Good morning, friends.
It's a soupy day in New York and I'm having to run home for a wedding tonight at some point and fight the Hamptons traffic. Oy.
So this week was a big one for the commercial photography industry in the city- the trade show, Le Book. It's pretty amazing how many years I've been producing, and seeing all of my favorite people there this week confirmed I'm pretty lucky to do what I do, even though my writing is always top of mind. I still love photography, I love my tribe of agents, photographers, and fellow comrades in photography arms. Admittedly, it's a fairly niche profession but I feel happy I have met so many fabulous people along the way. It doesn't suck to look at beautiful pictures and illustrations every day and even get to make more along the way. It's not a bad way to make a living. Plus, I never have to wear pantyhose or a suit to work, so there's that.
Sure the event is a big schmooze/chat fest with old pals, but I was fortunate enough to see some great new photography as well, courtesy of Katy Barker's very cool agency based in London. Katy has always had an eye for the NBT, and I'm going to say with great certainty her photographer Cameron McCool is well on his way. He's 22, and according to his bio, has been shooting for brands since he got out of high school and is completely self taught. I'm in love with his pictures. He's going to be very big, and he's already working with heavy hitters like L'Uomo Vogue so no doubt he's well on his way.
I'm floored by his aesthetic which feels vintage and modern all at once and in the best of ways, and to have such a strong point of view at such a young age. It's funny he grew up in California because I find his vibe so very British and rock and roll. As someone who's obsessively looked for trends my whole life, I feel like his work is the next generation of the California lifestyle, sun flare stuff we've been seeing for some time. Sure it pays some homage to American Apparel and Terry Richardson, but for me, the work felt so stark, authentic, and beyond cool. It's a nice respite from tan kids surfing and smiling, and the fact that he is the same age as the subjects he's capturing makes it all feel spot on. I love it. Could very well be the next Corrine Day, American style.
Anyhow, just wanted to share some nice photos with you today as I was lucky enough to spot his work yesterday over a martini and some laughs. I'm always on the lookout for me and always on the lookout for you when it comes to what's fresh and what's next. Link to his work here.
And that's what's up this next level Friday in the creative hotbed of Manhattan. Yours, in pretty pictures. XO