Behind the Image is an ongoing MODELS.com series taking a more personal look at both established and emerging creative talent.
Conor Cunningham, photographer
Hometown: Vancouver, Canada
Based: New York City
Representation: LGA Management
How would you describe your work? What’s your trademark?
It is sometimes hard to nail down because one of my favorite things about photography is evolving and experimenting. I have a love for classic high fashion imagery, but I always try to incorporate humorous or surreal elements to put my own spin on the image. Taking something that I can see in my head that seems or sounds ridiculous and visually translating it into a beautiful image.
How did you get into your chosen career?
I enjoyed photography, specifically fashion since I was in high school, but I didn’t get into it until about a year after I graduated. I began taking photos of my friends who dressed cool and doing little EP covers for the ones making music in their rooms. I dropped out of school and dove into that, learning to edit and experiment every day.
What other jobs have you had?
I went through so many shitty jobs to help pay the bills before photography took off for me. From delivery drivers, golf course attendants, retail, art stores, and grocery stores.Anything that kept me afloat and that I didn’t care if I got fired from for not showing up, because I had a shoot to do.
What have you watched/heard/read lately that has inspired you?
I have been trying to expand the type of movies I watch, and recently, I have fallen in love with Jean-Luc Godard. Although he’s a staple in French cinema, I’ve only recently dove into his movies, and visually, the way he sets up shots feels very still-driven. Also, I can’t get over the new Teezo Touchdown album; I listen to it every day.
What do you love about what you do?
I love everything about what I do. Being able to bring to life what is in your head is a very beautiful and fulfilling experience. I get to meet and work with so many amazing artists and models, sharing creativity and being around people you relate to. I had also never left North America before I got signed, and now I have been able to travel to so many amazing places. My job has opened up my world in a way I always dreamed of but seemed so far from possible.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced professionally?
I have very high expectations of myself and am very hard on myself, so the more success comes, the more pressure comes.
What’s one thing outside of your work that you would like people to know about you?
You’ll never catch me without a pair of baggy pants on.
Who do you think is one to watch?
Definitely Jazzelle Zanaughtti, aka Ugly Worldwide. Even though she isn’t new to the scene, I think she is overlooked. An incredible model with a unique style and look, talented at hair and makeup. Along with brilliant and original creative ideas, she does everything at such a high standard, it’s really incredible to watch someone so good at everything they do. She’s even jumped into music recently, and of course, it is great.
Selected Work
About You x Bella Hadid 2022 Collaboration
Working with arguably the biggest supermodel of my generation was just a huge moment and a milestone. On top of it, Bella was just amazing to work with, and we had such a fun shoot.
Sixteen Journal
I still can’t believe we got a stunt horse and a hydraulics car in the studio together. One of my favourite days on set, watching big ideas come to life.
Georgia Palmer for V Magazine
Working with one of my favorite stylists, Anna Trevelyan, is was always fun. I think this photo really represents my work with the mix of high fashion imagery with a humorous/surreal spin that I try to incorporate into my personal work.
Jazzelle for Marc Jacobs Jewelry
When everything was shut down during the pandemic, I started doing FaceTime photoshoots. With my screenshots, I would play around in Photoshop, and eventually, it caught the attention of Marc Jacobs. In a way, this photo popped off my career and was a huge reason I eventually got signed.
Snow
Not really sure why, but just one of my favourite photos.
