All Photos by: Justin Hyte
Full Name: Justin Hyte
Age: 26
Currently Residing: Brooklyn
Currently Listening to: Justice
Equipment: Canon EOS 5D/ Mamiya RZ Pro II
When Justin Hyte contacted me and I checked out who he was, I was floored. I'm not going to lie...FLOORED. The kind of floored which leaves one speechless as to how someone like him found someone like me. It was a beautiful affair. Needless to say, I am so stoked to have this interview because I honestly think he is quite talented.Upon first sight of Mr. Hyte's photography, it reminds me of, well, the way the band Justice sounds. It's loud, lucid, vibrant, shocking, and electrotrashistically rhythmic. He's a rock star lensmaster! Anyway, he knows how to glam up a shot and make it interesting. For such a young photographer he is quite accomplished and has done work for such notables as, Draven, Revolver Magazine, Canon and Warner Brothers. He recently did a Heatherette shoot and really captured the spirit of the line. I think it's quite refreshing to see his work and his vision captured. He shows you can be calm and collected and get some fun and striking shots. It's like he doesn't even try.
Justin Hyte is truly a man entranced by the New York lifestyle and determined to create its stigma in his work. I'm dumbfounded still that he wanted to be featured in my little old zine, but that's what makes him punk. Without further adieu, I give you the fabulous, Justin Hyte.
How did that camera end up in your hand?Funny, as a child I was a prankster and kind of a deviant kid. We would do things like spit graffiti, shoot cars with paint balls...yeah that guy. I was a punk! I would photograph these acts for fun. Little did I know my future would be in NYC and people would be posing and asking for it. No need to cover your car at night these days I have retired from a life of crime and focus my experiences on finding the criminal in all of us!
Who are you as a photographer? Are you constantly picturing the photo in your head or do you step back from it?
Well I draw in a sketchbook a lot. I have to say I mostly act out the scenes in my head then recreate them through the camera. I do have to say, all the photography has a specific direction in its process. The only time I can step back really, is when I am finished.
You have landed some pretty major accounts....how does this process happen for you?
Well everyone I have worked with I would like to say are friends of mine. You know I feel like building relationships are the most important part of the process. I want to know who I am working with so I can make the best possible product.
You are known for your POP photography, but do you see yourself outside of this? How do you feel you stand out from the rest?
Not really, although I am versatile and open to other ideas with clients I have to say I get the most satisfaction from a pop defiant, fun image. If there is a button to be pushed I want to push it! I can't really compare myself to others because everyone does different things but all I can say is if you want attention I will get it, I promise!
Do you ever feel that a concept isn't right for a shoot? Do you usually come up with the ideas or does someone direct you as to what they would like?
You know its back and forth with the direction, depends on the client and idea. Like I said I am open to any direction if the job is the right fit for me. I just want to make others happy and walk away going, "hell yeah that's me" or "that's my product!"
How did the whole Heatherette thing come about? What was most enjoyable about that shoot and what was most difficult?
Heatherette has to be to this date one of my most fun and enjoyable shoots to date. The most enjoyable part was just getting the chance to work with such creative fashion icons like Richie and Traver. You know they have so many amazing ideas it was a pleasure to be a part of the project! I did some images for his Factory party and we met there. We just had a lot in common and he was extremely personable. What's not to like about that group!
You took a very notable photo of Jeffree Star...how did that come about?
We linked up through a model named Raquel Reed. Once again he was very personal to me and so creative with his vibe. How could you not want to work with him!
Is there anything you really want to shoot more than anything? What would be involved in your dream shoot, who, what, where, etc?
I want to shoot a Kanye West as the President of the United States in the Oval office!
I see you are involved with Seul Contre Tous - Art for a Cure, how did this come to be.
I met Dawn and Seth on the scene, they are a really fun group with amazing ideas on raising money for charities. I saw a chance to give back with my work. All proceeds of the projects go to cancer research and will be in stores 2009 so pick one up! The calendar will be distributed internationally so you will be able to find one fosho.
If you were in a food fight what would you want to throw?
A SNACK PACK PUDDING GRENADE!
For more on Justin, go to his Website or leave him a MySpace comment on how wild he is...check out his shoot for Heatherette...love those boys and those funktastic shoes!
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