If you don’t know Tyrell Hampton, you surely know his work. The photographer has spent the better part of a decade documenting scenes from New York to Los Angeles to Paris, firing his flash during parties, DJs sets, and behind the closed doors of the world’s best events. Here, Frank Ocean fires off some questions for his friend Tyrell about his new photo book “Last Call: Vol 1.”
Tyrell Hampton
FRANK OCEAN: How does it feel to be a heterosexual photographer in NYC?
TYRELL HAMPTON: Haha, fuck bitches get money. Jk. I think being a *homosexual photographer has just made it easier to be more relatable and make friends. My subjects and I have a mutual understanding that I’m not trying to exploit them but instead make genuine connections.
I know you to be sober when taking pictures. Did I imagine that? Is that still the case? Where do you find the energy?
You did not imagine that, I think alcohol kinda scared me to be honest. I would usually just have a sprite and have a lil sugar buzz. I didn’t have my first drink until I was about 24 or 25. The energy is in the city. Every corner was filled with cigarette breaks. Every dance floor filled with fancy footwork. Every bathroom was like a makeup counter. I was just constantly inspired and curious which fueled me to see where the night would go.
Do you really always know when the lovers you capture in your pictures will stay together?
I have faith that every couple will stand the test of time.
Do you ever watch a while before pulling the trigger or does it feel better when it’s immediate?
I linger (by the Cranberries) for sure.
I’ve lived many lives in NYC, do you feel like you have? Will your eye ever take a rural turn you think? Can NYC still contain you?
Yea, I’m definitely on my fifth life in New York. I’m way more inspired by the rural life these days so you might see that work sooner than you think. No, I don’t think NYC can contain me.
