In the world of photography, trashhand emerges as a magnetic storyteller, capturing the raw and uncharted parts of urban landscapes. Since his origins as a snapper in 2011, his journey through the lens has been one of investigation and self-discovery.
From his notable encounter with Michael J. Fox, encapsulating a fleeting yet memorable moment, to the thrill of documenting Land Rover’s BAR race in Lake Michigan, trashhand’s portfolio brims with strength and depth. His keen eye for symmetry, dilapidation, and isolation transforms ordinary cityscapes into extraordinary visual records.
His first camera, a gift from his parents, propelled him into a career marked by big collaborations, including a special project with Nike. Whether traversing the gritty streets of New York City or capturing the natural essence of Tanzania, trashhand’s work reflects a deep-rooted passion for exploration and the relentless pursuit of the story.
His name, an evolving concept, mirrors his artistic ethos: finding beauty in decay and order in chaos, embodying a fearless spirit that defies convention. And now, it’s our delight to bring to you his contribution to whynow’s Six of the Best, a series in which photographers select six of their own photos and share the stories behind them.
Travis Scott
About an hour before this photo, there was La Flame (aka Travis Scott), parked in my apartment in the South Loop, yelling at the TV as he played GTA. My friend was handling his tour at the time, so they dropped by to hang out, puff a little, and maybe grab a couple of photos before his show later that night.
I pitched this idea of sneaking up to a rooftop across town. It wasn’t like we had any sort of official go-ahead, nor would we have scored one if we asked. But Travis, the absolute legend, didn’t flinch. Twenty minutes later, he was scrambling right up to the peak of the roof with me while rocking Supreme slides. This shot right here is one of my prized clicks from the day as it captures him actually climbing, not just strolling through some door to get on the roof. I’ve had the honour of photographing other well-known faces who, I can assure you, would’ve lost their nerve or settled for a less adventurous location.
Edison Power Plant, Boston
This is the South Boston power plant built for Edison in 1989. A legendary plant for its day and time. When it was finally switched off over 100 years later, I faced the massive task of documenting its guts before the wrecking ball came swinging. Being alone in the dark, navigating endless rooms and eerie sounds, is oddly comforting for me, so I was hyped to have the opportunity. Most importantly, it’s always a pleasure getting invited into spaces I usually sneak into anyway.
I found an abandoned flag in the basement and brought it up to the control room to inject some life into the space. Usually, I let nature do her reclaiming job on these decaying spaces. But these photos are more than just images, they’re a testament to dilapidated beauty and a promise that the echoes of these places won’t be lost to time. This control room no longer stands today and the photos I have are the last ones ever taken inside the space.
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Michael J. Fox
During All-Star Weekend in New York a few years back, I had the opportunity to shoot for Nike. While working at one of their activations, the video team got word they needed to capture Michael J Fox with a pair of Airmags at a TV studio across town. I jumped at the chance. Meeting an icon from my youth who had inspired a great part of my imagination was a dream. Marty McFly is a legend, and getting the chance to meet him in person was irresistible.
When we arrived at the TV studio, time was limited. I made do with only my camera and the available room lighting. With less than 30 seconds to make it work, I captured the shot. Looking back, this moment stands out as a highlight in my career. It reminds me of the unexpected opportunities that come our way.
Rolls Royce
Car brands often try to dictate the narrative they want you to believe. They paint the picture of a car tailored to a specific type of person, a certain class, or a particular lifestyle. However, the reality is not always as portrayed. When given the opportunity to document a Rolls Royce Cullinan for a weekend, I sidestepped the predictable route of posing it in front of some swanky architectural marvel with a runway model draped over the hood.
Instead, I set my sights on something raw, unvarnished, something that would strike a chord with the new-age millionaires who grew up on skate tapes, music videos, and no fucks. This wasn’t about capturing the plush, velvet-lined bubble that traditionally orbits around Rolls Royce. It was about capturing the Cullinan’s ability to elevate the younger, more liberated way of life we strive for. While old money certainly has its merits, there’s an undeniable allure to the thrill of new money and how it lives for the moment.
Istanbul
On a memorable trip to Istanbul, I found myself on the open rooftop of the incredible Sapphire building. At the top is an observation deck offering breathtaking views of the city. However, on this day, I found an open stairwell and discovered that the door led straight to the rooftop, unsecured and completely open. I found a security guard standing nearby and asked if I could ascend and he surprisingly had no objections.
I quickly realized that this was not part of the usual experience. The stairwell was stripped down with a lack of any embellishments. But as I reached the top, stepping onto the open-air rooftop, I was instantly stunned by the sunset casting its glow over the city, blanketing it in an unreal haze.
Suddenly, I became aware of a wall of sound reverberating through the air. The evening Ezan had started, and the echoes carried with a powerful clarity from high above. Mosque after mosque joined in this melodic chorus, seamlessly overlapping and intertwining with one another. As one call concluded, another began. It was a cascade of voices.
Overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment, my emotions overflowed, and tears actually streamed down my face. Though I did not understand the words being spoken, I could feel the weight of their significance.
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Hong Kong
“You don’t have to deserve your mother’s love. You have to deserve your father’s. He’s more particular.” — Robert Frost.
One of my most revered memories is capturing photographs of my father against iconic backdrops as we travelled together. Sharing my passion for photography with him deepened our connection, a connection that no dictionary can define.
Being a photographer is an extraordinary craft, amplified by the power of social media because it allowed my parents to witness my artistic growth. They could follow my journey, see the places I travelled, the people I captured through my lens, and my adrenaline-fueled life. It’s a privilege often missed by those confined to cubicles. Luckily for me, my dad was more than a spectator; he was part of the adventure. I miss him every day.
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