The Journey: ft Alex Cinco
For Las Vegas-based photographer Alex Cinco, photography has always been about storytelling. His journey began in high school when his dad brought home a camera – INSTANT LOVE for Alex! Flower macros soon gave way to portraits of classmates, and over time, it grew into a deep passion for cinematic imagery.
"I’ve always been drawn to visuals that feel like they belong in a film"
Fourteen years later, that same love of storytelling continues to shape Alex’s work. Whether shooting food, portraits, or weddings, his signature is unmistakable: rich tones, emotional depth, and a touch of movie magic.
One recent shoot at Las Vegas’s iconic Little White Chapel highlights that vision perfectly. The couple – both professional models from out of state – contacted him to capture their vision: A golden hour elopement in Vegas.
Their story sparked a clear visual direction in Alex’s mind.
“I wanted it to feel like a movie poster. Something cinematic, timeless, and a little bit wild,” he says. The couple’s energy was free-spirited and deeply in sync – exactly the kind of dynamic that inspires Alex’s approach to visual storytelling.
While Vegas’s summer heat posed a challenge that day, the session flowed beautifully. The couple’s natural chemistry and professionalism, paired with perfect golden-hour light, set the stage for Alex’s work. Using his Canon R5 and a 35mm lens, he leaned into the warmth and energy to create stunning images.
The cinematic feel didn’t stop in-camera – editing played an essential role.
Alex turned to Mastin Labs’ Ektar 100 (Muted) preset (from the Founder PLUS+ Pack) specifically chosen for how it enhances yellow tones and lends a polished, cinematic feel.
“I adjusted mid-tones and highlights slightly toward blue and green to cool down the warmth, softened the shadows, added grain, and even dropped in some light leaks from the Instant Everyday pack. The timing of that preset release couldn’t have been better – it was everything I needed,” he enthused.
Alex’s deep love for film shows up not just in his edits, but in the way he directs his subjects. Even with experienced models, he pays close attention to nuance – suggesting slight posture changes, fixing a stray lock of hair, or shifting their gaze to match his cinematic vision. His goal is always the same: authentic emotion in motion.
Every photographer taps into creativity in their own way – some through traditional education, others through hands-on exploration. For Alex, it's cinema that sparks his imagination. He looks to the work of cinematographers like Hoyte Van Hoytema, Claudio Miranda, and Robert Yeoman, noting how they use color, light, and framing to evoke emotion.
“Watch movies,” he advises other creatives.
“There’s so much visual storytelling happening in modern cinema.”
This philosophy informs more than just his style – it drives his entire creative journey. Whether photographing couples under the stars, working with newborns for the first time, or styling food shoots, Alex believes in trusting your instincts, learning through trial and error, and refining your voice over time.
For those still discovering their signature look, his advice is refreshingly grounded: “Your style comes with time, experimentation, and self-reflection – let your eyes and instincts guide you. You can be technically skilled, but what keeps you going is determination. Mastin Labs has played a big role in elevating my work, and if you’re passionate about the film aesthetic, their presets can help you emulate those film-like qualities if you’re approaching editing with vision & intention … their tools are invaluable! Keep experimenting, stay curious – and seriously, watch more movies!”
Looking ahead, Alex is excited to keep pushing his work in new directions, both technically and emotionally. His Instagram (@heycinco) and website (www.studiousimagery.com, currently getting a refresh) offer a glimpse into that evolving portfolio – a space where timeless storytelling continues to unfold, frame by frame.
