Anthony Amadeo chats with Walter Cook about abstract shoots, creative trust, and what’s next.
AA: Walter, let’s start with our shoot—it was such a fun day!
We threw everything at it: oversized denim, an oversized black suit, and even a Ghillie suit. What was it like stepping into those surreal and abstract concepts? Did anything surprise you about how the final images turned out?
WC: Going into the shoot I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was my first shoot and I didn’t have any base expectations because of that. The surreal aspect of the clothes made me feel more comfortable than I thought I would be. I wasn’t as worried about making the clothes look perfect or making sure I was standing in exactly the right pose. I was excited to get the images back and they blew me away. In the moment you don’t see the final picture, but afterwards you can look back on the moment when it was taken to see what you were thinking or doing. This just reaffirmed my belief that it isn’t about what I see or want, but what can be captured from another point of view.
AA: You really nailed those abstract shapes and ideas.
That oversized denim became something totally freeform in your hands. How did you approach working with those pieces, and did you feel like you were building something new in each moment?
WC: Working with the denim was something that felt very freeing. Trying to find different ways it would move, and to make it stay in those positions for longer than a few seconds before it fell was very fun. I didn’t think of it as clothing while trying to move it which I believe helped create some of the more abstract shapes that emerged.
AA: And let’s not forget the oversized black suit and the Ghillie suit.
The textures, the movement—it was all so dynamic. Do you have a favorite moment or look from the shoot? What stood out to you most about working with those pieces?
WC: One of my favorite looks from the shoot is when we were taking the Ghillie suit pictures. We had taken a couple of pictures before you went over and grabbed the oversized suit and pants. I was thinking I was going to change into them, but you said to just put them on over the ghillie suit. That was unexpected and created some amazing images. I personally love the picture where I have the suit over my shoulder. I remember trying to create that shot with you and I love the way it came out in the end.
AA: We bonded over both having red hair during the shoot—definitely a standout feature!
What’s the funniest or most unexpected comment you’ve ever gotten about being a redhead? Do you think it shapes how people see you or the energy you bring to creative projects?
WC: Having red hair has definitely been something that stands out while doing modeling. It can shape some shoots depending on what the photographer or brand is looking for, but with others it is just an added bonus. As you know it catches people’s eye as they are looking at potential models to work with. Even a second glance makes all the difference in the world. Something to draw the eyes in so they can see what else I have to offer. In terms of unexpected and funny comments there is one I have heard many times. “You know women would kill for hair like yours”. It always comes out at the most unexpected times or from people I have just met which makes it funny to me.
“You know women would kill for hair like yours”
AA: Modeling takes a lot of trust and openness, especially with surreal concepts like ours.
How do you get into the mindset to create? Are there things you do to stay confident and present in front of the camera?
WC: I know that the photographer has an idea in their head. Whether it is a basic concept or a specific vision. I see myself as more of an extension of that vision. It isn’t about me or what I want the images to come out looking like. I think that keeps me in the mindset to create. I am not worried about the way I look on the outside as that has been determined by someone else. My job is to try and bring to light something that someone else has envisioned. I have to work with what I am given as well as the photographer to get to that final image they are looking for.
AA: What’s next for you?
What are your plans with modeling—any exciting campaigns, projects, or new directions you’re wanting to explore?
WC: I am currently working on getting signed with another agency in New York right now. I had originally been signed to a sports and fitness division, but after a little bit I realized that it wasn’t for me. I wasn’t going anywhere and I couldn’t justify staying. I have been talking with some other agencies and am looking forward to working and having many more experiences modeling for all sorts of projects and hopefully campaigns.
AA: Finally, let’s end with some fun: if we were to shoot again, what’s the wildest idea you think we could try?
Would it involve even bigger suits, weirder textures, or something totally unexpected? Let’s brainstorm!
WC: I think trying to get pants big enough for me to fully fit in would be amazing. I tried unsuccessfully to fit in the pants during our first shoot and I think if I pull a bit harder and the pants are a bit bigger I could definitely make it work. Adding in some other textures like a scale pattern or leather might be a good contrast to the wildness of the ghillie suit. I am definitely ready for whatever we come up with and excited to create more images with you in the future. Wherever the shoot takes us is the perfect place to be.