Meet Quacey Bull

Today we’d like to introduce you to Quacey Bull.

Hi Quacey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Four years ago at the end of 2019, I bought my first “pro-level” camera but my story begins way before I ever took my first photos. Before I even considered photography as a viable career path I was a fashion and style enthusiast. Especially in my youth, I found myself spending hours trying on outfit combinations with the little options that I did have as a kid growing up in NYC. In most cases, my style choices translated pretty well whether it was in school or with family and friends they constantly reassured this initial love I had for fashion.

Unknowingly, my peers and family members admired my unique style choices and from time to time reminded me that I had a keen eye for style. Some friends even trusted me with picking entirely new wardrobes for them. In hindsight, those times align perfectly with how I approach my photography now, whether I’m doing street-style photos, editorial shoots or shooting a lookbook for a client.

What specifically got me into photography was a realization after a few years of working in the educational field. All the way through high school and well into my young adult years my fashion sense always adapted so I thought to myself maybe I should consider a career change (while I’m still young lol) into something more fulfilling and something that has always been a part of me. So, running through a million different scenarios from being a tailor, menswear designer, personal shopper or stylist, none of those career paths felt right. At the time on my Instagram, I was posting these weekly photos of ridiculously fashionable people heading to and from highly coveted fashion shows. It was all about the outfits, the diversity, and the sheer confidence these folks had while wearing their clothes. I loved it and the small audience I had loved it even more, as we were both getting immense value and inspiration from these photos. Those photos at the time mostly came from Acielle, who captured street style photos for her blog ‘Style Du Monde’ and for Vogue exclusively. Her photos and a few others from the veteran photographers in that scene were my main inspiration and I believe it sparked my interest in being a part of this niche since everyone had their own style of capturing their subjects.

My first big leap into this space was buying a camera(Sony a6400) and spending about six months learning it and photography as a whole. I’m sure like many others in this digital age YouTube was my biggest asset and still is in some cases. I initially did not capture any street style or fashion-related photos in my first year of photography. I more so wanted to gain a certain level of expertise before diving into that world, especially with so much talent surrounding it. When I finally took on my first photo assignment it was the biggest eye-opener and reassurance to me that I’m on the right path. Thinking back at those photos now they were pretty bad lol but the feeling I had when the client and I were equally pleased with the photos I will never forget.

Since then, I’ve continued to strengthen my photography and connections by continuously staying active with street-style photos of everyday people, which supplements the days I am not shooting with a client or working on a project.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Throughout my initial years of being creative, I believe finding my niche and creative style proved to be the most challenging part. I think it’s easy to get lost in the sea of other creatives, especially with all the amazing work out there, but making it my intention to stand out was most important to me, I remember cold emailing tons of small brands and agencies and receiving tons of “Sorry, not at this time” or no responses. I believe those challenges are there for me to work harder and improve my work to a point where those brands are missing out by not working with you.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for anyone just starting out is to just start somewhere! I know we hear it all the time, but it’s so crucial in building a body of work that you’re proud of and an audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.quayfotografiska.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/streetstylebyquay/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quacey-bull-48a251191/
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@RadianSEE