The Teenage Fashion Photographer You Need to Know
This 13-year-old’s Instagram account is cooler than yours will ever be.
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
At age 13, I was addicted to my Password Journal, trendy hair wraps, and Dance Dance Revolution. Meanwhile, 13-year-old Will Finkel is taking stunning fashion photos, doing experimental cinematography, and dipping his toe into the world of electric guitars. In short, Finkel has probably done more in his 13 years of life than I’ll do in 30.
Since discovering Instagram two years ago, the Montclair native has dedicated himself to the world of photography. With a little bit of advice from the pros and a whole lot of practice, Finkel has taught himself how to take magazine-worthy photographs. His highly curated Instagram account features hauntingly beautiful images of female models. The images are moody, raw, and guaranteed to leave an impact. In his interview with Urban Agenda, Finkel notes that his dream to be a fashion and music photographer is far-fetched. We’re here to tell you that Finkel will be making it big (and you better believe we’re telling our friends we know him). Here, the young visionary tells us more about the inspiration behind his craft.
Q: When did you become interested in photography?
As I became a more and more frequent user of Instagram, I began to explore more artistic accounts. I was immediately inspired. I started to wonder how all these beautiful photos were taken, and how I can take photos like them. Some of the first few photographers who really made me think were @bleeblu (Photographer, Mark Harless,) @basemeantfox (Photographer, Asher Moss) and @krissy (Photographer, Krissy Saleh). I researched them, watched interviews, read articles and personally contacted some of them asking for advice or tips.
Q: I see on your Instagram profile that you’re also a cinematographer. Tell me a little more about that.
I do experimental cinematography. I go for a dreamy, somewhat psychedelic feel to my films. They usually do not use dialogue; I convey the message through sound, music and very metaphorical visuals. I use my digital canon camera to film, and I also use vintage super 8 film. I always love to challenge myself with my art. Photography can be less complex, as you can focus on a feeling or vibe and convey that through a single image. With cinematography, each scene and each frame needs to convey your message, or the emotion you are trying to make the viewer feel.
Q: How did you get to be so skilled at such a young age? Did people recognize your talent early on?
Well first off, thank you so much! And second, it took a lot of work and a lot time researching different techniques, editing softwares, styles of photography and anything I could learn on how I could perfect my art. When I was younger, the art I focused on was painting and drawing. My family recognized my talent as early as four years old.
Q: What inspires your work?
The dreamy and trippy aesthetic of 1970s, the street art, and the very out there look of the 1990s inspire my work. I do fashion photography, but I try to bring out the emotion in the models and convey those feelings through their pose and the setting they are in.
Q: Are the models in your photos your friends? How do you organize a shoot?
Most models in my photos are my friends, but recently quite a few models signed to agencies or are girls who are trying to get out there in the world of modeling. If it is a friend, I may text them, and we will figure out a time and date to shoot. Most of my shoots are very laid back. I try to socialize with my models so I can make them feel comfortable and happy, I find that when models are comfortable, their emotions are more visible in the photo, which I believe gives an important depth to it.
Q: What are your hobbies other than photography?
I recently bought a Danelectro Guitar and have been learning to play it. I love finding new music. Music is such an important thing; it makes a person. Right now, a few of my favorite bands or singers are Frankie Cosmos, Porches, Mac Demarco and Current Joys.
Q: What do you hope to be when you grow up?
I hope to be a fashion and music photographer and a cinematographer when I grow up. I want to work for companies like Rolling Stone, Dazed Magazine and Rookie. I would also like to shoot fashion campaigns for apparel companies like Supreme, Urban Outfitters, Golfwang and Merch Junkies. This is a far-fetched dream that will be hard to accomplish, but I would do anything to shoot fashion and music, it is my passion, what makes me happy and feel content.
Below, Finkel shares some of his favorite shots. Too view more of his work, follow @willfinkelphotos on Instagram.
This is taken in Montclair, NJ. It’s of my friend, August. We were walking down the street and saw a vintage ice cream truck, so we went over to look at it. The man was very nice, and he let us come inside the truck and take photos, and this is the outcome. The photograph’s lighting and coloring, along with August’s expression make it one of my favorites.
This photo was taken last may, when I was in Monterey, CA. I love this photo because of the way the light hits so many different textures and objects. I like the way the light reflects off the silk dress and creates a glow. I also like the juxtaposition of the heavy rocks and weightless flight of the birds.
