Alec Butterfield is a nationally awarded photographer, cinematographer and writer from Spearfish, SD. He uses his extensive experience with all forms of photography, production, and writing to provide the highest quality images, with story-telling at the heart.

Alec is currently pursuing a BFA in photography at Black Hills State University, while also leading Ponder Magazine as Editor-in-Chief. Under his leadership, Ponder has been awarded multiple national honors. Including best magazine at the CMA Apple Awards, and multiple gold ADDY Awards at the local, regional and national levels. Most recently winning a 2025 Feature Magazine Pacemaker and a personal 1st place award for photo of the year - environmental portrait, totaling 29 awards in one year.

Awards and Recognition

2025

Best Feature Documentary (FLiC) - Chasing Tables - Nomination

Photo of the Year (ACP) - Environmental Portrait - 1st Place

Feature Magazine Pacemaker (ACP) - Ponder - Washington, D.C.

National Gold ADDY Award - Ponder Issue 2

Gold ADDY Award - Ponder Issue 2 - District 8

David L. Adams Award - Best Magazine - 1st Place - Ponder Issue 2 - CMA - New York City

Golden Leaf Awards - Best Feature Story - Chasing Distance - 1st Place - Nebraska

Golden Leaf Awards - Breaking News Story - BHSU Food Contaminated with Larvae - 1st Place - Nebraska

Best of Show - Ponder Issue 2 - American Advertising Federation - Black Hills SD

Gold ADDY Award - Ponder Issue 2 - American Advertising Federation - Black Hills SD

Gold ADDY Award - Ponder Issue 1 - American Advertising Federation - Black Hills SD

Gold ADDY Award - Photo Campaign - We’re Not Robots - American Advertising Federation - Black Hills SD

Silver ADDY Award - Still Photography - Stay Warm, Ski Hard - American Advertising Federation - Black Hills SD