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In the world of storytelling, visuals possess the power to captivate, inspire, and leave an indelible impression on our minds. Within this realm, Justin Abernethy has emerged as a rising star in the world of commercial photography and directing. Hailing from Toronto, Abernethy has built a remarkable portfolio of international campaigns with acclaimed brands like Roots, Footlocker, and Samsung. Through his lens, Abernethy weaves narratives that transcend the boundaries of traditional advertising, shaping brand identities with his distinctive visual storytelling. His ability to harness the potential of visuals to convey powerful messages and evoke emotions sets him apart as a visionary in the industry.
The innovative Abernethy first fell for the power of images as a child, when his parents gifted him a Nikon D5100. It was during a family trip to New York that his passion for photography truly ignited. Immersed in the bustling streets of the city, Abernethy found himself unable to put his camera down, documenting the people, places, and textures that surrounded him. His images garnered attention when he shared them on Flickr, propelling him forward on his path as a photographer.
Throughout high school, Abernethy’s hobby evolved into a deep-seated passion. He carried his camera everywhere, documenting the lives of his family and friends and exploring the boundaries of his creativity. While his peers began pursuing more traditional careers, Abernethy set his sights on a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts specializing in art and photography at Ryerson University. There he immersed himself in the real world of photography by assisting established photographers. Abernethy’s love for fashion, music, and lifestyle genres led him to constantly push the boundaries of his creative expression.
It was during his time on film sets, capturing behind-the-scenes moments, that Abernethy’s passion for directing was ignited. With limited resources, he scraped together a production team and directed his first music video, funded by income from a grueling summer job. This project marked the beginning of his journey as a director.
A case in point is Abernethy’s work as a music video director for the talented artist Ali Gatie. Abernethy’s music video for Gatie garnered significant attention, becoming a hit and accumulating millions of views on platforms like YouTube. Through his keen directorial eye, Abernethy brought Gatie’s music to life, capturing the essence of the artist’s emotions and storytelling through captivating visuals and seamless storytelling.
In addition to his work as a music video director, Abernethy’s prowess as a photographer shines through his collaboration with emerging artist Lilyisthatyou and Amazon Music. Their photoshoot together captured the essence of Lilyisthatyou’s music and persona, creating striking visuals that perfectly complemented her artistry.
Justin Abernethy’s visionary approach to fashion and commercial photography sets him apart in the industry. His work is characterized by surrealism, abstraction, and a celebration of individuality. Through his lens, he transforms brand visions into captivating visual stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. His collaborations with brands like Roots and Footlocker demonstrate his keen eye for detail, knack for storytelling, and impeccable art direction create images that leave a lasting impact.
