The Psychic Lens of Tyrell Hampton

There is an undeniable vitality to Tyrell Hampton’s photography. His images—raw, spontaneous and unapologetically alive—capture a generation in motion, freezing the blur of nightlife, fashion and fleeting romance into something permanent.

Long before he was shooting high-profile campaigns or turning heads with his viral TikToks, Hampton was a kid with a dance background and big city dreams. While attending Parsons School of Design in New York City, his path took a slightly unexpected turn when his medium of choice shifted from the stage to the camera. Roaming Manhattan with his mother’s QVC-bought point-and-shoot, Hampton began documenting his environment. Coming of age without the kind of parties major cities are known for, New York became his playground.

Nearly 10 years since beginning his photography journey, Hampton is releasing his first-ever photo book, a massive 300-page volume chronicling the years 2016 to 2018. Titled Last Call Vol. 1, it is a deeply sentimental look at his early days in the city, capturing the faces, parties and unrepeatable magic of youth.

We sat down with Hampton to discuss his transition from dance to photography, the stories behind his most evocative images and singing along to Olivia Rodrigo.