Tyrell Hampton is Caught Red-Handed

Caught Red-Handed is a monthly interview series that begs the questions: What do cool people actually consume? What are their digital vices and indulgences?

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If you stumble across one of Tyrell Hampton’s infectious TikToks, you might think that you’re looking at a social media star in the making. And while yes, his effervescent charm has the power to make even these last sumptuous, sunny days of summer green with envy, it’s his prowess behind the camera that makes Tyrell one to watch.

Put simply, Tyrell Hampton is a phenom. The 25-year-old’s meteoric rise in the high-stakes world of fashion photography has been an equally dazzling sight to behold as his GQ Zendaya cover shoot, or that earth-shattering snap of Hailey and Selena. Though these days, he is lending his smile to Häagen-Dazs in a new campaign.

Since every other night for Tyrell is spent at an afterparty so exclusive that even ScarJo might struggle to lock down an invite, I absolutely had to find out if he ever vegges out like a Certified Regular Person™, and he was kind enough to oblige.

Emma: Much of your job’s day-to-day actually takes place at night, at sceney NYC galas and Illuminati-level elite afterparties. What are your GRWM essentials for a night on the town?

Tyrell: My GRWM essentials for going out are Supergoop sunscreen and my camera.

Emma: You told Vogue that you still use Tumblr to help spark your creative process. Which Tumblr trend from the past would you like to resurrect in modern day?

Tyrell: I’d resurrect Bokeh photography and Jersey Shore GIFs.

Emma: Before you made a name for yourself in the photography world, your passion as a kid laid with dance. Which Dance Moms star did you identify with most and why?

Tyrell: I’d say I identify with Chloe because I felt like she was the underdog (sorry, Maddie).

Emma: On that note, you’ve lensed some of the TV’s biggest reality stars, like the Jenner sisters. If you had to star on a reality show, which would you choose?

Tyrell: It’s between the Housewives or Love Island.

Emma: You’ve discussed in interviews the power of candid moments in your photos when subjects are laughing or dancing, feeling at ease. If you’re the one being photographed, what photoshoot music best helps you get in your element?

Tyrell: Nicki Minaj or City Girls, any female rapper quite honestly.

Emma: We get to see your personality in front of the lens on your ultra-popular TikTok channel. Can you share some types of videos that have infiltrated your algorithm that we might not expect?

Tyrell: Recently, my algorithm has been infiltrated by Dog Bath TikToks.

Emma: Outside of photography, you also have my dream job, which is working as a brand ambassador for Häagen-Dazs. I’d love to know your favorite guilty pleasure movie, and which Häagen-Dazs flavor you’re pairing it with.

Tyrell: Working with Häagen-Dazs behind and in front of the camera has been incredible! My guilty pleasure movie is The Breakfast Club and pairing it with a Strawberry Butter Cookie Cone is unmatched.

Emma: When you finally got a break from screens, what was your favorite beach read this summer?

Tyrell: Normal People was my favorite book this summer.