PHOTOGRAPHER AND FORMER PHOTOGENICS MODEL, JUSTIN WILCZYNSKI, ON LIFE AND CREATIVITY ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE LENS.

December 1, 2023 | words by MELANIE DEJESUS | “AFTER the ECLIPSE” photographed by JUSTIN WILCZYNSKII

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Nothing pleases the team here at Photogenics quite like watching our models flourish in this wild and somewhat unpredictable world beyond modeling. Justin has been one such case having transitioned into one of LA's most sought after fashion and lifestyle photographers, so it was obvious that we had to catch up with him to chat about his journey.

P: Justin, you have a long history both personally and professionally with Photogenics. Can you start by telling us a little about the beginning of your journey with us?

JW: What a rollercoaster ride… 

I had just booked my first major print and commercial campaign after only being in LA for a few weeks and felt on top of the world. I was instantly thrown into the world of castings. Back then it was a full time thing, all day every day. This was a time when the fashion industry loved the big chiseled, muscular man, and I was 6 foot, long haired and scrawny. I looked like a child in comparison and felt like one too. After months of cattle calls and not booking, I was feeling like my modeling career might have already peaked before it even started. I was ready to look for any other work, but luckily was introduced to a new modeling agency that represented more unconventional talent [Photogenics]. Photogenics was a newer agency at the time and the models they rep’d looked more like models you’d see in NY or Paris. They were also encouraging, and in a way, helping develop their models’ other creative ambitions. It really seemed like the perfect fit, so I signed with them on the spot. Right away I was auditioning for brands and products that I actually felt right for and bookings started rolling in. It was an incredible experience for me. In just a few years, modeling took me to places all over the world. I met some of the most incredible people and creatives in the fashion industry, and didn’t quite know it at the time, but it also ignited my passion for photography. 

 

P: When it was time to step out of the shot and get behind the lens as a creator, what was the catalyst and what was the moment like when you realized that this was your new path?

J.W.: Years of modeling led to many more commercials, which led to landing leading roles in several television shows. I felt so fortunate to have come that far and worked so much in such a hard and fickle industry, but something felt off. Besides being prepared and giving my best in the audition room (most of the time), so much of it was ultimately out of my hands. I felt stuck creatively, always waiting to be either chosen or rejected. I started to pursue photography and music more and more to fulfill my artistic ambitions and to feel like I had more control over the work I was doing.

At this time I had already been shooting fellow actors and models as a creative outlet.  I found myself spending more and more time diving into the photography world and learning from all the talented people I was working with. I felt like a kid again, giddy and excited to create a story and narrative through my photos. Shooting my first editorial for GQ was a pivotal moment for me where I actually started to believe, “I can do this”. We shot at Cindy Crawford’s house on the beach in Malibu with an incredible actress and I had no idea what the fuck I was doing, but went for it a 100% and it turned out great! It was a magical day that  gave me the confidence I needed to pursue a new path. 

I had just come off filming a new series that didn’t get picked up for another season and our band, which had been gaining momentum, faced a tragic loss with the passing of our friend and drummer. — I decided to take a step back from acting and music, embracing  this new path in photography that was bringing me happiness during a difficult time.

 

Left / VINTAGE coat and jacket, MARGIELA pants, MARGIELA shoes. Right / ALEKSANDRE AKHALKATSISHVILI coat, JIL SANDER dress, TODS bag, BALENCIAGA ring

"When everyone feels part of what we are creating together… that's when the magic happens."JW

P: I’m sure being a veteran in the industry helped shape the way you run your sets. Can you share any rituals or guidelines to make for a successful shoot day?

JW: Coffee, lots of coffee. Ha. I try to make sure every person on set feels important, because they are. When everyone feels part of what we are creating together… that’s when the magic happens. I surround myself with people who are more talented than I am, people I learn from, people I love to be around and who help create a safe and fun environment. I start every morning on set introducing talent to the whole crew one by one. It’s a small gesture that shows every person’s role on set is valued and meaningful. I find that making sure that first shot of the day is looking incredible is key to setting the tone for the rest of the day. It builds the confidence trust you want your client and talent to have in you. Trust is key.

 

P: The industry has changed so much in the time since we both started out. I mean, we as people, our tastes, our interests, big life events… our eye changes so much even in a year or two. I ask myself this question all the time. How do you keep your spark? What inspires you?

JW: It’s more about the journey of creating that inspires me these days. I used to focus more on what the final image or product will look like and it distracted me from enjoying the process of creating and the importance of collaboration. The work that I’m most proud of has been the projects I’ve focused more on the process and exploration, rather than the outcome. 

DIOR bag, AWAKE MODE shirt, VINTAGE jacket

“The work that I’m most proud of has been the projects I’ve focused more on the process and exploration, rather than the outcome.” - jw

P: Can you give us a little insight into the concept and story behind “After The Eclipse.”? What made you want to make this work?

JW: For years I’ve wanted to shoot a story that was inspired by a not so distant future, a possible utopian society of dreamers and wanderers. Maybe it’s just the sci-fi kid in me, or just my passion for photography and architecture… or  that I love the film Gattaca. Probably Gattaca. 

on mia (top) / BURBERRY top, CHROME HEARTS jacket, MARGIELA pants | on alix (top) / ATTICO blazer, BALENCIAGA top

P: Justin Wilczynski in 5 years. GO. (basically, where do you see yourself).

JW: Retired on a beach somewhere. I am drawn to the idea of expanding my creative reach and diving into new roles resembling that of a creative director. I often take on this role in many of the projects I’m on and really enjoy the process. Would love to explore that world for a while and THEN retire on a beach somewhere. 

 

P: In your own words, what do you think being PHOTOGENICS means?  

JW: From the beginning it was so much more than just an agency. It’s a hub for young creatives and dreamers. It’s a family of misfits in an industry that often feels so isolating. It honors and celebrates the uniqueness of every individual. It’s not confined to one thing; it’s everything and anything you want it to mean.

“It's not confined to one thing; it's everything and anything you want it to mean.” - JW

“It's not confined to one thing; it's everything and anything you want it to mean.” -

  • featuring. ALIX ANGJELI & MIA MACCONNELL
  • photography JUSTIN WYLCYNSZKI
  • styling ALIX ANGJELI

“AFTER THE ECLIPSE”

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