TREVOR TRAYNOR

Trevor Traynor was born in New York in May of 1979. He studied at the University of Colorado in Boulder and after graduating in 2002 he explored the globe with a Hasselblad. For the next four years Trevor continued to create projects through his travels while doing editorial work in New York and several Art Fairs with Rx gallery in San Francisco. He currently lives and works in San Francisco and New York.

Traynor’s photographs have been exhibited in Medellin, Paris, Santa Fe, New York, San Diego, Denver, and San Francisco. His work has been featured in many publications including: Chicago Tribune, New York magazine, Men’s Fitness, SF Guardian, URB magazine, Merge magazine (Sweden), Lodown magazine (Germany), and Kerb Journal (Australia). His work is part of several collections; including Swinerton and Pfizer. He has also been recognized in competitions; including “industrial photographer of the year” at the 1st International Photography Awards, & Honorable mention at the International Adobe Photoshop competition.

“I Shoot People” marks the debut unveiling of Trevor Traynor’s Hip Hop photography, his first step outside of his fine arts background. Trevor has been documenting the culture for the past six years; shooting live concerts, portrait shots, album covers, magazine spreads, and more. Notable artists he’s worked with include Afrika Bambatta, Rakim, KRS-One, Nas, N.E.R.D., Mos Def, Q-Tip, De La Soul, M.I.A., Public Enemy, Wu-Tang Clan and much more. His portfolio is a who’s who of Hip Hop culture, from the underground to the mainstream, from the old school to the new school.

Hip-Hop culture was a big influence on Trevor early on. Trevor elaborates, “When I was a youngling in the late 80’s, I would try to break dance with my cousins in Long Island & sneak sessions on my brother’s turntables. I started emceeing on a Japanese label and opening for acts like Swollen Members and Souls of Mischief while my brother Shel Shock made beats for artist like AG (D.I.T.C), Casual (Hiero), & Dres (Black Sheep). I grew up in the golden years of the 90’s, and now I get to shoot people that inspire me. I am grateful for that.”


We sat down with Trevor to ask him a few question about his upcoming show at Tradition - "I Shoot People."



How did you first get involved with photography?
My pops had an old Nikon camera. I started taking pictures at a young age. I enjoy preservation, the film process, & it just stuck with me.

How long have you been taking pictures?
About 12 years on the serious tip.



What is the concept behind “I Shoot People”?
I Shoot People. Hmm. Straight up. I Shoot Everything. I Shoot People is the force of my rap photography. I grew up with rap music. I Shoot People is my slogan, my new brand from ishooteverything.com
It's what I do mang!!

Where has the show been already, and where is it traveling to in the future?
The I Shoot People Tour is up in San Francisco right now. As of now after we smash it at Tradition its off to Milwaukee and NYC. Couple more cities coming soon.




How do you get the access to the talent that you shoot?
I hunt people down. Grind date all day. Simple and plain. Im hungry as hell homie! Hunt um & Shoot um.

Being up close and personal with so many talented Hip Hop artists I’m sure you have some crazy stories. Are there any specific ones that you would like to share?
BG using my lens cap as an ash tray. LOL. Nuff said.




Who were your favorite artists to shoot and why?
David Banner, Dres, Mos Def, KRSone, so many..
Cause these dudes are real people, real heart. They speak, we listen, but they also listen. You feel me.

What 5 artists that you haven’t had a chance to photograph would be on your wish list to shoot?
2pac
Biggie
Big L
Big Pun
J Dilla


Any last words?
Big up to everyone in the rat race who shows love for my photography.
Big up Tradition for showing love, Big up to my family and friends. Big up!
I SHOOT TRADITION coming soon.
Peace

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