillo, David Remnick and staff. David Pexton 2020.

The Power of Staying Calm

This shoot wasn’t about panic or nerves; it was about being prepared, staying calm, and delivering when it mattered. Moments like these are why I love photography—the opportunity to connect, create, and capture something real, even under pressure.

What I Took Away from the Experience

The shoot wrapped up as quickly as it began. AOC was off to catch her flight. It’s always a mix of adrenaline and reflection after a session like that—though I knew we had what we needed. The images captured AOC’s presence and the urgency of the moment. The New Yorker was pleased with the results, and seeing my work published in such a respected magazine was incredibly rewarding

Your Turn: Have You Been There?

This shoot reinforced some key lessons about working under pressure: preparation is everything, staying calm is essential, and making a genuine connection, even in a short window, can elevate a photograph from good to great. Photography isn’t just about technical skills; it’s about understanding the person on the other side of the lens and finding common ground, even if it’s brief.

I’m sure we’ve all faced those high-pressure moments in our careers that made us question our path. How did you handle it? What did you learn from it? I'd love to hear your stories—every journey in this field has its defining moments, and they’re worth sharing.

Looking forward to hearing from you,
David