Photographing Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for The New Yorker
In 2019, I had the opportunity to photograph Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for The New Yorker. The portraits were commissioned for the article "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the 2020 Presidential Race and Trump's Crisis at the Border".
For any photographer, working with The New Yorker is a career milestone. The challenge was to create images that reflected AOC’s determination, intelligence, and presence, while working under tight time constraints
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Portrait by David Pexton 2020.
From London to Brooklyn – and Into Editorial Photography
I’m David Pexton, a British photographer based in Brooklyn, specializing in corporate headshots, branding portraits, and editorial photography. My work focuses on authentic, connection-driven imagery for executives, creatives, and publications. Over the years, I’ve worked across North America and the UK, creating portraits for law firms, media outlets, and brands who value storytelling in their visual content.
Preparing for the Shoot
When The New Yorker reached out, I knew this would require careful preparation. I scouted the location in advance and found David Remnick’s office offered ideal natural light through a large window. My plan was to keep the setup minimal—a single large reflector—so we could work quickly without compromising image quality.
On the Day – 5 Minutes with AOC
AOC’s schedule was tight. As she arrived, we exchanged a few words about my accent and my life in New York. That short exchange was enough to establish trust and ease, even with less than five minutes to shoot.
I guided her to the spot I’d prepared, using natural light and simple direction: “Turn toward me slightly… hold that.” Each click had to count. Within minutes, we captured a series of portraits that conveyed both her focus and her warmth.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ave Carillo, David Remnick and staff. David Pexton 2020.
Key Takeaways from High-Pressure Editorial Work
This shoot reinforced three essentials for any photographer:
Preparation is everything – scout, plan, and simplify.
Stay calm under pressure – efficiency comes from confidence.
Make a quick connection – even a short conversation can elevate the results.
Final Thoughts
Seeing my work published in The New Yorker was both rewarding and affirming. It was a reminder that great portraits aren’t just about technical skill—they’re about understanding the person in front of you and telling their story in a way that feels genuine.