1
Photographer, stylist and creative director Cam Hicks describes his personal style as comfortable first. Perhaps it was this approach that created opportunity for the Virginia native after renowned designer Virgil Abloh discovered his work via Instagram. Hicks was recruited to photograph the Spring/Summer 19, Fall/Winter19 and Spring/Summer20 seasons of the Abloh-designed Louis Vuitton’s menswear collections and has worked alongside Abloh shooting for his brand Off-White.
Hicks has also worked on campaigns, lookbooks and capsules for Polo, The North Face, Stone Island and Suicoke and has styled projects for Nike and Converse.
In July, a culmination of his photo work throughout the last three years appeared in his photo exhibition “For The Porch” at Nepenthes New York.
We took a break with the multi-hyphenate creative to talk photography, inspirations and risk-taking.
01. How do you describe what you do?
I’d say the best way is just a general creator. I’m most known for my work in photography, but have also done styling, design and direction in the past. It’s more to avoid putting myself in any type of box.
02. First thing you do when you wake up?
Eat a bowl of cereal, most likely Waffle Crisps, and listen to “Voyage to Atlantis” by The Isley Brothers.
03. What’s your favorite piece of work you’ve created?
My work with Louis Vuitton. I have over 3000 photos from my time working with them in Paris, and there’s a very exciting project involving them in the works right now.
04. What’s your biggest influence?
My friends and family. It’s cliché, but at a certain point, celebrities or idols don’t inspire as much as the people you see every day. The people I’m around on a day to day basis go through the real rollercoasters of life and keep on truckin’, and that inspires me to do the same.
05. What would be your dream collaboration?
Comme des Garçons for sure.
06. How does movement play into your work?
As a photographer, especially being tall, finding the right angles for that perfect shot always leaves me in some type of stretch like position. On top of that, location scouting takes a lot of walking to find that best spot.
07. What’s your favorite Recreational activity?
Basketball. I’ve played since I was 7 and was a practice player in college so it’ll always be my first passion. My favorite place to play is Stuart Park, an old basketball court where I’m from in Virginia.
08. What’s your best tip for Doing Things?
Take the most risks. Don’t be afraid to jump off the stoop for the things you want.
09. What’s your favorite meme?
That’s difficult ’cause I save all my memes in a folder, but I’d say anything that involves a “boy hand” is right up my alley.
10. What do you want to see more of in the world?
People striving to do whatever they want in life without any fear. Of course, all with safety in mind. Concise risks!
For more on Cam, be sure to follow him on Instagram @camhicks_. You can also check out his full portfolio here and see prints from his collection available for purchase here.
