Richmond, Virginia—a city where history and modernity intersect, creating a vibrant backdrop for creativity and expression. Within this dynamic landscape, Alex Burruss, a photographer, is making his mark not just by documenting Richmond’s queer community, but by being an integral part of it.
Burruss’s path to becoming one of Richmond’s notable photographers wasn’t straightforward. Raised in Ashland, our small town neighbor where queer culture was far from visible, Burruss didn’t initially see himself as part of the Richmond scene. It wasn’t until he attended Christopher Newport University that he began to explore his identity and passions. “College was like the awakening of a lot of things,” he recalls. It was there that Burruss began to break away from the constraints of his upbringing and immerse himself in a broader, more inclusive world.
Photography wasn’t always the plan for Burruss. He is pursuing a career in medicine, drawn to the precision and structure of the field. “Photography kind of snuck up on me,” he admits. A friend’s mother handed him a camera in high school, sparking an interest that grew alongside his academic pursuits. By the time he fully integrated into Richmond’s community, Burruss had developed a unique style that blends artistic vision with scientific rigor.
This meticulous approach is a hallmark of Burruss’s work. “I’m very type A. Everything has to be regimented and precise,” he says. His methodical nature, combined with his creative eye, allows him to produce images that are both technically flawless and deeply emotional. Burruss’s ability to connect with his subjects is a key element of his success. “I think truly listening to somebody has helped me understand what someone else wants portrayed in a photograph,” he explains. This empathy enables him to capture not just the image, but the essence of his subjects, whether it’s the bold persona of a drag queen or the quiet vulnerability of someone new to the spotlight.
For Burruss, photography is about more than just taking pictures—it’s about documenting a community. “I see photographers as historians in their own right,” he says. In today’s challenging political climate, where the queer community faces increasing scrutiny, Burruss’s work takes on added significance. “It’s crucial to portray them in a way that reflects their truth and resilience,” he emphasizes. His commitment to authenticity is evident in his approach, preferring to capture people as they are, without excessive retouching.
But Burruss isn’t just a photographer; he’s an active member of the Richmond queer community. Whether organizing events or engaging in important conversations, Burruss is deeply involved. “We’re very resilient as a community. We might lose sight of it sometimes, but especially in Richmond, we know how to recenter ourselves,” he notes.
For those new to Richmond or exploring its queer scene, Burruss offers encouraging words: “There’s something for everyone in this city. If you take the first step, the rest of the community will be behind you.” Burruss speaks from experience, having found his place in Richmond with ease. “It doesn’t matter when you come out. It just matters that you do and that you’re happy that you did,” he says.
