Andrew Day New York City + Paris Based Fashion And Beauty Photographer Talks How The Age Of Covid Has Caused Humanity To Shift Priorities
“Through this time I’ve found a deeper sense of purpose through self reflection. Photography in it’s best form, for me, is a way for me to help people…” -Andrew Day
Andrew Day is an American Fashion and Beauty Photographer born in Roanoke, Virginia and based out of New York City and Paris. He is known for his commercial work with Maybelline, Victoria’s Secret and Ralph Lauren as well as his Celebrity Portraits of Lionel Richie, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra. His editorial contributions include Vogue.com, international and print editions of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and L’Officiel. Focusing on short form films, he features cinematography, lighting and sound design with a treatment that translates throughout still and moving imagery. From his beginnings, he has translated a quick, reactive eye and intuition to remain a collaborative image maker with the world's top brands and talent in entertainment and fashion.
Andrew Day is an American Fashion and Beauty Photographer based out of New York City and Paris. Known for his commercial work with Maybelline, Victoria’s Secret and Ralph Lauren as well as his Celebrity Portraits of Lionel Richie, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra- and his editorial contributions include Vogue.com, as well as Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, and L’Officiel international editions. SEELE sits down with Andrew and talks how the age of Covid has caused humanity to shift priorities.
Seele Magazine: How did you know that photography was your calling? And to those that struggle with finding their calling, what advice do you have for them?
Andrew Day: I’ve had a very difficult time identifying as a photographer. I’d always look for creative ways to say I was involved in “making photographs” or "taking pictures", or "doing stills”. Being a photographer hasn’t really worked out as an identity for me. The only thing I can say I am, is very committed to not having a desk job. I connect deeper with the idea that my calling is to help people. Through photography I feel I can help people better understand themselves.
If someone is looking to discover more about their calling, my suggestion would be to spend some time alone. Everyone has a different process, but I think the important part is to be with yourself. Only then will you be able to see how you really wish to spend your time. Will you read more about the stars or spend your time fixing things with your hands? I believe this is a great way to learn about yourself and what your calling might be.
SM: What was your breakthrough moment?
AD: For me a real breakthrough was when I realized that I had a point of view and voice to share with my work.
SM: You have taken portraits of Hollywood’s finest like Priyanka Chopra, music’s greatest like Lionel Richie; have done commercial shoots for Ralph Lauren and Maybelline; and your work has been featured in Harper’s BAZAAR and Vogue. Do you feel like you have arrived in photography? When should a person feel they have arrived and be content, so that it doesn’t become destructive to them to keep chasing and chasing?
AD: Oh wow. Reading this question is really intimidating.
Actually, I think it might be ALL about the chase. If you’re not into the chase, this might not be the career for you. This is a place for someone who is always interested in improving themselves and searching. You should feel that sense of wonder, the one you feel when you look up at the stars and realize they go on forever. I think it’s the most wonderful thing. All I have is a dream to chase. So, if I loose that, I’ll loose everything.
SM: Before the pandemic, what was a typical day like for you? And now during the pandemic, what is a typical day like for you?
AD: When I think back to days before the pandemic, it was a lot of time at the airport, it was a lot of time in the car on the way to the airport, at the hotel trying to figure out how much time I need to get to the airport. I remember waking up in fear that I flew to Europe only to have slept through my call time. A lot of early mornings, late nights, constantly on the phone discussing logistics and staring at my computer way too long. And of course, shooting.
During the pandemic, believe it or not, I feel that I’ve been working harder than ever before. But I’m working with purpose. I spend a lot of time speaking with my girlfriend who has been separated in Europe. We love learning together and sharing ideas.
I’m not a huge creature of habit, but I’m trying to slowly implement just a few of the most important habits. For me those habits are: learning something new every day, eating healthy, exercise and lots of quality sleep. Before the pandemic, I was spending a lot of time having drinks, indulging in unhealthy foods and sleeping very little. I have found those things make everything 10 times more difficult than they need to be.
SM: New York City was hit hard during the pandemic. What do you have to say about the city and how it was rocked?
AD: When I think of New York City, I think of its history. The harbor that was founded by the Dutch, based on commerce. People congregate to New York because they have abundant energy and ideas in them and they know they can put it to good use here. New York may get hit hard, and it may fall down. But it will always get back up.
SM: How is the city looking now?
AD: I’m fully aware that I have created a bubble between the spaces I navigate daily — between my apartment, the studio and the grocery store. But to me it’s clear, the city is increasing its speed and returning to action. One of my favorite ways the city has adapted has been in the restaurant scene. So many restaurants have created such beautiful outdoor dining spaces and experiences. We joke about it being “Dining in the bus lane…” but I hope the adaptations the restaurants have made are here to stay, and that they will be a staple of New York’s atmosphere.
SM: For yourself, other freelancers and creatives, how is your work impacted? How will it be forever different?
AD: My work was impacted in that I have just taken a 6-month unpaid sabbatical that I wasn’t planning for. Work has changed in that I’ve found new and improved ways to create and to communicate. Overall for me, I’d say it has changed for the better. I’ve made a very big effort to look for the solutions to get through this time and get rid of what wasn’t working.
SM: Would you say a slowdown is what the world needed- what fashion needed?
AD: I don’t know if a slowdown is what was needed, but I believe a shift in priorities was. A shift in where we spend our resources and what we create.
SM: How should other creatives and freelancers like writers, freelancers, make-up artists, tackle finding work as we come out of the pandemic, when their clients may have had to cut back on their services?
AD: Take this time to ask questions. Speak with everyone and make listening your greatest priority. I really believe that conversation right now is the most important. I suggest taking the time to have a conversation. While I’ve increased my marketing all around, I am taking a more grass roots approach to business and productions.
Find out more about Andrew- click here.
