Second NME Cover

Jordan Adetunji arrived low-key and friendly and we quickly made an easy connection. He had a capable team around him, including a publicist and a wardrobe stylist. The stylist brought one look, but it was layered, giving us some flexibility between setups.

He was quite handsome and attractive with a big smile, but once we started shooting his demeanor changed; he was more postured and serious.

With young performers, often the default position is to be blasé and cool. And it's certainly a good look, but as a portrait photographer it feels limited. Often my goal is to move past it fully and shoot in a more authentic way, but other times it’s about putting them in a more visually complex environment, and creating contrast to their “rockstar swagger.”

Top Image: NME cover, featuring Jordan Adetunji. Shot in Brooklyn, NY, September 20, 2024.

Second Image: BTS photo by Alex Franklin.

Bottom Image: This is my favorite shot of the session; I like that it feels like a still pulled from an indie horror film.