Photographer Joshua Woods’ Fashion Journey From Harlem to Paris

Photographer and director Joshua Woods has crafted a global career that mirrors the vibrancy of his Harlem roots. Based between Paris and New York City, Woods has just as seamlessly flitted between the worlds of high fashion, art, and pop culture, shooting celebs and models alike for Harper’s Bazaar, AnOther Magazine, Purple, and M Le Monde. With a client list that includes high-profile names like Gucci, Lanvin, and Wales Bonner, Woods’ portfolio underlines his commitment to the mix, occasionally bringing in musical references like jazz, alternative, and hip-hop. Inspired by a creative community that’s as compelling as they are diverse in practice, Woods has leaned into exploring what other visual conversations we can have on the diversity of human experience, identity, and creativity. In his first book, Fashion Diaries, Woods had the foresight to capture the beginning of his career working in the fashion industry, with five years of backstage photography that offers glimpses at celebrities like Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Travis Scott and fashion greats like the late Karl Lagerfeld and Virgil Abloh. Models.com recently caught up with Joshua Woods in Rome on set to discuss his usual collaborators, building a visual catalog of interesting conversations, and the crossover appeal of fashion and art.